Visit Hakone for Wellness and Luxury—The Complete Sustainable Retreat Guide

Maoko Shibuya
Maoko Shibuya
September 30, 2025

Visit Hakone for Wellness and Luxury—The Complete Sustainable Retreat Guide

Roughly 90 minutes from Tokyo, Hakone is an ideal stage for wellness travel, blessed with lush nature and a rich array of hot springs. Step away from the bustle into forest and lakeside quiet, and let mineral‑rich onsen restore body and mind—all while enjoying stays that embrace sustainability.
In Hakone, where four seasonal landscapes and living traditions shine, you can experience a “grown‑up retreat” that harmonizes luxury with wellbeing. If you plan to visit hakone, this guide helps you do it thoughtfully.

Basic Information for a Hakone Trip and the Best Time to visit hakone

Hakone sits in western Kanagawa Prefecture. Encircled by an outer ring of mountains, it spans elevations that create distinct microclimates.
Even in summer, higher‑altitude areas such as Sengokuhara and around Ōwakudani average about 22°C and feel pleasantly cool, while lower‑elevation Hakone‑Yumoto can be as warm as central Tokyo (*1). Because conditions vary, layered clothing is essential year‑round. Especially in early spring and autumn—and in the morning and evening—you’ll feel more comfortable with a light jacket.

Mountain weather shifts quickly; sudden fog or showers are not unusual. A compact umbrella or raincoat is reassuring. You’ll walk a lot while sightseeing in Hakone; if you love yoga or hiking, come in comfortable footwear and easy‑to‑move‑in attire.

Looking at Mt. Kanmuri and the station sign from the front of Owakudani Station in Hakone

Your best season depends on your goals.
Cherry blossoms reach full bloom in mid‑April around lower‑elevation Yumoto. In May, fresh green covers the hills; from June to July, hydrangeas line the railway, turning the famed “Hydrangea Train” into a seasonal highlight. In summer (July–August), you can catch lakeside fireworks and the traditional Gōra Daimonji bonfire, enjoying cool evening air under starry skies.
Autumn (October–November) paints Lake Ashi’s shores and the Sengokuhara pampas fields in golds and reds—it’s the most popular time of year. Winter (December–February) brings clear, crisp air and a high chance of blue skies, revealing majestic views of snow‑capped Mt. Fuji and the tranquil charm of less‑crowded hot‑spring towns. Visit throughout the year and Hakone reveals a different facet each season.

Average trip budgets vary by travel style, but as a general guide, plan approximately ¥30,000–¥50,000 per person for two days (*2). This estimate includes round‑trip transport from Tokyo, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing. Of course, luxury ryokan can exceed this range—many high‑end inns start from around ¥50,000 per person per night.
On the other hand, a day trip can cost little more than transport, a meal, and a hot‑spring bath—enjoyable from the ¥10,000 range. If you’re using trains and buses, the “Hakone Freepass” (2‑ or 3‑day versions) offers unlimited rides on major lines plus discounts at attractions, saving both time and money.

If you’re driving, plan about 90 minutes from Tokyo via the Tōmei Expressway, but factor in congestion and parking. If minimizing environmental impact matters to you, consider renting an electric vehicle (EV) or car‑sharing to reduce your road‑trip carbon footprint. With an IC card (Suica or PASMO), paying on the Odakyu Line, Hakone Tozan Railway, and buses is a breeze.

Access from Tokyo and Getting Around—How to visit hakone Smoothly

There are several ways to reach Hakone from the Tokyo metropolitan area, each with different trade‑offs in time and comfort.
By rail, Odakyu’s Limited Express Romancecar runs directly from Shinjuku Station to Hakone‑Yumoto Station in about 85 minutes, letting you relax and watch mountain scenery through large windows. You can reserve Romancecar limited‑express seats in advance; on the day, just tap through the gate with your IC card and bring your limited‑express ticket—there’s no unreserved seating. If you prefer the Shinkansen, take the Kodama from Tokyo Station to Odawara in about 30 minutes, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway or a bus for another 30–40 minutes to reach various parts of Hakone.

Odakyu Romancecar GSE

While the Shinkansen shaves off time, it tends to cost more than the Romancecar. Highway buses also run from Shinjuku and Haneda Airport to areas such as Togendai and Odawara; without traffic, it’s around two hours from Shinjuku. Buses are convenient if you have lots of luggage and want a seated, direct ride.

