Hakone
Hakone Family Hotels: Private Baths and Baby-Welcoming Hot Springs
Hot springs close to Tokyo — a reassuring first onsen for babies
Hakone is about 1.5 hours from Shinjuku by Romancecar limited express, or about the same by car via the Tomei Expressway's Atsugi IC. That's a distance where, even if your child gets fussy along the way, you can tell yourself "we're almost there" — which makes it a perfect spot for a family's first onsen trip. Hot spring towns are scattered throughout the area — Yumoto, Gora, Sengokuhara, Kowakidani — and part of Hakone's appeal for families is the range of choice, from lively inns near the station to quiet standalone retreats in Sengokuhara.
From a family's perspective, one of the best things is how many hotels genuinely welcome babies. Some, like Hakone Hotel Kowakien, certified as a "Welcome Baby Hotel" by Miki House's child-rearing research institute, provide everything from cribs and baby baths to kids' chairs, while others let you borrow hot water for formula or baby soap. Many hotels also have private or family baths, and being able to introduce a baby to the hot springs without an audience turns out to matter a lot on a trip with a very young child.
Because Hakone sits in the mountains, weather can be unpredictable, but that's less of a problem thanks to all-weather attractions like the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun hot spring theme park, so rain is less likely to derail your plans. Families who'd rather unwind by the coast can also choose a hotel in Miura Beach, elsewhere in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Highlights
- check17 of 35 hotels have private or family baths — a baby's first onsen without an audience
- check23 hotels have an in-room bath — soak at leisure after the kids are asleep
- checkWelcome Baby-certified hotels are available, with cribs, baby baths, and more to borrow
- checkEven on rainy days, all-weather spots like Hakone Kowakien Yunessun keep kids entertained all day
- checkAbout 1.5 hours from Shinjuku by Romancecar — just the right distance for a first family onsen trip
Family-friendly features in Hakone
Browse all features on ourFeaturespage.
Recommended hotels (21)
Hakone Hotel Kowakien
Hotel Okada
Hakone Shiunso
Hakone Yusakaso
Hakone Kowakien Tenyu
Maholova Minds Miura
Yumoto Fujiya Hotel
Hakone Nampuso
Mizunoto
Hakone Susukinohara Ichinoyu
See all hotels in Hakone (21)expand_more
- Hakone Hotel Kowakien
- Hotel Okada
- Hakone Shiunso
- Hakone Yusakaso
- Hakone Kowakien Tenyu
- Maholova Minds Miura
- Yumoto Fujiya Hotel
- Hakone Nampuso
- Mizunoto
- Hakone Susukinohara Ichinoyu
- Hotel Okuyumoto
- The Prince Hakone Ashinoko
- Hotel Mayu-no-Tsuki
- Hakone Pax Yoshino
- Aura Tachibana
- Hakone Hotel Kagetsuen
- Hakone Tenseien
- Hakone Gora Kiritani
- Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
- The Guest Villa Hakone Yumoto
- Guest Villa Hakone Miyanoshita
Nearby attractions
Travel tips
Hakone has a lot of hills and winding roads, so a baby carrier is often more practical than a stroller. The area around Gora especially has steep slopes, so if your hotel is up a hill, it helps to drop off your luggage before check-in. Getting around mostly means the Hakone Tozan Bus or the ropeway, and you'll need to fold your stroller on the bus. A Hakone Free Pass is good value, giving unlimited rides on the ropeway, the pirate ship sightseeing boat, and buses. Mountain weather can change quickly, so pack a rain jacket or a folding umbrella even in summer. Choosing a hotel that provides baby soap and diapers lets you pack lighter. Many hotels charge for parking, so check ahead if you're driving.
Best season
Spring (April–May) and fall (October–November) have mild weather and suit families well. Summer offers relief from the heat, and winter brings the chance to enjoy an open-air bath while watching the snow. During the rainy season or peak summer heat, pairing your trip with indoor facilities like Yunessun makes it less weather-dependent.
Getting there
About 1.5 hours from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station by Romancecar. By car, about 1.5 hours from Tokyo via the Tomei Expressway's Atsugi IC. Within the area, you can get around by the Hakone Tozan Railway, buses, the ropeway, and the pirate ship, and the Hakone Free Pass is a convenient way to cover it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
From what age can families enjoy a trip to Hakone?
expand_more
It works from birth. Several hotels, including Welcome Baby-certified Hakone Hotel Kowakien, let you borrow cribs and baby soap, so it's a good fit for a baby's first onsen. For children age 3 and up, Hakone Kowakien Yunessun and the pirate ship cruise are enjoyable too.
Are there hotels recommended for families with babies or toddlers?
expand_more
Hakone Hotel Kowakien, certified as a Welcome Baby Hotel by Miki House's child-rearing research institute, has cribs, baby baths, and kids' chairs, and its buffet includes baby food. Choosing a hotel with a private bath lets your family enjoy the hot springs together without an audience.
Can families still enjoy Hakone on a rainy day?
expand_more
Yes. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is an all-weather hot spring theme park where you wear a swimsuit, so it works for a full day even in the rain. There are also plenty of mostly indoor spots, like the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Hakone Museum of Glass Forest, making it an easy area to rework your plans if the weather turns.
Can you use a stroller in Hakone?
expand_more
You can, but Hakone has many hills and winding roads, and you'll often need to fold the stroller when riding the bus, so a baby carrier is more practical in a lot of situations. The Hakone Pirate Ship lets you board with a stroller and is barrier-free. The area around Gora has steep slopes, so if your hotel is up a hill, dropping off your luggage first makes things easier.
Are there hotels in Hakone with private baths?
expand_more
Yes. Of the 35 hotels listed in the Hakone area, 17 have private or family baths, letting your family enjoy a baby's or young child's first onsen at your own pace. 23 hotels also have an in-room bath.