Hot-spring theme park in Hakone with baths as curious as wine, green tea or coffee, plus a traditional onsen; from around 2.500 ¥.
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a hot-spring theme park unique in Japan, perfect for enjoying the onsen in a fun and family-friendly way (in the Yunessun area you go in wearing a swimsuit, unlike the traditional onsen). Its biggest draw is the themed baths: the red-wine pool, the green-tea one, the coffee one and even the sake one, as well as slides and water areas for children. For those who prefer the classic experience, the Mori no Yu section offers traditional thermal baths, indoor and outdoor, separated by sex and without a swimsuit. There are tickets for a single area or combined passes giving access to both; the price starts at around 2.500 ¥ depending on the option. It is in the Kowakudani area, well connected by the Hakone train and bus. Bring or rent a swimsuit for the Yunessun part and allow enough time, because it is easy to spend several hours there. It is advisable to buy the ticket online. It is an ideal plan to combine relaxation and fun on a day in Hakone, especially with children or in a group.