For rental cars, it’s roughly 90 minutes from central Tokyo via the Tōmei Expressway and the Odawara‑Atsugi Road, but weekends and holidays can bring congestion, and parking fees add up. Within the Hakone area, roads are steep and winding; if you’re not confident on mountain routes, mix in public transport. For eco‑minded travelers, hybrid and EV rentals are increasingly available, and EV charging spots are on the rise in Hakone.

Three Reasons to visit hakone for Wellness

The view from Ajisai Bridge in Hakone-Yumoto

  1. A wealth of hot‑spring resources and diverse spring qualities
    When you think of Hakone, you think of onsen. Fed by volcanic activity, the Hakone Hot Springs comprise 17 distinct districts collectively known as the “Hakone Jūnana‑yu,” with a staggering daily outflow of roughly 25,000 tons—among the highest in Japan. Spring qualities range across some 20 types—from simple thermal waters to sulfur springs to chloride springs—so layered and varied that people liken them to “a department store with four floors above ground and one below” (*1).
    From silky, gentle alkaline waters to milky sulfur baths prized for their cleansing properties, benefits include easing muscle soreness, recovery from fatigue, and skin conditioning. Soaking shifts the nervous system toward a parasympathetic state, helping mitigate stress—a claim supported by research. In Hakone, you can “hot‑spring hop” based on your mood or condition that day. Day‑use facilities are scattered widely, so even a short visit lets you enjoy quality baths with ease.

  2. Forest bathing in a national park
    Hakone lies within the Fuji‑Hakone‑Izu National Park, a setting tailor‑made for refreshing body and mind. Ancient beech and oak forests spread across the hills, transforming with each season—spring’s tender greens, summer’s deep canopy, autumn’s blazing foliage, winter’s crystalline air and snowscapes. Walk the woods and your senses naturally sharpen.
    Hakone has also been a leader in “forest therapy.” In 2016, the town gained certification for the “Hakone Lake Ashi Forest Therapy Base,” where medical studies have verified the healing effects of time in the woods (*2). Forest walks are reported to calm prefrontal cortex activity and elevate parasympathetic tone, promoting relaxation; in Hakone’s forests, you can expect reductions in stress hormones and potential boosts to immune function. Negative ions from the mist rising off Lake Ashi and spray from waterfalls—sometimes called “vitamins of the forest”—clear your head with each deep breath. Here, nature itself is Hakone’s premier wellness resource.

  3. Close to the city, so you make the most of your time
    Another reason Hakone suits wellness stays is its proximity to Tokyo—perfect for a “time‑efficient escape.” Even a one‑ or two‑night weekend delivers a refreshing reset, making it easy to plan when you’re busy.
    Historically, Hakone has been a summer retreat since the Meiji era. In the Taishō and Shōwa periods, leading business figures and cultural luminaries kept villas in Gōra and Sengokuhara. Today, direct limited‑express trains still put it about 90 minutes away—so a realistic weekend might look like “finish work Friday evening, hop on the Romancecar, and be back home Sunday night.” Less time in transit leaves more time for on‑the‑ground activities.
    For example, spend Saturday morning forest bathing or soaking in hot springs, and in the afternoon, schedule a spa treatment between bouts of remote work—Hakone is increasingly favored for workations. Join online meetings from a nature‑rich setting, then refresh in the onsen between tasks—you may find both productivity and creativity rising. This “high‑class weekend retreat,” possible precisely because of the short distance, is a luxury for both time and spirit.
    (*1Reference :Hakone Tourism Association “Hakone Jūnana‑yu”【Hot Spring Outflow & Qualities)https://www.hakone.or.jp/6882)
    (*2Reference :Hakone Town Hall “Hakone Lake Ashi Forest Therapy® Base”【Effects of Forest Therapy®)https://www.town.hakone.kanagawa.jp/www/contents/1100000000338/index.html)

Hakone Sample Itineraries: 1–3 Day Plans

You can tailor your stay in Hakone to your days available and your purpose. Below are three sample itineraries—relaxation‑forward, activity‑forward, and a mixed approach—designed to help you see more with smart transport choices even on a tight schedule.

