Hakone-Yumoto has a history that has been shaped alongside its hot springs, which were first opened in the Nara period. It is an area full of charm, boasting numerous onsen facilities, accommodations, commercial establishments, and a wide variety of tourist spots, even among the Hakone region.
The breath of the people, nature, and history. Let's take a look at the many spots where you can experience the various natural and cultural features that make up Hakone-Yumoto.

Located right outside Hakone-Yumoto Station, which can be called the gateway to Hakone, is the "Hakone-Yumoto Ekimae Shopping Street." This is the perfect place to start your tour of Hakone-Yumoto.

Find Souvenirs from All Over Hakone!

The "Hakone-Yumoto Ekimae Shopping Street" gathers souvenirs from all over the vast Hakone region. You can enjoy a rich variety, from standard onsen manju and chic Japanese sweets to traditional marquetry crafts and shops selling adorable miscellaneous goods. It's sure to add color to the beginning of your Hakone-Yumoto journey.

The Hayakawa River flows in front of Hakone-Yumoto Station. Cross the Ajisai Bridge and turn right at the end. Proceed along the walking path and you will find "Hakone-Yumoto Hotaru Park." The fantastical sight seen during the firefly season will surely become a cherished memory.

A Fantastical Sight Reborn After Overcoming Crisis

In the past, numerous fireflies inhabited the Hayakawa River, delighting visiting tourists in early summer. There was a time when the fireflies disappeared due to environmental degradation, but a local conservation group took action to bring them back. As a result of their enthusiastic activities, over 500 fireflies were restored to the Hayakawa River. Although the fireflies of Hakone-Yumoto suffered great damage again from a typhoon flood in October 2019, they have made a comeback thanks to the efforts of the conservation group.
The fireflies can usually be seen from late May to June, but the timing may vary by year. It is best to inquire about the best viewing times in advance. Fireflies are creatures that dislike strong light, so there are no streetlights near the park. Please proceed by relying on the footlights.

If you're thinking of having a slightly active holiday, why not play while feeling the forest at "Forest Adventure HAKONE"? If you take the free shuttle bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station towards "Hakone Yuryo," you will arrive in about 3 minutes.

The Joy of Clearing it is Special Precisely Because it Feels Difficult!

"Forest Adventure" operates "nature-symbiotic outdoor parks" throughout Japan and has also established a park in the rich forests of Hakone-Yumoto. There are two courses: the Adventure Course, which might be a bit challenging, and the Canopy Course, which has a slightly lower difficulty level.
You are basically hands-free on the course, and for safety, you use a harness, so skirts are not permitted for safety. Rental shoes, wear, and bags are available, so you can rest assured. By moving your body comfortably and working up a refreshing sweat, you might just be able to clear away your daily stress.

Hakone-Yumoto, which has developed over a long period, has many historical attractions. A 15-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station will bring you to "Soun-ji Temple," founded by the Sengoku-era warlord Hojo Ujitsuna.

Feel the History, Culture, and Essence of the Five Hojo Generations

Head from Hakone-Yumoto Station towards the town office, and you will hit the old Hakone highway. Turn right, go up the old highway, and when you see a convenience store on your left, you'll find the "Soun-koen-mae" bus stop. Go a little further and turn right, and "Soun-ji Temple" is right there.
Inside the temple, cultural assets from the Sengoku to the Edo periods, such as the graves of the five Hojo generations and a statue of Hojo Soun, have been passed down. The fusuma-e (sliding door paintings) of the main hall and the temple treasures are open to the public for only three days in early November, so history buffs should not forget. You can feel the beauty of each season, from the plum blossoms in the cold winter to early spring, the cherry blossoms in spring, the fresh green of the deciduous trees, and the chorus of the himeharuzemi cicadas in July.

Along the old Tokaido highway in Hakone-Yumoto, historical sights are scattered about. As if watching over the Tokaido, where countless travelers wove various dramas, stands "Shogen-ji Temple."

Enjoy Jizo Worship, the Soga Brothers, and Seasonal Beauty

"Shogen-ji Temple," born from the Jizo worship that spread in Hakone during the Kamakura period, is also known as a temple associated with the Soga Brothers. As such, there are many historical sites and cultural assets related to the Soga Brothers, such as their memorial tower and the "yaritsuki-ishi" (spear-thrust stone). There are also treasures that are only open to the public during the spring and autumn equinoxes, so those who are interested should check the viewing periods.
At this temple born of Jizo worship, one thing not to be forgotten is the "Sekizo Dai-Jizo" (Great Stone Jizo Statue). At first glance, you might be surprised by its size and presence, but you may feel a strange sense of peace from its plump form and gentle expression. The view from the temple grounds is also beautiful, and you can enjoy the changing of the seasons with the weeping cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves. A small footbath is also installed, which seems good for a refreshing break during a walk.

