Top 13 Affordable Open-Air Onsen Ryokans To Stay Near Tokyo - Updated 2024

Top 13 Affordable Open-Air Onsen Ryokans To Stay Near Tokyo - Updated 2024
Rachel
Rachel 
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Japan is reputable for its relaxing onsens, or hot spring baths. Both locals and foreigners look forward to a therapeutic soak in the onsen. There are more than 3,000 hot spring resorts in the country where you can enjoy yourself for the day. From affordable ryokans with onsens to the top luxury en-suite onsen ryokans near Tokyo, there are plenty of options to choose from.

However, if you would like to enjoy the onsen at a more leisurely pace, why not stay overnight in an open-air onsen ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style inn for a memorable holiday? Open-air onsen ryokans are not as expensive as you think.

We have prepared a list of the top affordable open-air onsen ryokans you can stay within 3 hours from Tokyo. Staying near Tokyo means that you can easily head in and explore Tokyo or even become a Samurai for the day!

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 04, 2024.

Open-air onsen ryokans in Hakone

Map Location
Hakone is one of the best spots for onsen day trips from Tokyo. Located in the south-western part of Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone is one of the most well-known hot spring resort towns in Japan. It is also close to Mount Fuji, which makes it a popular destination to view Japan’s iconic mountain from a distance. Who knows, you may be one of the lucky ones to enjoy clear views of Mount Fuji while soaking in one of the wonderful onsens in Hakone!

Getting to Hakone is quick and convenient, because it is about two hours away by train from Tokyo. From Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, the fastest and most comfortable way is by the “Romance Car” limited express on Odakyu Railway, which takes about 85 minutes and costs 2,080 JPY (18 USD). If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, the slower express train takes about two hours, because of one transfer at Odawara Station, costs only 1,190 JPY (10.30 USD). For both options, you will arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station, the gateway to the relaxing hot spring resort. This section will introduce three lovely open-air onsen ryokans in Hakone that will not burn a hole in your wallet.

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1. Hotel Mizunoto near Kowakudani Station

Hotel Mizunoto is located in a quiet garden in Hakone’s Kowakudani Onsen area, so guests can enjoy a relaxing holiday surrounded by beautiful nature. There is a large public open-air hot spring bath that guests can enjoy daily from 3pm to 1am, and 2am to 11am, as well as a large public indoor hot spring bath open daily from 3pm to 1am, and 5am to 11am. If you wish, you can also choose a room with an open-air bath for private use. Alternatively, you can also reserve the public open-air bath for private use or relax with a massage treatment at additional charge.

After the rejuvenating soak in the spring water, tuck into a hearty traditional Japanese dinner carefully prepared with beef, seafood and seasonal ingredients at the on-site restaurant. The hotel is also conveniently located to sightseeing spots such as Hakone Open Air Museum and Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, so you can explore the charming onsen town easily.

Stayed at this property?

Mizunoto

Address: Kowakudani 492-23
766 meters (0.5 ft) from The Hakone Open-Air Museum

2. Hotel Ashinoko Ichinoyu within walking distance from Lake Ashinoko (from USD 168)

Newly renovated in 2011, Hotel Ashinoko Ichinoyu is a boutique onsen ryokan accommodation with 3 Japanese-style rooms and 18 Western-style rooms. Located within a 5-minute walk is the beautiful Lake Ashinoko and Togendai Ropeway Station about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Enjoy the rustic open-air bath on the first floor from 6.30am to 10am every morning. You can also reserve it for private use from 4pm to 1am if you prefer. There is also the public bath on second floor, renovated in 2012, featuring high quality Ubako onsen water which you can enjoy when the open-air bath is closed.

After a refreshing soak in the open-air bath in the morning, perk yourself up further with the complimentary Japanese breakfast set menu served at the dining room. For dinner, relish in a sumptuous traditional meal featuring local specialties at the dining room. In between your onsen time, you can explore Hakone Shrine, a spiritual power spot just 20 minutes’ drive from the hotel, or take the scenic Hakone Ropeway ride to Owakudani Valley.