Mount Fuji as seen from Mt. Hakone

1‑Day Short Trip

Day Trip: Forest & Hot Spring Indulgence:

Depart Shinjuku by Romancecar around 8:00 and arrive at Hakone‑Yumoto around 9:30. Take a bus to Moto‑Hakone Port (about 40 minutes), then enjoy a Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise from Hakone‑machi Port. From the deck of the pirate‑ship‑inspired cruiser, gaze at Mt. Fuji and green shores, savoring a breezy 30‑minute voyage. Back at Moto‑Hakone, walk to Hakone Shrine.
Offer a quiet prayer beneath cedar‑lined paths and snap a commemorative photo with the Peace Torii rising from the lake. For lunch, try Lake Ashi’s specialty fried smelt (wakasagi) or a seasonal sandwich with local vegetables at the stylish Bakery & Table Hakone. In the afternoon, bus to Gōra to visit the Hakone Open‑Air Museum. Wander the expansive sculpture park and the Picasso Pavilion to experience art in harmony with nature.
Return to Hakone‑Yumoto around 16:00 and finish with a day‑use hot spring. Near the station, “Hakone Yuryo” provides towel‑inclusive, hands‑free bathing; its spacious open‑air baths will melt away travel fatigue. After a refreshing soak, catch the 18:00 Romancecar back to Shinjuku—you’ll be home in Tokyo by 20:00. It’s brisk, but remarkably fulfilling.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum

2‑Day Wellness‑Intensive Plan

Two Days to Reset Body and Mind:

Arrive in Hakone on the morning of Day 1 and drop your luggage at your Gōra accommodation. Travel light and dive into wellness. Take the cable car from Gōra and transfer to the Sōunzan Ropeway to reach Ōwakudani. At roughly 1,000 meters, feel the earth’s energy and take deep breaths at the lookout.
Descend to Lake Ashi for a guided walk along the Forest Therapy Trail at “Hakone Yasuragi no Mori.” With a certified international forest‑therapy guide, stroll slowly, pausing to close your eyes and tune into birdsong and the scent of trees. This meditative, five‑senses walk helps your breath and the rhythms of nature synchronize.
Afterward, you might craft an aroma spray using leaves collected in the forest at the visitor center. In the evening, go stargazing. Depending on weather, some lodgings and local operators offer headlamp‑equipped night treks. Around Lake Ashi or along the mid‑slopes of the outer rim, low light pollution reveals a sky full of stars.
Wrapped in quiet darkness, those constellations can make everyday worries seem smaller. On Day 2, join a dawn zazen session at a Zen temple. In the Hakone‑Yumoto area, temples such as Fukujū‑in welcome foreign visitors for morning meditation with reservations.
Sitting in the main hall’s serene air under a priest’s guidance for about 20 minutes to align posture and breath leaves both head and body astonishingly clear. The simple temple porridge afterward will taste extraordinary.
Post‑zazen, soak leisurely back at your inn, then read or nap until checkout. As a “recharge trip” that helps you enter the workweek with renewed energy, this two‑day intensive is a standout.

3‑Day Unhurried Luxury Plan

Three Days to Savor Art and Cuisine:

If you’ve got the time, stretch to three days and immerse yourself in Hakone’s depth. On Day 1, leave Tokyo in the afternoon and head straight to your hotel by evening. Choose a high‑end ryokan engaged in sustainability (see the lodging section below).
Celebrate the start of your trip with a soak in your private open‑air bath, then enjoy a creative kaiseki dinner centered on local, seasonal ingredients. Many properties will accommodate requests—from wholesome ichijū‑sansai‑style meals to full vegan courses—if you arrange in advance. After dinner, unwind on the terrace under the stars with an aroma diffuser.
Day 2 focuses on art and culture. In the morning, visit the Pola Museum of Art to meet masterpieces by Monet and Renoir inside a glass‑walled building. Step onto the adjacent forest walkway to appreciate the museum’s architecture in dialogue with the woods, accompanied by birdsong.
In the afternoon, switch gears at the Okada Museum of Art to savor Japanese and East Asian antiquities—you might rediscover a childlike sense of wonder. After an art‑filled day, sip organic herbal tea at the café, then return to your hotel for a spa treatment. Unique menus might feature bodywork with Hakone spring water or volcanic mud—deeply restorative.

The Pola Museum of Art

On Day 3, get moving early. Change into yoga wear and join a morning yoga class on the shores of Lake Ashi (often on weekends). Breathing deeply as the lake gleams in the sunrise fills you with energy for the day. With body and mind sharpened, head to a breakfast buffet.
At some hotels, you’ll find health‑forward options like pesticide‑free local vegetables, soy‑milk yogurt, and naturally leavened house bread. After checkout, stop by the Hakone Checkpoint or try marquetry (yosegi) craft‑making to taste history and culture. Finish with one last favorite hot spring. Across three days, you’ll fully relish Hakone’s nature, art, cuisine, and baths—returning to daily life refreshed in body and spirit.

