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Hakone

A classic onsen region near Tokyo, with Sengokuhara as its quieter highland district of art museums, pampas grass and milky hot springs.

Character
One of Japan's most-visited onsen areas, with many day-trippers from Tokyo and international tourists on the Yumoto–Owakudani–Lake Ashi loop. Sengokuhara is a highland basin of museums, villas and golf-resort-style hotels with a more relaxed feel.
Why it stands out
Sengokuhara is off the main ropeway and pirate-ship circuit, yet has some of Hakone's best art museums and milky-white onsen water piped from near Owakudani.
Getting there
From Tokyo, the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto takes about 85 minutes, then the Hakone Tozan bus (T-Line) to Sengoku Kogen takes about 30 minutes. Direct Odakyu highway buses also run from Shinjuku. From Osaka, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara (about 2–2.5 hours), then a bus. The nearest airport is Haneda.
Seasons
Busiest during autumn foliage and the pampas-grass season (October–November), plus weekends and holidays all year. The susuki fields are green in summer and silver in autumn, and the grass is burned in March. Cooler than Tokyo, with rainy summers and occasional winter snow.
Watch-outs
Expect weekend and autumn traffic jams on Hakone's mountain roads and full buses. Owakudani access can be restricted by volcanic gas levels.
Neighbourhoods
Sengokuhara: Highland district with museums, pampas grass, villas and milky onsen. Note that the Little Prince Museum closed in March 2023.
Nearby
Sengokuhara Susuki Grass Field / POLA Museum of Art / Lalique Museum, Hakone / Hakone Venetian Glass Museum / Okada Museum of Art / Hakone Shrine / Gotemba Premium Outlets

Hotel condos and memberships in this area

Sources