Read also: More Than Just An Onsen Town: 12 Things To Do In Hakone, Japan

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Ashinoko Ichinoyu

Address: Motohakone 160-51
4.91 km (3.1 mi) from The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Gift shop Free WiFi Hot spring bath On-site parking WiFi Available Heating Free parking Non-smoking throughout

3. Hotel Okada (from USD 113)

Hotel Okada features both indoor and outdoor hot springs baths which are perfect if you want to relax and unwind away from the city. The traditionally designed rooms are good enough for four to five guests, great for groups of friends and families, making it one of the city’s most reasonably priced accommodations. Each room features tatami or woven-straw flooring. The tastefully designed Japanese rooms are commendable but in order not to compromise the guests’ convenience and comfort, they also offer a flat-screen TV, refrigerator and a high-speed WiFi. You can request for private hot spring baths or enjoy the outdoor ambiance in their foot hot spring baths. When it comes to dining, there is an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy both local and Western dishes using only fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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Hotel Okada

Address: Yumoto Chaya 191
4.12 km (2.6 mi) from The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

Tokyo Tour Guide

Ayano Totsuka

Ayano Totsuka

Hello! I am Ayano, a local host in Tokyo. I have been living in Tokyo for over 10 years, so I know a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourist spots! Leave your Tokyo sightseeing to me. I have traveled to various countries and had unforgettable experiences. Being passionate about traveling, I really want to take you to the captivating places in Tokyo. As photography is my hobby, I will capture beautiful photos that will become lasting memories. Join my tour and let's explore Tokyo together!

Tours by Ayano

4. Hakone Suimeisou (from USD 233)

Rated 3-stars, Hakone Suimeisou is only a 15-minute walk from Sounji Temple. Guests looking for an affordable ryokan near Tokyo will be delighted to know that they have public hot spring baths and complimentary WiFi access. All guest rooms have air-conditioning and heating facilities to ensure comfort to all guests. They have four types of rooms, each can accommodate, at most, four guests and 2 children, with some rooms featuring an open-air bath as well as breakfast and dinner. En-suite bathrooms come with toiletries and a bathtub. Guests can pamper themselves with a massage and private bath upon request. And, there’s no need to leave the hotel premises when looking for the best dining option because they also serve authentic Japanese meals and dishes.

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Hakone Suimeisou

Address: Yumoto 702
4.92 km (3.1 mi) from The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Terrace Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking

5. Hotel nanpuso near Hakone-Yumoto station

Located near Hakone-Yumoto Station, Hotel Nanpuso is a great choice for a convenient onsen getaway for visitors arriving from Tokyo. Choose from Japanese-style rooms or Japanese-Western style rooms for your stay as well as rooms attached with private open-air baths. There are two large open-air hot spring baths and public hot spring baths for you to enjoy the alkaline natural spring water. The onsen water here is said to cure muscle and joint pains, shoulder aches and fatigue. Look forward to your meal times in this ryokan accommodation, as they serve Japanese-style kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal dishes. It is certainly a great retreat for a stay nestled within the mountains of Hakone.

Hotel Nanpuso

Address: 179 Yumotochaya, Ashigarashimo District, Hakone,Kanagawa Prefecture

Price: from 100 USD per night per person

Access: 7-minute hotel shuttle bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station. 100 JPY (0.90 USD) per one-way trip per person. Frequency: 15-20 minute interval between 8.30am – 11am and 15-25 minute interval between 10.45am – 6.45pm.

Contact: +81 460-85-5505

Book Now

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6. Gora Kadan (from USD 1107)

Bask in the glory of Hakone’s stunning surroundings by staying at Gora Kadan. Unwind in the private open-air baths of certain suites of this property or enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot spring bath. All the rooms and suites at this property offer gorgeous mountain views and modern amenities. Some even offer a lovely outdoor seating area. Guests can enjoy massages, karaoke, and authentic Japanese food at Gora Kadan. This affordable ryokan is at a walking distance from Gora Station on Hakone Tozan Line, close to Tokyo.

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Gora Kadan

Wifi Available

Address: Gora 1300
418 meters (0.3 ft) from The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Parking Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre

7. Fuji-Hakone Guest House (from USD 96)

Nestled within Fuji-Hakone National Park, this cozy ryokan offers affordable lodging near Tokyo. Fuji-Hakone Guest House has a lovely open-air, natural hot-spring bath that guests can enjoy soaking in after a long day of hiking or exploring the area. All the rooms at this ryokan are done up in the traditional style, with tatami-mat flooring and futon mattresses. Plenty of shared amenities are available for guest use, including coin-operated laundry, a microwave, a fridge, and more. This family-run property is just a two-minute walk away from a bus stop.

