Hakone is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring destinations.
Just an hour or two from Tokyo, it offers a rare blend of convenience, breathtaking natural beauty, and centuries-old ryokan traditions.
But let me share an honest tip: while Hakone’s private onsen are absolutely amazing and worth the trip, sightseeing in the area can be surprisingly stressful.
Popular spots like Owakudani or the ropeway can get extremely crowded, and trains to Hakone often become packed—sometimes uncomfortably so.
If your main goal is to relax, I strongly recommend focusing on your ryokan stay with a private onsen.
You can still take a leisurely stroll around the town or lake, but don’t feel pressured to cram in every tourist stop.
Enjoying your own quiet space is the best way to experience Hakone’s onsen culture without the hassle.
FloHakone’s private baths are truly special, but if you want a peaceful trip, plan carefully and don’t underestimate how busy Hakone’s sightseeing spots can get!
Why Choose a Private Onsen Over a Public Bath?
Let’s be honest—public baths can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to them.
Picture this: crowded pools, strangers walking around naked, and no real sense of personal space.
Even as someone who grew up in Japan and usually doesn’t mind, I’ve felt awkward at times.
A memorable example was when I visited an onsen with my cousin’s husband—a Canadian married to my Japanese cousin.
He was clearly embarrassed, doing his best to cover up with a towel.
Normally, I wouldn’t think twice about being uncovered, but seeing his discomfort made me start covering up too.
It shifted the mood from what should have been relaxing to slightly tense.
And I realized—there are many people, both foreign visitors and Japanese locals, who simply feel more comfortable when their privacy is protected.
That’s exactly why private onsen are such a great option.
- Fully relax without worrying about who’s around
- Enjoy quiet time alone, with your partner, or family
- Experience Japanese onsen culture at your own pace, stress-free
FloPrivate onsen aren’t just about luxury—they’re about creating a comfortable, personal space where anyone can enjoy the healing power of hot springs without anxiety.
Why Hakone for Private Onsen?
Hakone is the perfect place to experience private onsen for a few key reasons:
- Easy access from Tokyo: Just 1-2 hours by train or car, no long journeys required.
- Mount Fuji views: On clear days, many baths offer stunning views of Japan’s most iconic mountain.
- Rich ryokan culture: Hakone is home to some of Japan’s most famous luxury inns, many of which specialize in private baths.
7 Benefits of Choosing a Private Onsen
1.Pure Relaxation Without Distractions
No chatter, no crowds—just the sound of water and nature.
2.Perfect for First-Timers or Visitors from Abroad
Private onsen remove the awkwardness of communal bathing. You can focus on enjoying the water without worrying about being seen.
3.Romantic Getaway for Couples
Sharing a private bath with your partner creates an intimate, relaxing memory—perfect for honeymoons or anniversaries.
4.No Need to Expose Yourself
In a private onsen, you don’t have to worry about being naked in front of strangers—just relax in complete privacy.
5.Safe & Comfortable for LGBTQ+ Couples
No need to worry about gender-segregated facilities—private onsen are welcoming and comfortable for all.
6.Family-Friendly Option
Enjoy a soak together with children in peace, without the stress of public bath etiquette.
7.Personalized Pace & Etiquette
No need to rush—bathe, wash, and relax at your own rhythm.
FloPrivacy, peace, and comfort—that’s what makes Hakone’s private onsen stand out.
Best Private Onsen Ryokan in Hakone: 7 Top Picks
Here are my top recommendations for ryokan that deliver a top-tier private onsen experience in Hakone:
Aura Tachibana
Great views from the hilltop – sleek modern ryokan with panoramic scenery.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 574 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa 250-0311 |
| Price | Approx. ¥35,000 – ¥80,000/night |
| Check-in | From 15:00 / Check-out by 11:00 |
| Access | 5 min by taxi from Hakone-Yumoto Station; direct trains from Tokyo |
| Private Bath Features | Optional open-air baths with mountain views; modern design |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Perched on a hillside, Aura Tachibana offers sleek, modern Japanese rooms with optional private open-air baths and expansive views of Hakone’s mountains. Ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and scenic beauty.
Gora Kadan
A former imperial villa offering ultimate luxury with refined private baths and award-winning kaiseki.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa 250-0408 |
| Price | Approx. ¥100,000 – ¥300,000/night |
| Check-in | From 15:00 / Check-out by 11:00 |
| Access | 5 min by taxi from Gora Station; approx. 90 min from Tokyo by train |
| Private Bath Features | Luxurious in-room or open-air baths with garden views; natural hot spring water |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Gora Kadan, once an imperial family villa, offers Hakone’s pinnacle of luxury with refined in-room and open-air private baths, exceptional service, and award-winning seasonal kaiseki cuisine.
