Steamy Serenity: Onsen Escapes in Sengokuhara’s Highlands

Sengokuhara, Hakone’s northern plateau, is a tranquil expanse of pampas grass and rolling hills, home to the Pola Museum and Venetian Glass Museum, offering tourists a peaceful retreat from Gora’s bustle. Onsen hotels here (¥15,000–¥50,000/night) range from mid-range to luxury, featuring private hot spring baths, kaiseki menus, and views of the Hakone caldera, ideal after exploring Choanji Temple or the Little Prince Museum. A 20-minute bus from Hakone-Yumoto, these stays near Togendai ropeway stops connect to Lake Ashi (15 minutes) or Owakudani (10 minutes). With English-friendly service and forest trails nearby, they weave Hakone’s geothermal magic into every soak, creating a serene haven where misty baths and starlit skies renew your spirit, a perfect counterpoint to Tokyo’s frenetic pace.

1. Hakone Highland Hotel

   In Sengokuhara (¥20,000–¥40,000/night), this hotel offers private onsens and French-Japanese dining, a 10-minute bus from Togendai. Near Pola Museum.

   Hakone Highland Hotel on Google

   

   
   

2. Hotel Green Plaza Hakone

   Near Owakudani (¥15,000–¥35,000/night), this hotel has Fuji-view onsens and buffet dining, a 15-minute bus from Gora. Near ropeway.

   Hotel Green Plaza Hakone on Google

   

   
   

3. Sengokuhara Shinanoki Ichinoyu

   In Sengokuhara (¥20,000–¥45,000/night), this ryokan offers private onsen rooms and kaiseki. Near Botanical Garden.

   Shinanoki Ichinoyu on Google Maps

   

   
   

Location Benefits: Sengokuhara’s buses connect to Lake Ashi (15 minutes) or Yumoto (20 minutes), with museums and trails walkable. Its highland calm and onsens offer a rejuvenating escape, ideal for art and nature enthusiasts.