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Fuji-Hakone Guest House

Address: Sengokuhara 912
4.07 km (2.6 mi) from The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Laundry Free parking Internet services Heating WiFi Available

Shima Onsen in Gunma

Map Location
Shima Onsen (四万温泉), which literally means Forty-thousand Hot Spring, is among the top four hot spring towns in Gunma Prefecture, alongside Minakami, Ikaho and Kusatsu, which is considered the best onsen in Japan. As one of the oldest hot spring towns in Japan, it is so named because of the belief that bathing in its abundant spring waters could heal as many ailments as its name implies. Despite being blessed with many natural hot springs, Shima Onsen retains its small-town charm nestled in a mountain valley boasting picturesque scenery. This is a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

From Tokyo’s Ueno Station, take the direct JR Kusatsu limited express train that will bring you to JR Nakanojo Station in around two hours for about 4,500 JPY (39 USD). However, there are only two to three trains per day from Ueno Station, so make sure you check the train timings prior to the trip. Alternatively, you can take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen or Hokuriku Shinkansen to Takasaki Station (about one hour, 4,500-5,500 JPY / 39-47.70 USD) and transfer to the JR Agatsuma Line to Nakanojo Station (about one hour, 760 JPY/ 6.60 USD). Thereafter, you can take a 50-minute local bus ride to Shima Onsen from JR Nakanojo Station (930 JPY/ 8 USD).

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8. Ayameya Ryokan is just a short walk from Shima Onsen (from USD 64)

Nestled within the mountain valley of Shima Onsen, Ayameya Ryokan is a lovely traditional Japanese inn featuring all Japanese-style rooms. There are four public baths on premises and all rooms boast the scenic mountain view. You can choose to enjoy the daily breakfast set and traditional multi-course Japanese dinner in the comfort of your own room or in the dining room.

Besides the awesome scenery surrounding Ayameya Ryokan, you would be delighted to know that there are massage chairs, as well as toys to keep the kids entertained in the public bath. Such thoughtful gestures and warm hospitality from the inn management is definitely wonderful for guests to have a memorable getaway at Ayameya.

Read also: Have an adventurous weekend with your family at Exceed Nemunosato

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Nakagawa Onsen in Yamakita, Kanagawa

Map Location
Located in Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yamakita is a small mountainous town west of the prefecture. The secluded town may not be as famous as Hakone or Shima Onsen, but it is precisely because of this reason, that it will be an attractive destination for visitors looking for onsens off the beaten path.

While Nakagawa Onsen in Yamakita is not mentioned often in tourist guides, it is only about two hours away from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, with 2 transfers. Take the limited express 55-minute Sagami train ride on Odakyu Line to Hadano Station. Transfer to the Odakyu express train for a 10-minute ride to Shin-Matsuda Station. Thereafter, transfer to the Fujikyu Shonan Bus and get off at the Nakagawa Onsen Iriguchi bus stop after about 55 minutes.

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9. Shingenkan Ryokan in the Nakagawa Onsen area (from 65.71 USD per night per person)

Located by the clear streams of Nakagawa Onsen, Shingenkan Ryokan is a very traditional hot spring resort in the remote and tranquil town. There are three types of hot spring baths at the inn, featuring alkaline onsen water that has curative benefits for dermatitis and eczema, rheumatism and neurosis, as well as beautifying skin. Note that there are no convenience stores, or other dining options around the hotel. However, do not worry too much about your meals because breakfast and dinner served at the inn are really amazingly delicious and traditional. Relish in the gorgeous scenery surrounding the traditional inn while you unwind from the stressful city life and relax in the therapeutic onsens here.

Nakagawa Onsen Shingenkan

Address: 577-6 Nakagawa, Yamakita-machi, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

Price: from 65.71 USD per night per person

Access: Free hotel shuttle service between Shingenkan and JR Yaga Station. Reservation required at least 1 day prior to your stay. Alternatively, ryokan is a 4-minute walk from Nakagawa Onsen Iriguchi bus stop.

Contact: +81-465-78-3811

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10. Yui Hotel (from USD 560)

yui hotel
Source: rlx.jp

Images are currently unavailable.

Experience being surrounded by nature at Yui Hotel which is located in Oku-Yugawara. The place offers scenic views of all the four seasons. Take a relaxing dip into their charming open-air onsen with nature as your backdrop. These baths are gender separated and are open from 3 pm until 10 am in the morning. Aside from the communal hot spring, there is also a bathtub which is filled with free-flowing for those who want more privacy.

After indulging yourself to these baths and treating yourself to an elaborate dinner, relax into one or more of their 11 guest rooms, designed in traditional Japanese architecture. An added charm is that you can actually hear the river and waterfalls surrounding the property – which adds to the overall tranquil and serene atmosphere.

In general, expect to feel a sense of unity with nature when you stay at this inn; it’s definitely a rejuvenating and luxurious treat but for a relatively affordable price tag when compared to five-star hotels in Japan.

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奥湯河原 結唯 -YUI-

4.6 User Rating

Address: 神奈川県足柄下郡湯河原町宮上683-25
9.16 km (5.7 mi) from The Hakone Open-Air Museum

11. Kinnotake Tonosawa (from 619 USD / 68,000 JPY)

In need of a breakaway from the busy work week? Kinnotake Tonosawa features rooms that each come with outdoor golden baths to help guests effectively relax and rejuvenate with the aid of nature. What makes this place unique from most ryokans in Japan is that its water comes from a deep area, compared to the usual streams. Try out the MIKADO bath which is made from Kyoto Aomari cypress, or for couples, the stone MIKAGE bath which is wide enough for two people. Another exciting must-do experience is to bath in the property’s public onsen, which is gender separated.

