[Access] 15 minutes by car from Gora Station
[Webpage] Hakone Hisui (Japanese)
With so many hotels and ryokan to choose from in Hakone, one of my favorites is Hakone Hisui. Here, you can enjoy two types of hot springs: the milky, sulfur-rich water sourced from Owakudani, and the clear, silky Ubako spring water, which is gentle on the skin.
The large communal baths are surprisingly uncrowded, likely because many rooms come with private hot spring baths. This makes it easy to relax and enjoy a leisurely soak.
The bathhouse lounge, overlooking the garden, has wooden floors designed to feel pleasant on bare feet. You can unwind in the free massage chairs, admire the beautifully maintained garden (or enjoy the snow in winter), or simply relax with a newspaper. You can even step out into the garden to cool off after your bath.
Hakone Hisui offers a variety of baths, including individual “tsubo” tubs and a foot bath in the garden. Every bath is meticulously cleaned, leaving a great impression. I particularly love early mornings in winter, when the crisp air, glistening hot spring water, and soft rising steam create a serene atmosphere.
One of the highlights of staying at Hakone Hisui is the kaiseki cuisine. Each dish is crafted with care, both delicious and visually stunning. The small portions and variety of dishes make it particularly appealing to women. In the past, they offered a buffet-style service where you could try many dishes in small portions, but unfortunately, this is no longer available.
The interiors, from the lobby to the dining areas and guest rooms, use space and color elegantly. Everywhere in the hotel exudes a calm and sophisticated vibe, making it an ideal retreat when you need a break.
Whenever I visit Hakone, I always stop by a museum. My favorites are the Hakone Open-Air Museum, with its colorful artworks and family-friendly spaces, and the Pola Museum of Art, which features stunning architecture and beautiful exhibits.
In late autumn, the pampas grass fields of Sengokuhara are a must-see. A trip to Owakudani to see the black eggs and the dramatic volcanic landscape is also highly recommended. Hakone is full of attractions and has so much to offer that it never gets old, no matter how many times you visit.