Discover the Charms of Hakone Yumoto Onsen!
Hakone Yumoto Onsen is a must-visit hot spring destination for foreign tourists in Japan. Located at the gateway to Hakone, this area is surrounded by rich nature and offers hot springs, shopping, gourmet experiences, and numerous tourist spots. Let’s delve into the many attractions of Hakone Yumoto Onsen.
Access
From Narita Airport
Accessing Hakone Yumoto Onsen from Narita Airport is very straightforward. First, take the Narita Express to Shinjuku Station. From Shinjuku Station, transfer to the Odakyu Romancecar, which takes you directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station. The journey takes about two and a half hours, providing a comfortable travel experience.
From Haneda Airport
Getting to Hakone Yumoto Onsen from Haneda Airport is also convenient. Take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station, then transfer to the Kodama Shinkansen bound for Odawara Station. From Odawara, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Hakone-Yumoto Station. The total travel time is about one and a half hours.
From Kansai International Airport
From Kansai International Airport, the Shinkansen is the smoothest option. First, take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Shin-Osaka Station. Transfer to the Shinkansen and get off at Odawara Station. From there, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Hakone-Yumoto Station. The journey takes about three and a half hours.
The Allure of Hakone Yumoto Onsen
Hakone Yumoto Onsen is the oldest hot spring area in Hakone and is bustling with hot spring resorts. There are many hot spring inns and day-trip hot spring facilities where you can experience the traditional Japanese hot spring culture dating back to the Edo period.
Yumoto Hot Spring Inns
Yumoto Onsen is home to a wide variety of hot spring inns. From traditional Japanese-style inns to modern facilities, there is something to suit every preference. Especially in the long-established inns, you can experience the unique hospitality and traditional hot spring culture of Japan, making for a memorable stay.
Day-trip Hot Spring Facilities
For travelers with limited time, day-trip hot spring facilities are ideal. Hakone Yumoto Onsen has numerous day-trip facilities where you can easily enjoy the hot springs. Relax in open-air baths surrounded by nature or spacious indoor baths.
Shopping and Dining in the Area
Hakone Yumoto Onsen offers not only hot springs but also fantastic shopping and dining experiences.
Yumoto Shopping Street
Around Hakone-Yumoto Station, you will find Yumoto Shopping Street lined with many souvenir shops and eateries. Here, you can enjoy local delicacies and pick up unique souvenirs. Be sure to try the famous “Yuba Don” of Hakone Yumoto. Additionally, there are many local crafts and sweets that you can only find here.
Cafés and Restaurants in Yumoto
The Yumoto Onsen area is also home to many stylish cafés and restaurants. From Japanese cuisine to Western dishes and desserts, you can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences. The dishes made with fresh local ingredients are particularly delicious and worth a try.
Tourist Spots
Hakone-Yumoto Station
Hakone-Yumoto Station itself is a tourist spot. There is a footbath at the station where you can relax while waiting for your train. The tourist information center near the station is also convenient for gathering travel information.
Historical Buildings in Yumoto
The Hakone Yumoto Onsen area is rich in historical buildings. There are many long-established inns and shrines from the Edo period, offering a sense of history. Notable sites include the Tounosawa Onsen Village and the Yumoto Fujiya Hotel, which exude history and tradition.
Hakone Yumoto Nature Park
Nature lovers will enjoy the Hakone Yumoto Nature Park. You can hike and picnic in the abundant nature, refreshing yourself. Enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and stunning autumn leaves in fall, with picturesque scenery throughout the seasons.
Conclusion
Hakone Yumoto Onsen is a captivating tourist destination where you can immerse yourself in Japan’s beautiful nature and hot spring culture. It is easily accessible from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports. With its abundance of hot springs, shopping, gourmet experiences, and tourist spots, there’s always something new to discover. On your next trip to Japan, be sure to visit Hakone Yumoto Onsen and experience its many charms to the fullest.