If you visit Japan, you HAVE to have an onsen experience! I recommend hopping the train from Tokyo to Hakone to visit Hakone Yuryo. You can book a private onsen room like this one for a couple hours to enjoy all to yourself! Things to know:

-No clothing/swimwear is allowed in the onsen. Nude only! If you don’t book a private room, you will be sharing a gender-specific group one.

-Reservations at Hakone Yuryo open 30 days in advance. The website says to book by calling. I emailed and was able to complete my reservation through email.

-If you are walking from the Tonosawa train station, you will come to a fork in the path. Stay uphill! I made the mistake of going alllll the way down the hill with my luggage just to climb back up again. Directions are not extremely clear.

-When I visited, there was no English on the outside of the building. So don’t be looking for “Hakone Yuryo.”

-Heads up: tattoos are not allowed in the onsen. Japan has a very conservative attitude toward tattoos (there is even a sign at the front desk saying no tattoos). I have heard of a rare few onsens in Japan that are tattoo friendly that may be worth looking into alternatively.
Photo by Allison Anderson
Open Photo by Allison Anderson

Tounosawa Vacations

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Where to stay in Tounosawa

Gora is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Hakone Gora Park and Hakone Museum of Art while in the area.

While visiting Yumoto, you might make a stop by sights like Gyokuren Shrine and Tenzan Onsen.

2 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

While visiting Motohakone, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Ashi and Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.

Unique features of Sengokuhara include the hot springs and mountain views. Make a stop by Sengokuhara Susuki Prairie or Sengokuhara Onsen while you're exploring the area.

2 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

While visiting Ninohira, you might make a stop by sights like Hakone Kowakien Yunessun and Hakone Open Air Museum.

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