Question 1

Which are the best hotels to stay in Hakone as a budget traveller?

Accepted Answer

For budget travellers seeking excellent value and high ratings in Hakone, Gora Hanaougi, Hotel Zagakukan, and WPÜ HOTEL HAKONE are exceptional choices.

Gora Hanaougi, a hotel with a superb 10.0 rating, offers remarkable value with free breakfast, including a Japanese option, and complimentary self-parking. Guests consistently praise the lovely and amazing staff, beautiful and clean rooms, and excellent service. Its location is also highly regarded. They even offer free pickup and drop-off from the train station, adding to the convenience.

Hotel Zagakukan, rated 9.8, provides great amenities for a budget-friendly stay. It includes free WiFi, complimentary nearby parking, and free toiletries. Reviewers frequently highlight the nice and clean rooms, great amenities, and cozy beds. You can also enjoy a private hot tub, with an outdoor rooftop option available, and a private indoor ryokan onsen.

WPÜ HOTEL HAKONE, with a 9.4 rating, is another excellent option. It offers free self-parking, free WiFi, and complimentary toiletries. The hotel is known for its friendly and helpful staff, comfortable and big rooms, and modern, clean facilities.

Question 2

Which area of Hakone is best to stay in for cheap hotels?

Accepted Answer

For budget-conscious solo travellers seeking affordable accommodation in Hakone, areas around Hakone-Yumoto and Gora offer the best value. These locations serve as key transportation hubs, providing easy access to the region's attractions without the premium prices often found in more secluded areas.

Hakone-Yumoto, the gateway to Hakone, is particularly well-suited for solo travellers on a budget. It boasts a good selection of hostels and smaller ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) that are more affordable than those deeper in the mountains. From here, you can easily access the Hakone Tozan Railway and buses, making exploration convenient. Plus, there are plenty of inexpensive eateries and souvenir shops to browse.

Gora, another central point, also presents good options for cheap hotels and guesthouses. It's the starting point for the Hakone Tozan Cable Car and close to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which can be explored on foot. Solo travellers will find a decent range of affordable dining, from ramen shops to local cafes.

Question 3

What are the top-rated cheap hotels for families in Hakone?

Accepted Answer

For top-rated, budget-friendly hotels superb for families in Hakone, consider WPÜ HOTEL HAKONE, Hakone Yutowa, and YuYu Hakone - Private Open Air Onsen Usage Guaranteed.

WPÜ HOTEL HAKONE, with an impressive 9.4 rating, is highly praised for its comfortable and spacious rooms. Families will appreciate the free self-parking, complimentary WiFi, and free toiletries. The hotel also provides slippers for children and offers free rollaway extra beds, making it very accommodating for families. Many guests highlight the modern and clean facilities, as well as its excellent location.

Hakone Yutowa, a hotel with a 9.2 rating, offers spacious and clean rooms, often with mountain views. It provides free self-parking, complimentary WiFi, and free rollaway extra beds, along with sofa beds for added convenience. Reviewers frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the excellent amenities, and the amazing breakfast buffet, ensuring a pleasant start to your day.

YuYu Hakone - Private Open Air Onsen Usage Guaranteed, a hotel with an 8.8 rating, is known for its exceptional service and friendly staff. It offers free self-parking and complimentary WiFi. A unique feature is the guaranteed private outdoor onsen usage, which can be a relaxing experience for families.

Question 4

What cheap hotels in Hakone offer complimentary breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Hakone that include complimentary breakfast, you have several excellent options, including Gora Hanaougi, Ryokan Kiritani Hakoneso, Jemsty Inn Hakone Ashinoko, Sushi Auberge Gorasaryo, and Hotel Okuyumoto.

Gora Hanaougi is a hotel with a great 10.0 rating. Guests consistently praise the lovely staff and exceptional service, as well as the great food and beautiful, clean rooms. The hotel offers a complimentary Japanese breakfast and provides free pick-up and drop-off services to the train station, adding to its great value.

Another solid choice is the Ryokan Kiritani Hakoneso, which has an 8.8 rating. This hotel provides a full complimentary breakfast and features various on-site hot springs, including both indoor and outdoor public and private ryokan onsen experiences. Guests often mention the comfortable and clean rooms.

Jemsty Inn Hakone Ashinoko, with a 9.2 rating, offers a free continental breakfast, making it a convenient option for an easy start to your day. Free WiFi is also available for all guests.

Sushi Auberge Gorasaryo, a hotel rated 9.0, includes a complimentary Japanese breakfast.

Question 5

When is the most affordable time to visit Hakone?

Accepted Answer

The most affordable time to visit Hakone is typically during the shoulder seasons, specifically late autumn (November to early December) and early spring (March to April), outside of major Japanese holidays. These periods offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, which often translates to better deals on accommodation and travel.

For solo travellers, avoiding peak cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and the vibrant autumn foliage period (late October to early November) can lead to significant savings. While these times are beautiful, they attract large numbers of visitors, driving up prices. Instead, consider visiting just before or after these popular windows; you might still catch some lingering beauty without the premium costs.

Another strategy for budget-conscious solo travellers is to steer clear of public holidays such as Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August), and the New Year period. During these times, domestic travel surges, making everything from train tickets to ryokan stays considerably more expensive and harder to book.

Question 6

Are there any cheap Hakone hotels near Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels near Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in Hakone, Gora Hanaougi is an excellent choice.

