Get Away From It All on a Solo Onsen Trip!
If you're leading a busy life, why not travel alone to a hot spring resort for a relaxing break?
This article features hot spring inns in the Kanto Region (eastern Japan) welcoming solo travelers. It was written by a female editor, a hot spring enthusiast.
The inns in this article are perfect for those who want to:
\- enjoy a hot spring trip alone
\- stay at a Japanese inn (ryokan) that is accessible via public transportation
\- enjoy facilities at the ryokan, along with the nearby sightseeing spots
\- savor delicious meals
\- take in the surrounding environment
The following inns were selected from Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Kusatsu, and Ito. These four areas can be easily reached from Tokyo. Please take a look at the accommodations introduced in this article when you're planning your next trip.
Table of Contents:
Hakone
1.
2.
Mt. Fuji
3.
Kusatsu
4.
5.
Ito
6.
7.
1. Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan
A Ryokan With a Rich History
Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan, located in Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, has a history of over 140 years.
The Japanese government designated the main building as a tangible cultural property. It is perfect for those interested in appreciating the traditional ambiance of an onsen ryokan.
Enjoy Hot Spring Baths with Free-Flowing Hot-Spring Water! Free Private Baths!
Located in Kowakidani Onsen, one of 17 original hot springs in Hakone, the water flows from a source managed by the inn. It is drawn into the large bathing room, open-air bath, and semi-open-air bath, which are open to guests. Guests can also bathe for free at Hakone Kowakien Motoyu Mori no Yu and Hakone Kowakien Yunessun (*), two facilities within walking distance from the inn.
The Japanese-style guest rooms each have their own uniqueness. A room with an open-air bath is also available for solo travelers.
*The free bathing offer at Yunessun is valid from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
Japanese Dishes Made From Local Ingredients
Breakfast and dinner are served at the restaurant. It is designed in a private style, so those dining alone won't have to worry about the eyes of other guests.
Dinner in winter mainly consists of one-pot dishes, while breakfast is a set menu made with ingredients from Sagami Bay and the Hakone mountains.
Features and Access
There is a spacious garden on the grounds, where guests can take a walk viewing the cherry blossoms and azalea in spring, along with maple in autumn. They can also view the garden from the lounge inside a registered tangible cultural property while tasting complimentary coffee and tea. Some guests may not leave the grounds during their stay.
It takes about 90 minutes by train from Tokyo. There's also a free shuttle service available from Gora Station. You don't need to drive to access the inn.
Recommendation Points
1. An authentic ryokan that welcomes solo travelers.
2. The open-air bath can be chartered without additional charge.
3. The garden and lounge offer a place to relax.
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2. Hakone Kowakien Hotel
A Facility Surrounded by the Mountains
Hakone Kowakien Hotel, which re-opened after renovations in July 2023, is a facility nestled among the Hakone mountains.
This inn is for those interested in nature, onsen, and various activities.
A Lodging Cradled by Nature
The open-air bath on the top floor offers a panoramic view of the site. The sauna is filled with the fragrance of cypress, and a private bath is also available. Additionally, guests can enjoy free bathing at Motoyu Mori no Yu and Yunessun. Both facilities are a five-minute walk from the hotel.
The rooms with a view of the lush green are furnished with two beds. Those traveling solo will be able to relax in the spacious setting.
Buffet-Style Meals
The meals (breakfast and dinner) are served buffet style at the restaurant with a garden view. Around 60 types of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes will be available, along with all-you-can-drink soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Features and Access
It takes about 90 minutes by train to Hakone from Tokyo. There is a free shuttle service from Gora Station, which can be used without reservations.
Okada Museum of Art, boasting a garden and a footbath cafe, is a two-minute walk from the hotel. Guests can enjoy onsen, nature, and art without driving.
Recommendation Points
1. The hotel can be easily accessed from Tokyo using public transportation.
2. Solo travelers can enjoy the luxury of staying at a room with twin beds.
3. There are onsen facilities and a museum within walking distance.
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3. Hotel Mt. Fuji
A Resort Facility with a View of MT. Fuji
Hotel Mt. Fuji was built at a site 1,100 meters above sea level to enjoy the mountain view.
The scenery of Mt. Fuji, along with Lake Yamanaka, and the starry sky when the weather permits, makes this hotel ideal for those who want to be immersed in nature.
Feeling Mt. Fuji
There are two bathing facilities at this hotel: Hanare no Yu, an open-air bath with a view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Yamanaka; and Mantenboshi no Yu, where guests can enjoy a sauna and fresh air. The scenery changes not only by the time of day but also by season.
A wide variety of guest rooms, including a single type, is available. Since the mountain and the lake is visible from the rooms, it might be a good to just relax and enjoy the view. The magnificent scenery will surely make a strong impression.
Buffet-Style Dishes Made From Local Ingredients
There are three restaurants: French, Japanese, and a buffet-style cafe. The cafe serves breakfast cooked with local ingredients, such as tofu from Asano Tofu Store, which uses underground water flowing from Mt. Fuji; and omelettes with truffles, made from Tanabe Egg Farm.
Features and Access
With two bathing facilities, the view from the rooms and the Panorama Deck, plus the nighttime sky, guests can enjoy their stay without leaving the grounds.
From Tokyo, take the express bus from Shinjuku Express Bus Terminal, get off at Fujisan-Yamanakako bus stop, and ride the free shuttle service to the hotel. The total travel time takes about 2.5 hours.
Recommendation Points
1. This hotel is a "dream come true" for those who wanted to view Mt. Fuji from their lodging.
2. The scenery of Lake Yamanaka and the starry sky, along with the mountain, is truly soothing.
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4. Kusatsu Hotel 1913
An Inn With an Ambiance of the Taisho Period
Kusatsu Hotel 1913, located in Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, is designed in the style of the Taisho Period.
