Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Hakone Yuryo
★4.3(5,347 reviews)Restaurant
🕑 3 to 4 hours👶 Best for ages 5 and up. Younger children who are comfortable with new experiences and bathing etiquette will enjoy the warm pools and forest atmosphere. Older kids and teens appreciate the cultural immersion and relaxing hot spring experience. Note that children must be potty-trained to use the baths.🧡 Saved by 23 families
About
Hakone Yuryo offers families an authentic Japanese onsen (hot spring) experience in a beautiful natural setting. With separate family-friendly bathing areas, traditional foot baths that kids can enjoy while clothed, and peaceful forest surroundings, it provides a unique cultural experience that introduces children to Japanese bathing traditions in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Highlights
- ✓Traditional outdoor hot spring pools (rotenburo) surrounded by forest scenery
- ✓Free foot baths where families can relax together while clothed, perfect for introducing kids to onsen culture
- ✓Private family bathing rooms available for reservation (ideal for families wanting to bathe together)
- ✓Relaxation areas with tatami mat flooring where families can rest between soaks
- ✓On-site Japanese restaurant serving kid-friendly options like udon noodles and rice dishes
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings (especially Monday through Thursday) to avoid crowds and give kids more space to explore the bathing areas comfortably.
- 2.Start with the free foot baths (ashiyu) to help children get comfortable with the hot spring concept before entering the main bathing areas.
- 3.Bring cash, as many onsen facilities in Japan prefer cash payments. Small towels are available for rent, but bringing your own can save money.
- 4.Review basic onsen etiquette with kids beforehand: wash thoroughly before entering pools, no swimsuits in gender-separated baths, and keep noise levels low to respect other guests.
- 5.Plan to have a meal at the on-site Japanese restaurant after bathing when everyone is relaxed and hungry. The traditional atmosphere enhances the cultural experience.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM for the quietest experience, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Autumn (September to November) offers stunning fall foliage views from the outdoor baths, while winter provides a magical experience of soaking in warm waters surrounded by cold air.
What to Know
Entry fees are separate from towel rentals (small towels provided for purchase or rent). The facility has gender-separated bathing areas, so parents should plan accordingly. On-site Japanese restaurant and shops make it easy to spend several hours without leaving the property.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with each season offering unique experiences. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers lush greenery, autumn provides spectacular fall colors, and winter creates a dramatic contrast between hot water and cold mountain air. The facility extends hours slightly on weekends (until 9:00 PM versus 8:00 PM on weekdays).
Nearby Eats
The on-site Japanese restaurant serves family-friendly meals, but if you venture out, try Gora Brewery nearby for casual dining, or Hakone Bakery for pastries and light meals that appeal to kids.
More Activities Near Hakone
Adventure
Hakone Loop Trail
Hakone Loop Trail offers families a perfect introduction to Japanese mountain hiking with well-marked paths suitable for various fitness levels. The trail features manageable sections ideal for kids, complete with regular rest stops, scenic viewpoints overlooking volcanic valleys, and charming cafes where families can refuel. Parents will appreciate the excellent trail maintenance and signage (with some English translations) that make navigating with children stress-free.
Museum
Pola Museum of Art
$
The Pola Museum of Art offers a unique blend of world-class art and outdoor exploration in Hakone's stunning forest setting. Families can enjoy thoughtfully curated exhibitions in a modern, light-filled space before exploring the peaceful nature trails that wind through the surrounding woodland. The museum's special programs for children make art accessible and fun, even for younger visitors who might typically squirm in traditional galleries.
Activity
Hakone Shrine
★4.4❤️29
Hakone Shrine offers families a magical cultural experience with its iconic red torii gate standing majestically in Lake Ashi, creating an unforgettable photo opportunity. The peaceful forest paths are easy enough for young children to walk, and the serene atmosphere provides a calming introduction to Japanese Shinto culture without the overwhelming crowds of Tokyo's famous shrines.
Nature
Owakudani
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Owakudani offers an unforgettable volcanic adventure where families can ride a scenic ropeway over bubbling sulfur vents, witness steaming fumaroles up close, and taste the famous black eggs boiled in the natural hot springs (said to add seven years to your life!). The dramatic landscape of active volcanic activity combined with stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days creates an otherworldly experience that will captivate kids and adults alike.