Ashinoyu Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

Resting quietly in the mountains at over eight hundred meters in the center of Hakone, Ashinoyu Onsen has been known as a healing spa since the Kamakura period and was counted among the seven springs of Hakone in the Edo era. Beloved by many writers and artists, it is known for a rare neutral sulfur spring that is unusual among Hakone hot springs.

Highlights

• A neutral sulfur spring rare even in Hakone, cherished as a beauty water
• Cultural relics steeped in history, such as temple linked stone Buddhas and pagodas
• The quiet setting of Ajigaike Pond, home to a shrine of the goddess Benzaiten
• The atmosphere of long established inns said to be linked to figures like Katsu Kaishu and the Meiji Emperor

Enjoying the Seasons

Set high among surrounding mountains, the beauty of its fresh greenery and autumn leaves is exceptional. From spring into early summer the mountain greens come alive, and in autumn the area turns red and yellow. Thanks to the altitude, summers stay relatively cool, making it a place to enjoy in any season for those who want quiet time with the water.

Access and Basic Information

• From Hakone Yumoto Station, take a Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Moto Hakone or Hakonemachi and alight at stops such as Higashi Ashinoyu or Ashinoyu Onsen Iriguchi
• Located along National Route 1, roughly midway between Hakone and Moto Hakone, and easy to reach by car
• Some inns, such as the long established Kinokuniya, accept day bathing. Kinokuniya offers day use from around one thousand yen per person, with a stay of about two hours as a guide. Check dates and hours in advance, as they vary
• Main water types are sulfur springs and sulfate springs, with naturally welling sulfur water to enjoy

Practical Travel Notes

• The best seasons are the fresh green of around May and the autumn leaves of November. The high altitude keeps summers cool, making it suitable for a stay that doubles as an escape from the heat
• Ashinoyu has only a handful of inns and few day use facilities, so if day bathing is your aim, it is wise to contact an inn directly beforehand
• A walk by Ajigaike Pond and the nearby stone Buddhas takes about thirty minutes. It fits easily into a half day or full day plan combined with sightseeing around Lake Ashi and Moto Hakone
• Budget wise, expect around one thousand yen for a day bath, while an overnight stay centers on long established inns where sulfur water flows straight from the source

A Quick Tip

In contrast to lively Yumoto and Gora, the greatest treat at Ashinoyu is its quiet. Reading a book, or simply doing nothing while lingering in the water, suits this spa town best. Sulfur water can be stimulating to the skin, so remember to rehydrate after your bath.