Hakone-Yumoto Onsen

Overview

Hakone-Yumoto is the gateway to the Hakone region and its oldest hot-spring district. Natural thermal waters have drawn visitors here for over 1,200 years, and today the area offers both traditional ryokan baths and public day-use onsen.

Highlights

• Public Foot Baths: Free foot baths (ashiyu) along the main street let visitors sample the mineral-rich waters without undressing.
• Kappa Tengoku: A popular budget public onsen with open-air baths beside the Sukumo River, steaming year-round.
• Ryokan Atmosphere: Traditional inns lining the narrow streets and riverbank preserve the ambiance of an old Japanese hot-spring town.

History

Hakone-Yumoto's hot springs were discovered in 757 AD, making them among the oldest in the Kanto region. During the Edo period, the town developed as a rest stop on the Tokaido highway, and its baths became famous among traveling samurai and merchants.

Visitor Tips

• Day-Use Baths: Most ryokan offer day-use bathing (higaeri onsen) from around ¥1,000–2,000 — no overnight stay required.
• Towel: Bring your own small towel or buy one at the station; large towels are usually available for rent at onsen.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.