Dining is available, served by their Kyoto-trained chef and there is also a bamboo bar which provides various kinds of drinks. All 23 rooms in 7 styles portray the beautiful Hakone, where the accommodation is located. Those traveling from far areas may avail of their airport transfer services from Narita or Haneda airports for an additional fee. While the property does not accommodate children, it is still a good value accommodation for adult locals or foreign tourists looking to have a relaxing getaway with their loved ones.

Kinnotake Tonosawa

Address: 191 Tōnosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken

Price: from 619 USD / 68,000 JPY

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12. Hakone Kowaki En Ten-Yu (from USD 359)

Hakone Kowaki-en TEN-YU promises to satisfy all five senses. With each of their rooms having open-air onsen baths on balconies accompanied by natural views and chirping birds, it’s difficult not to lean on this promise.

Plus more:

Indulge in Japanese and western fusion dinner or the Wayo cuisine which uses locally sourced seasonal produce. TEN-YU offers two types of seating arrangements for a more personalized dining experience: open plan or booth.

Adding to its list of high-quality amenities, the property also offers infinity hot spring on the 6th floor with views from Mt. Mikuni and on the 5th floor: a public bath where waterfalls are seamlessly immersed into the overall onsen experience. If you’re simply looking for a place which prioritizes the rejuvenation of your mental and physical health over extravagant accommodations near the heart of Japan, then TEN-YU is definitely worth the two-hour ride from metropolitan Tokyo.

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箱根小涌園 天悠

4.4 User Rating

Address: 神奈川県足柄下郡箱根町二ノ平1297
940 meters (0.6 ft) from The Hakone Open-Air Museum

13. Sansuirou (from USD 351)

The Japanese hospitality industry has been well-known for its cleanliness, simplicity and warm service. This is the same for Sansuirou, be it their food, rooms, or public baths. Sansuirou’s reputation dates back since its opening in 1933. With history as long as this, expect only the best and refined quality in terms of accommodation and gastronomic experiences. For one, their rooms have different designs and views. Food-wise, their cuisine is offered in kaiseki style (using fresh local seasonal ingredients). This makes sure that all the food served are elegant, delicate, and fresh in terms of taste and texture. A stay at Sansuirou wouldn’t be complete without dipping into their outdoor bath with scenic views and free from the hustle and buzz of the modern city. It is even long believed that Yugawara onsens can have various medicinal benefits.

So all the above and combined with high-quality service and long history, Sansuirou offers a truly authentic and comprehensive Japanese hotel experience.

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山翠楼 SANSUIROU

4.2 User Rating

Address: 神奈川県足柄下郡湯河原町宮上673
9.39 km (5.9 mi) from The Hakone Open-Air Museum

An invigorating holiday that won’t burn a hole in your wallet

As you can see, a stay in one of the delightful onsen ryokans need not be an expensive affair. Instead of staying in a typical hotel or guest house when travelling in Japan, and squeezing a few hours out from your tight itinerary to make time for soaking in a public onsen, take the opportunity to book a stay in one of the above-mentioned onsen ryokans. You will be able to enjoy the uniquely Japanese experience at a leisurely pace and unwind from the hectic life. And whether you’re looking for a private onsen or the best affordable ryokan in Japan, our recommendations will not disappoint you.

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Frequently asked questions about the top affordable open-air onsen ryokans near Toyko

1. Which are the best private onsen ryokans near Tokyo?

If you’re looking to have a luxury onsen ryokan experience near Tokyo, check out the following properties: i) Hotel Okada; ii) Gora Kadan; iii) Yui Hotel; iv) Sansuiro.

2. What is the average price of a private onsen ryokan near Tokyo?

Onsen ryokans near Tokyo vary in price. It can start from an affordable price of 50 to 100 USD per night to 600 to 700 USD depending on the property. A traditional ryokan with tatami rooms and open-air onsens, like Ashinoko Ichinoyu, costs about 190 USD per night.

3. Which are the best private onsen ryokans near Tokyo for couples?

Couples looking to have an onsen ryokan experience near Tokyo should check out these romantic properties: i) Mizunoto; ii) Hotel Okada; iii) Hakone Suimeisou.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rachel has forgotten when and exactly how she caught the travel bug. What she does remember is the triumphant feeling she enjoys when she sees the fascinating world out there with her own eyes. She...Read more

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