Local Guide
Check the temperature and clothes in Hakone!

Hakone is located in the southwestern part of Kanagawa Prefecture. Hakone boasts one of the largest number and volume of hot springs in Japan, and because of its easy Direction from the capital, "Hakone's Seven Hot Spring Cures" took root in the Edo period. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), Hakone became popular as a summer resort for foreigners, and it remains one of the top hot spring destinations in Japan in terms of the number of visitors it attracts.
Hakone is formed by the 1000-meter-high outer rim of the Hakone Volcano caldera and the lakes and grassland wetlands within the caldera. The annual temperature in Hakone Yumoto, located at about 97 meters above sea level at the foot of the outer rim, is not much different from that of Tokyo, but in Sengokuhara, located at 645 meters above sea level, the temperature is 3 to 4°C lower. In January, the coldest month of the year, the difference in minimum temperature can be as high as 8°C.
To enjoy Hakone's abundant nature and hot springs all year round and to spend a comfortable time in Hakone, consider the difference in elevation and prepare an extra layer of clothing to protect against the seasonal cold to prepare for the temperature difference.

Annual temperatures in Hakone (Hakone-Yumoto and Sengokuhara)

Cherry blossoms in Miyagino (photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town)
Cherry blossoms in Miyagino (photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town)

The average temperature in Hakone Yumoto in March is 7.9°C, slightly colder than Tokyo. The average temperature in Sengokuhara is 4.5°C, so you will still need a heavy coat. However, during the daytime, the temperature in both Hakone-Yumoto and Sengokuhara can rise to around 20°C, so it is advisable to wear clothes that are easy to take off and put on.
In late March, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Hakone. The cherry blossoms start blooming in Hakone Yumoto and Oheidai, and gradually move to higher elevations.
April and May in Hakone, with its dazzling fresh greenery, are the best time to go out. Hakone Gora Park and other azalea viewing spots become a gorgeous place. In both Hakone Yumoto and Sengokuhara, you can enjoy the warm weather with high temperatures exceeding 20°C on some days. During the day, a long-sleeved shirt is sufficient, but in higher elevation areas such as Sengokuhara, it is recommended to carry a parka or jacket as the morning and evening temperatures can be chilly.

Hakone Tozan Railway
Hakone Tozan Railway "Hydrangea Train

In June, Hakone has many rainy days, with rainfall occurring on more than half of the days in the month. The average temperature in Hakone Yumoto is 19.3°C and 17.7°C in Sengokuhara, making it feel colder when it rains. From June to early July, the Hakone Tozan Railway's "Hydrangea Train" makes its appearance. From June to early July, the "Hydrangea Train" of the Hakone Tozan Railway makes its appearance, and the train windows are decorated with rain-bleached hydrangeas. When the rainy season ends, Hakone Yumoto welcomes the hot summer, with an average temperature of 24.6°C in August. On the other hand, the average temperature in Sengokuhara is 22.9°C in August, about 2°C lower. In both cases, you can wear a T-shirt during the daytime, but be prepared to wear a light cardigan when going to higher elevations. Also, there is a high probability of rain in August, so be sure to pack rain gear.
Summer is also full of events, such as the fireworks display at Lake Ashinoko and the Daimonji Yaki festival at Gora.

Sengokuhara pampas grassland
Sengokuhara pampas grassland

The average temperature in Hakone Yumoto in September is 20.9℃. By mid-September, you can go out in the same clothes as in summer due to the lingering summer heat during the daytime, but by the end of the month, the weather turns autumnal at once from the higher elevations. As the days become cooler, a large scarf or similar item that can be worn over a jacket will come in handy. The trees from the top of the outer rim of the mountain begin to change color in late October. The silver grass meadows of Sengokuhara also begin to glow with golden colors. The average temperatures in November, when the autumn leaves and silver grass are at their best, are 11.3°C in Hakone Yumoto and 9.1°C in Sengokuhara. The nights are even colder, and by the end of November, the temperature in Sengokuhara is even lower than minus on many days. If you go out to enjoy the autumn leaves, a coat is a must. You will also need to wear boots to protect your feet from the cold.
In addition, Hakone has many rainy days in autumn, so be sure to carry rain gear with you.

Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi

In winter in Hakone, clothing differs between the lower elevation areas and the higher elevation areas. The average winter temperature in Hakone Yumoto is only 1 to 2°C lower than the average temperature in Tokyo, so you can wear the same outfits as in Tokyo. On the other hand, the average temperature in Sengokuhara is often below -5°C, and snow falls several times a month. When going out, it is essential to wear a down coat, boots, and a scarf around your neck to protect yourself from the cold. If you are going out by car, check the weather forecast in advance and equip yourself with chains or studless tires if there is a possibility of snow.
In winter, there are many sunny days, and at Lake Ashinoko and other areas, the snow-capped Mt. Hakone, where you can enjoy such a spectacular view, is the perfect destination for the season when you miss the warmth of hot springs.

After enjoying sightseeing, how about a relaxing moment at a hot spring inn? Hoshino Resorts' hot spring brand "KAI" operates two unique inns in the Hakone area: "KAI Hot spring ryokan" KAI Hakone, an elegant hot spring ryokan located along a mountain stream, and "KAI Sengokuhara," an atelier hot spring ryokan where you can enjoy art experiences.

Hakone parquet inn overlooking the majestic Mt. Yusaka and the clear Sukumogawa River

Guest rooms (KAI Signature Rooms) where you can relax surrounded by Hakone marquetry
Guest rooms (KAI Signature Rooms) where you can relax surrounded by Hakone marquetry

About a 7-minute drive from Hakone-Yumoto Station. This elegant hot spring ryokan is located along Hakone's old highway, facing the Sukumo River. From the bathtub made of ancient Japanese cypress filled with sodium chloride spring water, which is said to be good for a cold constitution, you can enjoy the seasonal beauty of Mt. All Guest rooms also overlook Mt. Yusaka and the Sukumo River, providing a quiet environment while listening to the murmuring of the river.
The interior of the hotel is decorated with traditional Hakone Yosegi-zaiku (marquetry) vessels, hanging scrolls, and furniture, allowing you to experience the culture that lives on in Hakone. The nightly "Yosegi-CHAYA" (free of charge) uses a picture-story show to tell the anecdote of the birth of Yosegi-zaiku and how it was made.
For meals, guests can enjoy "Meiji no Gyuu Nabe" (Special Kaiseki course). This is a gem that incorporates the historical background of Western cuisine, which was popular among Westerners and the upper class as a hot spring resort and was prepared in a Western style from early on.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone
  • Address 230 Yumotochaya, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Direction Approximately 7 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station by car
  • TEL 0570-073-011（Kai Reservation Center)
  • Parking Available
  • MemoClick here to make a reservation
    Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone Reservation Site

Stay in a Guest room with Outdoor hot spring and be surrounded by art and nature

All Guest rooms have an Outdoor hot spring. All rooms have open-air baths and are Japanese/Western-style rooms with sofas on Ryukyu tatami mats.
All Guest rooms have an Outdoor hot spring. All rooms have open-air baths and are Japanese/Western-style rooms with sofas on Ryukyu tatami mats.

About 30 minutes by car from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Sengokuhara, surrounded by majestic mountains and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, has been loved by many artists as a suitable place to devote oneself to creating artwork. Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara "KAI" is an atelier hot spring ryokan located in this area.
Guest rooms are decorated with works of art created by artists who actually stayed at the hotel, allowing guests to relax and feel their brush strokes up close. The meals are also presented in an elaborate manner, with dishes with a sense of art that accentuates playfulness and beauty, and instant smoky dishes inspired by the smoke of Owakudani. Visitors can also enjoy the experience of creating their own tenugui (washcloths) at the "Painting and Coloring Tenugui" (free of charge).
The hot spring is a sulfate/chloride hot spring drawn from Owakudani, and a short time in the hot spring will smooth your skin and warm your body. Please spend a moment surrounded by art and nature at Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.