Must‑Experience Wellness Activities in Hakone

Here are a few mindful experiences unique to Hakone. Early‑morning zazen at a Zen temple, lakefront yoga, forest therapy—insights you gain on the road can enrich everyday life. Some programs are offered in English, so you can join with confidence.
Moments spent listening closely to your body and mind will certainly deepen your stay.

Early‑Morning Zazen at a Zen Temple

Meditating in a temple embraced by Hakone’s nature is something you’ll want to try at least once. Local Zen temples—such as Sōun‑ji in Hakone‑Yumoto and Jōsen‑ji in Miyanoshita—sometimes host zazen sessions for visitors. These typically require advance reservation and accept small groups; some temples provide simple explanations in English. For example, at Jōsen‑ji (Sōtō school) in Miyanoshita, there’s a 20‑minute silent zazen in the main hall followed by temple‑style tea sweets (*1).
The fee is around ¥1,000 per person. Under the resident priest’s guidance, you align posture and breath. At first, time spent letting your mind settle may feel long—but afterward, you’ll likely feel a clean, uplifting sense of clarity, as if mental noise has dissolved through honest self‑reflection.
Wrapped in the pure air of early morning and the scent of incense, zazen becomes a precious spiritual experience in Hakone. If you’re interested, check schedules on each temple’s official site or at tourist information centers, then set out a bit early in comfortable clothes. The sound of your own breathing in the quiet is something you’ll remember—and it will calm you whenever it comes to mind.

Lake Ashi SUP & Sunrise Yoga

If you want to refresh body and mind through water‑based activity, try SUP on Lake Ashi.
Stand‑up paddleboarding is accessible even for first‑timers; instructors teach fundamentals step by step. In Hakone, guided SUP tours take place seasonally from June to September, letting you enjoy the exhilarating sensation of gliding across the water with grand scenery all around (*2).
In the calm of morning, as you stand and paddle slowly, you may feel yourself blend into the lake. In good weather, you can gaze toward distant Mt. Fuji while sharing a waterside perspective with waterfowl. Recently, “Sunrise SUP Yoga,” which pairs SUP with yoga in the early hours, has become popular.
In the soft predawn light, taking yoga poses on the board and breathing deeply wraps you in a sense of unity with the lake. Balancing atop the gently shifting board engages your core, and opening your arms toward the rising sun feels wonderfully liberating—like a breeze clearing out accumulated stress.
SUP yoga also makes for striking photos; some plans include instructors who will safely capture that perfect shot. Expect ¥7,000–¥15,000 per person (depending on content) for rentals and instruction, with 2–3 hours required. Wear a swimsuit or quick‑drying, easy‑moving clothing, and bring a playful attitude—if you fall in, laugh it off.
Moving your body under the morning sun in the heart of nature might be the ultimate digital detox.

Forest‑Therapy Trail Walk

You can certainly enjoy Hakone’s forests on your own, but joining a tour with a specialist guide often brings deeper discovery. At the Hakone Lake Ashi Forest Therapy Base, certified “forest therapy guides” offer programs year‑round. On an early‑morning beech‑forest trail, for instance, you might measure stress levels before and after the walk and confirm reductions in salivary amylase (a stress marker) with help from the Hakone Town Nature Interaction Museum. Guides lead five‑silent‑minute sessions to focus on woodland sounds and encourage using all five senses—like noticing the scent of leaves and moss.
If you wish, you can add gentle yoga poses among the trees or gather favorite twigs and leaves to craft your own aroma spray. Scientific studies have substantiated the benefits of forest bathing in Hakone; inhaling the forests’ phytoncides is linked to decreases in stress hormones and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (*3).
Hinoki and cedar, in particular, emit aromatic compounds associated with relaxation—so with each deep breath, you’re essentially receiving natural aromatherapy. Some tours are available in English, making them enjoyable with friends visiting from overseas. Many routes take 2–3 hours, and fees average around ¥5,000 per person including guiding.
Walking with experts draws your attention to small plants you might overlook and to the forest ecosystem’s wonders. You’ll come away with the light, clear feeling that only nature can offer. During your Hakone stay, step into the “healing woods” with a guide at least once.

