All about Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

There are plenty of onsen (hot springs) to choose from during a trip to Hakone, but for a unique experience, consider visiting Hakone Kowakien Yunessun. Known as the hot springs theme park, Yunessun features unique baths that require swimsuits, making it easier for groups to enjoy together.

In addition to its playful baths, Yunessun offers a traditional hot spring area called Mori no Yu. You’ll find everything you need on-site, including a hotel, and several nearby hotels provide a convenient shuttle bus service to and from the facility. To ensure a smooth visit, we’ve compiled a guide for you to enjoy this unique attraction.

Depending on your desired arrival time at Yunessun, there are several routes you can take.

If you’re traveling from Shinjuku Station, you’ll use the Odakyu Line. You can take the rapid-express train to Odawara Station which is about an hour and a half, and then a 40-minute bus to Yunessun. Alternatively, you can board the Romancecar, a limited express train known for its panoramic windows, for an additional fee, to Hakone Yumoto Station and take a bus from there. We recommend booking your tickets online for a small discount. If you reserve early enough, you might secure a seat in the front-view car, which offers a stunning view of the countryside and mountains.

The Hakone Freepass includes a round trip on the Odakyu Line, which you can upgrade to ride the Romancecar by paying just the limited express add-on fare. If you’ll spend 2 or 3 days exploring Hakone, it’s a great value pass.

If you’re traveling from Tokyo Station, take the JR Tokaido Line toward Atami, which also takes you to Odawara Station to catch the bus. If you’re in a rush, consider taking the shinkansen (bullet train) to Odawara Station, though it is the more expensive option.

Yunessun has two main areas: the Yunessun area, where swimsuits are required, and Mori no Yu, a traditional hot springs area where swimsuits are not worn. You can purchase a pass for both areas or just one. Covered tattoos are allowed at Yunessun, but tattoos are not permitted in public areas at Mori no Yu.

In the Yunessun area, there are indoor and outdoor baths, allowing you to enjoy the facilities in any weather. Some of the most unique baths include wine and coffee baths. While it may be tempting, remember not to drink the water in the baths!

The outdoor area features Rodeo Mountain water slides with three different courses, using warm water for winter visits. There is also an outdoor hot spring and other attractions, so take your time exploring Yunessun.

At Mori no Yu, you can enjoy traditional indoor and outdoor hot springs. Private baths are available for an additional fee, and tattoos are allowed in these private baths.

If you get hungry, Yunessun offers a food court for guests and four public restaurants serving soba, teppanyaki (flat iron grill), shabu-shabu, and sushi. After your meal, you can enjoy some light shopping or relax in one of the resting areas.

Ultimately, you can easily spend a half-day or a full day at Yunessun.

Hakone Hotel Kowakien

Located just across the street from Yunessun is Hakone Hotel Kowakien, which reopened in July 2023. The hotel features 150 rooms and offers a variety of options to suit different types of travelers. One of the main benefits of staying here is complimentary access to Yunessun and Mori no Yu.

In addition to the baths at Yunessun, guests can enjoy the hotel's hot spring baths, both indoor and outdoor, which offer stunning panoramic views of the area. The hotel also has seven private, tattoo-friendly baths available for rent and a pool open during the summer. Guests can take a stroll through the large on-site garden or relax with a drink on the terrace or in the community space area.

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu

If you're looking for a more private onsen experience after spending your day at Yunessun, Hotel Kowakien Ten-yu might be the perfect choice. Each room has its own open-air bath, allowing you to enjoy a hot spring bath in the comfort of your own space. Additionally, the hotel features a guest-only open-air bath designed as an infinity pool with hot spring water, which is worth checking out.

Dining options include on-site restaurants and a bar. You can also visit the Hakone Onsen Shrine in the outdoor garden, which is said to bring good fortune for business and marriage. There is a connecting passage between Ten-yu and Yunessun, making it easy to travel between the two.

Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan

With only 25 rooms, Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan offers a more intimate experience. The building creates a nostalgic feeling for guests, having remained unchanged since its opening in the Meiji era (1868-1912).

Almost half of the rooms feature private open-air baths, and one private bath is available for all guests. The ryokan offers both indoor and outdoor hot springs for men and women, and guests receive complimentary access to Mori no Yu at Yunessun. To reach Yunessun, take a free five-minute shuttle bus from Mikawaya or walk for 10 minutes.

At the ryokan, you can enjoy breakfast and dinner at the on-site restaurant, with additional dining options available at Yunessun. For relaxation, a lounge area offers garden views. In May, the garden’s 30,000 azalea bushes are a spectacular sight. You can enjoy cherry blossom viewing, or the autumn leaves at other times of the year.