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Hakone is famous for its hot springs. I therefore recommend staying in a hotel that has an Onsen inside. There are really many of them in Hakone. The best in terms of value for money is the Hakone Kogen Hotel.
This hotel is in traditional Japanese style but revisited in a modern way. The rooms are traditional, so they have tatami mats, you sleep on a futon but the setting is very modern. Please note that there is no shower in the room as you will have to use the Onsen.
The Onsen, separated for men and women, is truly a memorable experience.
For those who are not familiar, you should know that there is a sort of ceremonial, which involves some simple rules that we also learned "on the spot." First of all, when you are still in your room, you must: wear the yukata, take, in addition to the usual towel, also the small towel that you find sealed. Put everything in the plastic bag provided and go down to the Onsen. Remember to leave your slippers in the shoe rack you will find before the entrance. Once inside you can put your belongings in the lockers. Please note that you enter the Onsen naked! No type of swimsuit is allowed. You must only bring the small towel (not the large one) with you, which is used to cover your private parts while you move around the Onsen area, outside the water. Be careful not to let the towel touch the water, it is absolutely against Onsen etiquette! Before entering the actual Onsen you must take a thorough shower. Choose the spot you like best (you will find an incredible number of showers), turn on the water and rinse the seat. Sit down and enjoy a wonderful and complete shower, using the bath products provided. Sitting shower is really a great convenience! After the shower, you can enter the Onsen. Please note that the thermal water is very hot, so enter gradually and with caution. Personally, I recommend going out and soaking in the outdoor tub, which has a characteristic Japanese setting. Enjoy the peace and relaxation. When you are too hot to stay in the tub, get out and take a cold shower and repeat the cycle as many times as you want. When you are done, you can take another final shower. Some people think it's better not to do it so as not to lose the thermal properties gained with the Onsen. At the exit you will find hairdryers, cotton swabs, hair oil, and various beauty products to complete your wellness journey.
© 2025 Susy Travel all rights reserved