Hot‑Spring Inns & Resorts You’ll Want to Stay At in Hakone

Where you stay shapes the quality of your trip. For wellbeing‑focused travelers, comfort matters—but so do sustainable practices and a sense of privacy.
Below are three luxury properties renowned for eco‑friendly operations and highly personal hospitality. Each harmonizes with Hakone’s nature, turning your stay itself into both healing and gentle learning.

Geothermal Circular Eco‑Resort

Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel (Motohakone, Hakone Town)
This highland resort nestles in abundant nature while deploying advanced environmental technologies. Most notable is its in‑house power generation system using heat from hot‑spring steam. In June 2023, it became the first hotel in Kanagawa Prefecture to operate a binary power system that harnesses onsen heat (*1).
The result covers about 20% of the hotel’s electricity needs and cuts CO₂ emissions by roughly 187 tons annually (a 63% reduction versus prior levels) (*1). The hotel already utilized geothermal heat for HVAC and hot water in a “green energy operation,” making it a model for renewable‑energy circulation in a hot‑spring region.
Rooms are calming Japanese‑Western styles; some face Mt. Fuji and the Hakone outer rim. The large baths feature milky, sulfur‑scented waters; soaking in the open‑air rotenburo lets you absorb the forest’s peace and the hot spring’s blessings at once.
A stay here blends earth‑friendly infrastructure with traditional onsen culture—the very image of sustainable travel.

Villa‑Style, Free‑Flowing Hot Spring Suites

Hakone Toki no Shizuku (Miyanoshita, Hakone Town)
A private‑villa‑style resort where every room is a suite promises unhurried indulgence. With only eight guest rooms—each with distinct interiors and its own cypress open‑air bath—you’ll feel wrapped in quiet among the trees (*2). A 24‑hour concierge team tailors details to your preferences.
At check‑in, you might choose an aroma oil to scent your room. Before bed, organic herbal tea and a pillow mist invite deep sleep—just the kind of touches that make a “stay‑in retreat” so rewarding. With a private, free‑flowing hot spring bath at your disposal, you can slip into the water anytime—gazing up at starry skies at night and listening to birds at dawn for a forest‑bathing feel. Meals are seasonal creative kaiseki with Hakone’s western‑slope vegetables and Sagami Bay seafood—served in your room. The menus prioritize quality over quantity and feel pleasantly light on digestion.
Check‑out is a relaxed noon, so after breakfast you can enjoy one more bath or read on the terrace, savoring the final moments. A villa stay where time belongs wholly to you is ideal for recharging.
From an SDGs standpoint, the property minimizes single‑use plastics and provides eco amenities such as bamboo toothbrushes—evidence of environmental care woven throughout. It’s a beloved “grown‑up hideaway” balancing privacy with sustainability.

Boutique Ryokan with an Attached Museum

Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara (Sengokuhara, Hakone Town) – a uniquely art‑driven hot‑spring ryokan. Step inside and it feels like an art gallery. Works created in residence by 12 artists from Japan and abroad adorn the rooms, each curating a different artistic universe (*3).
You share space and time with art throughout your stay—it’s known for sparking creativity. Every room has an open‑air bath, letting you monopolize the view of Sengokuhara’s sweeping highlands while you soak. There’s also a gallery space; at night, illuminated works create an intimate exhibition atmosphere.
In the lounge, for instance, glass sculptures glow softly. In the hush, you can spend an exquisite evening “conversing” with the art over a drink. Dining is playful too—think appetizers plated like a painter’s palette—delighting your eyes as much as your palate.
More than mere lodging, KAI Sengokuhara deserves the name “a museum you stay in,” especially recommended if you love art appreciation or want creative inspiration. As a ryokan, it also excels in comfort—free‑flowing hot springs and plush bedding ensure deep rest.
Interiors incorporate traditional yosegi marquetry, and the whole house beautifully fuses Hakone’s nature and culture for a five‑senses boutique experience.

Wellbeing Habits That Continue After Your Hakone Trip

Bring the wellbeing you felt on your journey back into daily life. Continuing practices you explored in Hakone extends your trip’s benefits and helps you maintain balance.
Below are tips on Japanese‑style bathing, breathing meditation, and sustainable lifestyle habits. Even when your trip ends, your wellness can keep growing.