Hakone is an area where the entirety is said to be a power spot. Among them, "Tamadare Falls & Hien Falls," located on the grounds of the ryokan Tenseien, is considered one of the premier power spots in Yumoto.

Be Healed by the Flowing Water and Entrust Your Wishes to Kuzuryu Okami

The Hakone Hachiri was one of the most difficult parts of the Tokaido road. Travelers crossing this pass received power from the spring water known as the water of longevity. It is at "Tamadare Falls" and "Hien Falls" that this water flows down beautifully or powerfully. The two waterfalls are also a healing space full of negative ions.
After feeling the power of the falling water, be sure to also visit "Tamadare Shrine" on the grounds. You can receive various benefits from this shrine, which enshrines the gods of Hakone, but what you want to pay attention to here is the matchmaking by Kuzuryu Okami. There are also lovely heart-shaped ema (votive plaques).

Many people who come all the way to Hakone-Yumoto will want to thoroughly enjoy the onsen. There are many day-trip onsen facilities in Hakone-Yumoto, but among them, "Hakone Yuryo" is full of healing charm.

A Blissful Spa Time at Hakone Yuryo

"Hakone Yuryo" is designed in the image of a kominka-style (old folk house) village onsen. You might feel a strange sense of nostalgia from its appearance. The grand public bath has an open-air bath, pot baths, and a sauna, so you can fully enjoy the onsen. As a day-trip bathing facility, it has well-equipped post-bath rest areas, and a women-only relaxation space is also secured.
There are also three types of private reservable open-air baths according to the number of people, and with a total of 19, it is one of the largest in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Whether with a significant other or a group of close friends, you can enjoy the onsen to your heart's content.

Hakone-Yumoto has many gourmet spots. There are many delicious things in Hakone, but we will introduce three carefully selected restaurants.

"Naokichi": Savoring "Yuba," a Unique Hakone Ingredient Spun from Famous Water

Using plenty of "Hime no Mizu" (Princess's Water), famous water associated with the daughter of the Hojo clan, yuba (tofu skin) is made. The yuba, carefully arranged in a small earthenware pot, becomes the Hakone specialty yuba-don (yuba rice bowl), which soothes both body and soul. It is served by the popular tofu restaurant "Naokichi," and the yuba-don, enjoyed while viewing the flow of the Hayakawa River and the scenery on the opposite bank, has a nostalgic and gentle taste based on bonito dashi. It is a Hakone gourmet dish that will surely soothe your heart.

"Hatsuhana": The Ultimate in Hakone Soba

Blessed with water, Hakone is a famous place for soba, so much so that its name is even used for stand-up soba shops. The recommended soba place in such a Hakone is "Hatsuhana," which is celebrating its 90th anniversary since its founding. The soba, made only with buckwheat flour, local eggs, and wild yam, has a unique style where it is served after being boiled and then thoroughly drained of moisture. It is a restaurant where you can taste the essence of Hakone soba.

Hakone-Yumoto is full of charm. There are various ways to enjoy it, but we will introduce three one-day courses for different purposes.

1. A Slightly Ambitious Day Exploring Hakone's History

First, head to the "Hakone Town Local Museum." From there, proceed along the old Tokaido highway to "Soun-ji Temple" and then "Shogen-ji Temple," where you can feel the essence of Hakone from the medieval to early modern periods while also enjoying the view. After praying to Kuzuryu Okami at "Tamadare Falls," you will already be back in the onsen town.
There are many spots for lunch or a day-trip bath, so choose a time and place to your liking. And you'll want to stop by the "Former Iwasaki Family Villa," which is essential for talking about early modern Hakone. After that, enjoy shopping and cafe time near the station, and for dinner, by all means, have the long-awaited Hakone gourmet.

2. Get a Good Sweat Going with Invigorating Exercise and a Fulfilling Onsen Experience

First, take a break in front of the station. According to your reservation time, take the shuttle bus to "Forest Adventure HAKONE." After working up a good sweat, walk to the nearby "Hakone Yuryo." Using the shuttle bus makes it easy to return to the station front. At the station front, enjoy shopping and dinner. If it's the firefly season, you can also enjoy the fantastical sight at "Hakone-Yumoto Hotaru Park."

3. A Relaxed Holiday Focused on Gourmet Food and Shopping

In the morning, take a walk around the station area. There are sometimes rickshaws waiting near the Ajisai Bridge, so if you are interested, be sure to take a ride. For lunch, by all means, have some exquisite Hakone gourmet. In the afternoon, take a walk along the Sukumo River or Hayakawa River, and if there is a day-trip bath that catches your eye, enjoy the onsen there. Using the free shuttle bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station also makes access to "Hakone Yuryo" easy. In the evening, you'll want to return to the station area and enjoy some shopping.