The Gora Hanaougi, with a great 10.0 rating, offers wonderful value with complimentary breakfast, free self-parking, and free WiFi. Guests consistently praise the lovely staff and the beautiful, clean rooms. They also highlight the excellent service and amazing food, along with its great location.

Question 7

Is Hakone a budget-friendly destination?

Accepted Answer

While Hakone is generally considered more expensive, particularly for its luxury ryokan experiences, travellers can absolutely experience its magic on a budget with some smart planning.

For accommodation, look beyond the traditional high-end ryokans and consider guesthouses or smaller, family-run inns in areas like Hakone-Yumoto or Gora. These often provide a more affordable stay while still offering a glimpse into local Japanese hospitality. Solo travellers might find excellent value in hostels, which are becoming increasingly available in the region.

Couples can save on transport by purchasing the Hakone Free Pass, which covers most major attractions and transportation, including the Tozan Railway, ropeway, and sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi. This pass is a fantastic investment for exploring the area's natural beauty without breaking the bank. Many of Hakone's most captivating experiences are free, such as walking along the shores of Lake Ashi, exploring the open-air sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum (though there is an entrance fee, it's worthwhile), or simply enjoying the stunning views of Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Dining can be kept modest by opting for local ramen shops, soba noodle restaurants, or convenience store meals, which offer surprisingly good quality and variety. Many guesthouses also provide kitchen facilities, allowing for self-catering.

Question 8

What cheap hotels in Hakone offer cooking facilities or kitchenettes?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Hakone offering cooking facilities or kitchenettes, consider BLISSTIA Hakone Sengokuhara and Yutorelo-an Annex.

The BLISSTIA Hakone Sengokuhara, with an excellent 9.6 rating, provides kitchenettes in its rooms, making it convenient for preparing your own meals. Guests frequently comment on the amazing spa, modern facilities, and clean rooms. Additionally, you can enjoy free WiFi and complimentary self-parking. For relaxation, some rooms feature private outdoor hot tubs, and the hotel has onsite hot springs and spring water bathtubs.

Another option is Yutorelo-an Annex, rated 7.4. This hotel also offers kitchenettes, giving you the flexibility to cook during your stay. It provides free WiFi and complimentary self-parking. For added convenience, the hotel offers free pick-up and drop-off services to the train station.

Question 9

Which cheap hotels in Hakone have good reviews for customer service?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels in Hakone with great customer service, travellers often praise Gora Hanaougi, Hakone Suisen, and Centurion Hakone Bettei.

The Gora Hanaougi, with a great 10.0 rating, stands out for its exceptional service and lovely staff. Guests also benefit from complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and convenient free pick-up and drop-off services at the train station.

Hakone Suisen, rated 9.8, is known for its attentive and fantastic staff. This hotel offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, and features both indoor and outdoor public onsen for a relaxing experience.

Another excellent choice is Centurion Hakone Bettei, rated 9.6, where guests consistently highlight the top service and friendly, fantastic staff.

Question 10

Are there any cheap hotels in Hakone that allow for late check-out or early check-in?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for budget-friendly hotels in Hakone that can accommodate non-standard arrival or departure times, the Marroad Hakone is an excellent option.

The Marroad Hakone, with an 8.0 rating, offers both early check-in and late check-out options, though these may be subject to availability. The hotel provides a complimentary pick-up and drop-off service to the train station, which is incredibly convenient for travellers. Guests frequently praise the helpful staff and delicious food. You'll also benefit from free WiFi, complimentary self-parking, and free toiletries.

Question 11

What free activities should we do in Hakone?

Accepted Answer

For budget-conscious solo travellers in Hakone, there are several fantastic free activities to enjoy that immerse you in the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The stunning natural landscapes are the main draw here, offering serene experiences without costing a yen.

You can embark on picturesque hikes along the ancient Hakone Old Tokaido Road, a historic route that once connected Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. Sections like the cedar-lined avenue near Amazake Chaya offer a tranquil walk through nature, providing a glimpse into Japan's past. For breathtaking views, head to the shores of Lake Ashi; walking along the lakeside paths, especially near Hakone-machi or Motohakone, allows you to admire the iconic torii gate of Hakone Shrine in the water and, on a clear day, the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance.

Another enriching free experience is visiting the numerous Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples scattered throughout the region. Hakone Shrine, located at the foot of Mount Hakone, is particularly impressive with its vibrant vermilion structures and peaceful atmosphere. Exploring its grounds, including the large torii gate in the lake, is completely free. Additionally, many of the smaller, local temples offer a quiet space for reflection and a chance to appreciate traditional Japanese architecture without any entrance fees.

Question 12

Can I cancel my budget hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in Hakone for you.

Question 13

How can I save on a budget hotel in Hakone with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of ways to save on a budget hotel in Hakone. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards programme, to unlock Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on hotel bookings. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.

Question 14

How much does a budget hotel in Hakone cost?

Accepted Answer

Budget hotel prices in Hakone vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$204 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—typically, off-peak and mid-week stays are cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.

Question 15

Is it cheaper to book a Hakone hotel and flight package?

Accepted Answer

Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.

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Our top choices for Hakone cheap hotels

1. Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori（ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS）

2. Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan

3. YuYu Hakone - Private Open Air Onsen Usage Guaranteed

4. Hakone Kowakien

5. Laforet Hakone Gora Yunosumika

6. Gora Hanaougi

7. Ajisai Onsen Ryokan - Award Winning Private Open Air Onsen Hakone

8. HAKONE Setsugetsuka

9. Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel

10. The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko

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