What do you do in Hakone when it rains?
While some visitors head to museums, I usually go to Hakone Yuryo.
Getting around Hakone in the rain can be tiring.
But a few hours soaking in a hot spring, surrounded by mountains and fresh air, can become one of those travel memories you remember long after the trip ends.
Arriving at Hakone Yuryo
Hakone Yuryo is about three minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station by shuttle bus.
A free shuttle bus runs regularly from the station, making it easy to visit even without a car.
For the latest shuttle bus timetable and directions, please visit the access page on the official Hakone Yuryo website.
Official Hakone Yuryo Access Page → ★
The atmosphere starts to change as soon as you walk through the gate.
A short walk through the trees leads to the entrance.
First, pay the admission fee at the front desk.
The traditional reception area immediately makes you feel like you have arrived at a Japanese ryokan.
My Favorite Part: Sauna
Photos are not allowed inside the bath area, but this is my favorite part of Hakone Yuryo.
The Sauna and Loyly Experience
Hakone Yuryo offers a loyly service several times a day.
Water is poured onto hot sauna stones, creating a burst of steam and heat.
I never miss it.
It always leaves me feeling refreshed and recharged.
Cold Spring Water Bath
After the sauna, I always head to the cold bath.
The water comes from natural spring water in Tonosawa.
It is very cold.
Every time I step in, I need a little courage.
But once I immerse myself, the feeling is incredible.
It feels like jumping into nature itself.
Repeating the sauna and cold bath cycle helps melt away the stress of everyday life.
Lunch at Irori Saryo Hachiri
When we got hungry, we headed to Irori Saryo Hachiri(八里), the restaurant inside Hakone Yuryo.
This is another reason I love visiting.
The interior feels like a traditional countryside home, with an irori fireplace and old-style Japanese furnishings.
It is cozy, warm, and relaxing.
My daughter and I shared several dishes.
First was the tempura rice bowl.
With shrimp, mushrooms, eggplant, okra, and fish tempura, it was both delicious and filling.
Next came grilled ayu sweetfish.
My daughter always orders this, even though she usually does not eat much fish.
The fish was tender, lightly salted, and cooked perfectly.
Finally, we enjoyed grilled rice balls topped with miso and shiso.
Simple food tastes especially good after a hot spring bath.
Rest Area
After lunch, we relaxed in the rest area.
With manga, magazines, and places to lie down, it is easy to spend a quiet afternoon here.
Back to the Baths
After resting, I returned to the baths.
I usually head straight to the View Bath, my favorite bath at Hakone Yuryo.
On rainy days, mist drifts through the mountains, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Soaking in the hot spring and looking out at the forest is one of my favorite moments of the day.
Staying Overnight in Hakone?
Although I usually visit Hakone as a day trip from Odawara, many visitors choose to stay overnight and explore more of the area.
If you are planning a longer stay, Hakone-Yumoto is a convenient base with easy access to hot springs, restaurants, and sightseeing spots.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Hakone Yuryo
On rainy days, many attractions in Hakone become difficult to enjoy.
At Hakone Yuryo, I can spend hours soaking in hot springs, enjoying good food, relaxing, and listening to the rain outside.
That is why it remains one of my favorite places in Hakone.
Visitor Information
Access
About 3 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station by free shuttle bus.
Hours
Weekdays: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Admission
Adults: ¥1,700
Children: ¥1,000
Official Website
https://www.hakoneyuryo.jp/english/
For the latest information, please visit the official Hakone Yuryo website.