In 2020, Roten Futatsuyu, a bathing facility, and Okuniwa, a restaurant, was built, adding a new touch to the facility.
An Open-Air Bath with Water Flowing from Two Sources
There are three bathing facilities: Roten Futasuyu, an open-air bath, indoor bathing room, and three private baths. At Roten Futatsuyu, guests can enjoy two types of water: the soft Nishi no Kawara Gensen and the stimulative Bandai Gensen.
The wooden accommodation building is designed in the authentic Japanese style. Guests will be able to relax, wherever they are.
The Spacious Restaurant
Breakfast and dinner will be served at Okuniwa, the new airy restaurant.
Guests can savor kaiseki cuisine for dinner, and a Japanese set menu at breakfast with dishes such as grilled salmon, fluffy Japanese omelette, and miso soup.
Features and Access
From the hotel, it is a 6 minute walk to Yubatake, the symbol of the town. Walk around the Kusatsu Onsen Resort, and visit Kusatsu Tsurutaro Kataoka Museum, which guests can enter at a discount price.
From Tokyo, take the Joshu Yumeguri-go, a JR Express Bus, from Shinjuku. After a four-hour ride to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, call for the courtesy bus, which will take guests to the hotel.
Recommendation Points
1. An authentic, wooden onsen ryokan.
2. An opportunity to enjoy two types of onsen sources.
3. Guests can take a walk to Kusatsu Onsen Resort, located nearby.
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5. Kusatsu Hotel Annex Watanoyu
An Onsen Ryokan in the Japanese-Modern Style
Kusatsu Hotel Annex Watanoyu is managed by the same firm as Kusatsu Hotel 1913, mentioned above.
The cozy inn is designed in a modern-Japanese style with ten guest rooms. Please note that children under elementary school age are not allowed at this facility.
A Rare Type of Water Source
The soft Wata no Yu is a rare water source with a milky white color. Guests can enjoy both Wata no Yu and Bandaiko, another rare water source, at this hotel.
Rooms are designed in a pristine white, Japanese fashion. The Japanese/Western style rooms faces the garden of Kusatsu Hotel 1913, and the Western style rooms faces the Nishi no Kawara Park.
Footbath, Lounge, and Library
There is also a footbath with a great view of the town. Guests can choose a book from the library and read it with a complimentary drink, while dipping their feet in the soothing waters.
The hotel is located near the central area of Kusatsu, an ideal location to take a walk.
Access
From Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal, it is a 10-minute walk to the hotel, which is also an opportunity to take in the townscape.
Recommendation Points
1. A stylish facility with a modern-Japanese ambiance.
2. An opportunity to enjoy a book and a footbath at the same time.
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6. Akazawa Onsen Hotel
A Hotel With a View of the Ocean
Akazawa Onsen Hotel, located at Ito in Shizuoka Prefecture, boasts a grand ocean view.
The scenery will soothe guests' minds, which are visible from the rooms, onsen facilities, and the restaurant.
The View from the Rooms and the Open-Air Bath
All the rooms are furnished with a terrace facing the ocean, allowing guests to enjoy both the sight and sound.
The onsen facilities consist of Iwa-buro and Hinoki-buro, both furnished with an open-air/indoor bathtubs. The Tenkyu no Yu, an open-air bath, can also be reserved for exclusive use. Enjoy the Akazawa Onsen water, smooth and low in stimulants, along with the great view.
Seafood Course Menu at Night and Buffet-Style Breakfast
Ito is blessed with ingredients from both the sea and the mountains. The meals are then served to guests at the restaurant with an ocean view.
Three course menus, which change every month, can be chosen at dinner. Breakfast is served in buffet-style, with around 50 dishes of Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine.
Features and Access
Guests are allowed free access to Higaeri Onsen-kan (Japanese), another bathing facility, and the Fitness Club. Since they are both located next to the hotel, guests may end up spending their entire time inside the grounds.
From Tokyo, ride the Shinkansen or an express train to Izu Kogen Station, and take the free shuttle service to the hotel.
Recommendation Points
1. The ocean view from the rooms and the open-air baths.
2. Dinner course menus featuring seafood.
3. A lodging that will reset one's body an mind, only two hours away from Tokyo.
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7. K's House Ito Onsen
100 Years of History
K's House Ito Onsen is a guesthouse, renovated from a building constructed a 100 years ago. It is also registered as a tangible cultural property by the Japanese government.
The facility offers the appeals of an onsen ryokan at an affordable price.
An Onsen Open 24 Hours
Guests can enjoy the inn's charms throughout the building. All the rooms, from co-ed (dormitory) accommodations to private types for solo travelers, have a Japanese ambiance.
The onsen facility is open 24 hours, with the water flowing from the source.
Features and Access
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Along with its onsen, Ito is also famous for its beaches. Guests can also relax at the nearby beach, located five minutes on foot from the facility.
JR Ito Station, about two hours by train from Tokyo, is the nearest station. From there, it is a seven-minute walk to the inn, so guests will have no trouble finding it.
Recommendation Points
1. A budget-friendly stay at a 100 year old building with an onsen.
2. Located close to a beach.
3. Only 2 hours away from Tokyo.
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Reviving the Body and Mind
All of the seven onsen ryokan above welcome solo travelers.
There are various types, such as an inn cradled in nature, a budget-friendly lodging, a high-end facility with a gorgeous air, and a hotel to enjoy seafood.
We hope that the article will be a useful guide for you!
Pictures courtesy of Booking.com, unless otherwise noted.
