Hakone Onsen

The Yumoto district at Hakone's entrance has been welcoming bathers since the Nara period (8th century), making it one of Japan's oldest hot spring areas. Fed by multiple natural sources, the mineral-rich waters are said to soothe muscle fatigue and improve skin. Dozens of ryokan and day-use bathhouses line the narrow streets along the Hayakawa River, ranging from grand traditional inns to affordable public facilities. Being the closest major onsen town to Tokyo (under 90 minutes by Romance Car from Shinjuku), it fills up on weekends, weekday visits are noticeably more peaceful.