A Japanese‑Style Bath Routine

Recreate the relaxation of Hakone’s hot springs at home. Japan’s traditional “contrast bathing” (alternating hot and cold) can help regulate the autonomic nervous system and promote circulation (*1).
Warm up thoroughly in a hot bath, then take a brief cold shower, and return to the tub—repeat two or three cycles. This alternating dilation and constriction of peripheral blood vessels improves blood flow and helps sweep away fatigue‑related metabolites (*1).
Athletes increasingly use contrast bathing for post‑exercise recovery. At home, even about a minute each of hot and cold—within your comfort zone—can be effective. Better circulation may ease cold sensitivity, improve sleep, and support skin health.
Missing that cypress bath scent? Add a few drops of hinoki essential oil. Studies associate inhaling hinoki aroma with relaxation—lower heart rate and blood pressure and a shift toward parasympathetic dominance have been reported (*2). Wrapped in forest fragrance rising with the steam, your home bath takes on a mini‑onsen feel.
After bathing, keep warm and aim to finish at least two hours before bedtime—during the gradual return of your heart rate and circulation to baseline, sleepiness often deepens. Make this Japanese‑style routine a habit and you can enjoy the same deep release you felt in Hakone’s hot springs every day.

Five‑Minute Breathing & Meditation

Bring home the stillness from that temple or the deep breaths you practiced in the forest—start with just five minutes a day.
In the morning, before bed, or between tasks, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Sit comfortably—on a chair or on the floor—and repeat slow inhales and exhales through your nose. Notice the length and depth of each breath. If thoughts arise, recognize “I’m thinking,” then gently return attention to the breath. Even a few minutes can leave your mind calmer.
When you make five minutes daily a habit, you become more sensitive to subtle shifts in body and mind. Many people find it easier to discern what’s necessary from what’s not, and to increase focus on the task at hand (*3). At first it may feel long; with practice, “five minutes” can begin to pass in a flash.
If concentration feels difficult, light an incense stick or spritz a favorite fragrance you picked up in Hakone. Scents like hinoki or lavender can support the autonomic nervous system and deepen relaxation—working in synergy with your breathing practice.
Remember the priest’s advice: “You don’t have to force thoughts to disappear.” Treat it as practice in accepting yourself as you are, and keep it light. Even brief daily sessions help you maintain that centered state long after the trip.

Tips for Sustainable Trip Prep

Let your Hakone journey inspire a more earth‑friendly way to travel. First, reduce reliance on disposable amenities at your destination. Instead of hotel‑provided shampoo or toothbrushes, bring your own in refillable bottles and your personal toothbrush—small choices that reduce waste (*4).
Stylish, practical sustainable travel goods are easy to find nowadays—silicone travel containers that refill easily, foldable dental kits, and more. Using “refill‑friendly” items lets you bring favorites from home, stay comfortable, and cut environmental impact.
For getting around, prioritize public transport or EV car‑sharing when possible. Hakone’s trains and buses are well developed, so you can see the major spots without a private car. Riding public transit also opens the door to casual encounters with locals—moments that make a trip richer.
You can further reduce pressure on overvisited areas by including regions committed to conservation (for example, satoyama landscapes promoting ecotourism) and by choosing off‑peak days like weekdays (*4).
Fortunately, Hakone offers plenty of quiet natural hideaways and small but delightful museums and cafés. When you recognize that each choice you make as a traveler contributes to a more sustainable future, your sense of satisfaction grows. Take the wellbeing and sustainability mindset you cultivated in Hakone back home, and let it enrich both your daily life and your future journeys.

Viewing the Hakone scenery while drinking beer

In Closing

Because Hakone is so close, it’s often seen as an easy getaway—but beneath that convenience lie deep powers of restoration and a refined spirit of hospitality. Cradled by quiet forests and lakes, and immersed in the gifts of hot springs, you can gently dissolve fatigue you didn’t realize you were carrying.
Many hotels and ryokan now weave sustainability into their operations, letting your stay itself feel like kindness toward the future. The insights you gain through temple zazen or forest walks will keep coloring your life long after the trip. Time in Hakone offers more than sightseeing.
It’s a chance to look inward and reaffirm what matters. On this journey where luxury aligns with nature, set your whole self free and recharge with new energy. When you visit hakone, you may find that from tomorrow on, your days feel more luminous and balanced than ever.

Author Bio

Maoko Shibuya
Maoko Shibuya
Content Director
Content Planner & Writer Holding a master’s in Digital Marketing and experience across global markets, Maoko blends international perspective with a deep appreciation for Japan’s cultural heritage. She plans and writes compelling narratives that reveal the country’s beauty and depth, drawing on her passion for travel, local cuisine, and cultural exploration.