Hakone Ginyu
Spectacular valley views from every private bath, creating a dramatic, unforgettable experience.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 100-1 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa 250-0404 |
| Price | Approx. ¥90,000 – ¥200,000/night |
| Check-in | From 15:00 / Check-out by 11:00 |
| Access | 7 min walk from Miyanoshita Station; approx. 90 min from Tokyo by train |
| Private Bath Features | Private open-air baths in every room with panoramic valley views; minimalist Japanese design |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Hakone Ginyu is a luxury cliffside ryokan where every guest room includes a private open-air bath with sweeping views of the Hakone valley.
Its blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and dramatic natural scenery offers a unique, unforgettable experience.
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
Infinity-style private onsen that blend into mountain scenery.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa 250-0407 |
| Price | Approx. ¥60,000 – ¥150,000/night |
| Check-in | From 15:00 / Check-out by 11:00 |
| Access | 8 min by taxi from Kowakidani Station; approx. 90 min from Tokyo by train |
| Private Bath Features | In-room infinity baths that seamlessly blend with mountain scenery; spacious design |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu features luxurious in-room infinity baths that feel like they flow into the surrounding mountains, creating a unique sense of harmony with nature.
Spacious rooms and refined hospitality complete the indulgent experience.
Susukinohara Ichinoyu
Private bath in every room – cozy ryokan with in-room hot springs at affordable rates.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 817-77 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa 250-0631 |
| Price | Approx. ¥20,000 – ¥50,000/night |
| Check-in | From 15:00 / Check-out by 10:00 |
| Access | 10 min by taxi from Sengokuhara Bus Stop; approx. 120 min from Tokyo by train & bus |
| Private Bath Features | Every room has its own private bath with natural hot spring water |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Susukinohara Ichinoyu is a cozy ryokan in Sengokuhara where each guest room features a private hot spring bath, providing comfort and excellent value for travelers seeking an affordable onsen stay in Hakone.
Musashino Bekkan
Exclusive hideaway with garden-view private baths.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 425-1 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa 250-0404 |
| Price | Approx. ¥40,000 – ¥100,000/night |
| Check-in | From 15:00 / Check-out by 11:00 |
| Access | 10 min walk from Miyanoshita Station; approx. 90 min from Tokyo by train |
| Private Bath Features | Rooms with private baths offering views of beautifully maintained Japanese gardens |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Musashino Bekkan is a secluded, traditional ryokan where guest rooms feature private baths overlooking serene Japanese gardens, providing a peaceful and authentic Hakone experience.
Kinnotake Tonosawa
Adults-only ryokan with private bamboo grove onsen.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 191 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa 250-0315 |
| Price | Approx. ¥70,000 – ¥150,000/night |
| Check-in | From 15:00 / Check-out by 11:00 |
| Access | 5 min by taxi from Hakone-Yumoto Station; approx. 90 min from Tokyo by train |
| Private Bath Features | Spacious private open-air baths set amid serene bamboo groves |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Kinnotake Tonosawa is a luxurious, adults-only ryokan offering a romantic and tranquil escape with private open-air baths nestled in lush bamboo groves, perfect for couples seeking privacy and serenity in Hakone.
Quick Guide: Hakone Sightseeing Spots Worth a Visit
Even if your main goal is to relax in a private onsen, you might want to explore these highlights nearby—just keep in mind that they can get crowded on weekends and holidays!
- Owakudani
A volcanic valley with active sulfur vents, famous for black eggs boiled in hot spring water. You’ll get dramatic views of the steaming landscape and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji. - Hakone Ropeway & Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
Take the ropeway for panoramic vistas of the mountains, then enjoy a scenic pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi. - Hakone Open-Air Museum
A stunning outdoor art park featuring large-scale sculptures and works by Picasso. Great for a leisurely afternoon. - Hakone Shrine
Iconic lakeside torii gate partially submerged in Lake Ashi—perfect for photos and a peaceful stroll through cedar forests. - Pola Museum of Art
A world-class museum nestled in Hakone’s forests, showcasing impressionist and modern masters like Monet, Renoir, and Picasso.
FloIf you do decide to go sightseeing, try early mornings on weekdays to avoid the worst of the crowds!
Booking Tips for Hakone
☑ Choose Your Area:
- Hakone Yumoto: Convenient, bustling hub.
- Gora / Sengokuhara: Quieter, more exclusive.
☑ Book Early: Private baths fill up fast during peak seasons like spring and autumn.
☑ Look for Off-Season Deals: Weekdays and winter stays (excluding holidays) can offer better rates.
☑ Read Reviews Carefully: Confirm room type and private bath details before booking.
FloBooking early and choosing weekdays can mean the difference between a cloudy or clear Mt. Fuji view!
👉 Compare prices on Trip.com for Hakone private onsen stays
👉 Check Hakone private onsen deals on Booking.com
Final Word
If you’re heading to Hakone, don’t settle for a crowded public bath. A private onsen will give you the comfort, privacy, and deep relaxation that make your trip truly unforgettable.
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