Kowakien Yunessun
A unique hot spring theme park in Hakone, famous for its wine, coffee, and matcha baths, offering a quirky and fun soak.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fills a rainy afternoon perfectly
Kowakien Yunessun
Best Time
Fills a rainy afternoon perfectly
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique hot spring theme park in Hakone, famous for its wine, coffee, and matcha baths, offering a quirky and fun soak.
"It's kinda tacky, kinda weird, relaxing, popular, quirky, diverse and definitely Japanese!"
Bring Your Swimwear! :swimsuit:
The main Yunessun area requires swimwear for all themed baths.
Wristband for Easy Payment :credit_card:
Use your wristband to charge food and purchases, settling the bill upon exit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Wine Bath
Yunessun Area
Soak in a bath filled with actual red wine for a truly unique and Instagrammable experience.
+1Coffee & Matcha Soaks
Yunessun Area
Explore other novelty baths like coffee and matcha, offering different sensory experiences.
+1
Fish Pedicure
Yunessun Area
Dip your feet into a pool and let small fish nibble away dead skin for a fun, ticklish treat.
Cave Bath with a View
Outdoor Area
Relax in an outdoor cave-style pool, offering a more traditional onsen feel with scenic surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Novelty, Manage Expectations
Plan Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Swimwear! :swimsuit:
The main Yunessun area requires swimwear for all themed baths.
Wristband for Easy Payment :credit_card:
Use your wristband to charge food and purchases, settling the bill upon exit.
Slippers Recommended :athletic_shoe:
The floors can be wet; consider bringing slippers for comfort and hygiene.
Check for Maintenance :construction:
Outdoor pools may be closed for maintenance, so check in advance if a specific one is a must-see.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Swimwear! :swimsuit:
The main Yunessun area requires swimwear for all themed baths.
Wristband for Easy Payment :credit_card:
Use your wristband to charge food and purchases, settling the bill upon exit.
Slippers Recommended :athletic_shoe:
The floors can be wet; consider bringing slippers for comfort and hygiene.
Check for Maintenance :construction:
Outdoor pools may be closed for maintenance, so check in advance if a specific one is a must-see.
Kid-Friendly Fun :child:
The flow pool and kids' slide upstairs are great for younger visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kowakien Yunessun offers a unique and quirky onsen experience with its famous wine, coffee, and matcha baths. While some find the facilities a bit dated and crowded, many enjoy the novelty and the fun, relaxed atmosphere, especially families. It's a memorable stop for those seeking something different from traditional hot springs.
"Our family of 4 rented a car just to come here for a day. Place was spacious, plenty of lockers and different themed warm pools. Price is relatively cheap. Outside onsen with the view was closed for maintenance which was disappointing. We did the fish nibbling your feet which was fun. Place desperately needed an upgrade though. Everything is so run down, the bottom of the outside cave pool was peeling off as I was walking, scraping my foot. If you are from the US, don’t bother coming here as the water parks are much bigger and newer and kids could actually play like kids. Kids are expected to play quietly here 😂. Place was built in 2001 and seems like they never had an upgrade, just minimal maintenance. I don’t smell any sulfur smell to the pools like a hot spring should though."
Tammy Wong
"The floor was wet (obviously) but we all had to go with bare feet.. making me worry all the time about getting foot bacteria that would make them fall off or grow fungus. Please let me just wear slippers it's not that big of a deal. It wouldn't be IF it wasn't so damn crowded. Can't even lay down in the pools because there is someone next to you and most of the pools were unenterable because of the humongous amount of people in it. Food and a 50 people line and it wasn't even yummy."
?
"We went to the water park- booked tickets online for the afternoon slot and rented towels for ¥250 each. Was very easy to fill many hours here. Lots of different novelty onsens to get in, the water everywhere was lovely and hot and even around the pool areas was really warm too, makes a change from uk public pools! You can tell it’s older but it still felt clean enough and plenty of lifeguards. You get a wristband when you go in and you can charge food to it or other bits that you do. For ¥150 you can do the fish nibbling your feet thing which was really entertaining. Great showers in the changing room, all with shampoo/shower gel and conditioner included. Would definitely recommend and really suited us on an afternoon when it was pouring with rain!"
Sarah Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route is to take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Odawara Station, then transfer to a local bus (Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu Hakone Bus) to the Kowakien bus stop. The entire journey can take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Yes, it's definitely feasible as a day trip. Many visitors do this, especially if they book afternoon tickets. Just be prepared for a full day of travel and soaking.
If you're in Hakone, you can take a Hakone Tozan Bus or an Izu Hakone Bus directly to the Kowakien bus stop. This is a convenient option if you're exploring the wider Hakone area.
While rideshares are available, they might be more expensive than public transport, especially for longer distances. The bus from Odawara is generally recommended for cost-effectiveness.
Yes, Hakone Kowakien Yunessun has parking facilities available for visitors who choose to drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the area you wish to access and the time of day. A general admission to the Yunessun area (swimwear required) is around ¥2,500-¥3,000. Access to the Mori no Onsen (clothing-free) may incur an additional fee. Booking online can sometimes offer discounts.
It's highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially for afternoon slots or during peak seasons, to secure your entry and potentially get better rates.
The Yunessun area typically opens around 10 am on weekdays and 9 am on weekends and holidays, closing around 6 pm or 7 pm respectively. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, staying at the Hakone Kowakien Hotel often grants unlimited access to Yunessun, including before check-in, during your stay, and even after check-out.
Yes, besides the themed Yunessun area, there is also the Mori no Onsen, a more traditional, clothing-free, and gender-segregated onsen experience.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Yunessun is famous for its novelty baths, including a wine bath, coffee bath, matcha bath, and even a sake bath. These offer a quirky and fun alternative to traditional onsen.
Yes, Yunessun has a dedicated family area with water slides and a flow pool, making it enjoyable for kids. However, the novelty baths are more about relaxation than active play.
You must wear swimwear in the Yunessun area, as it's a shared space with various themed pools.
Yes, ample lockers and changing rooms are provided. You can rent towels for a small fee.
Photography is generally allowed in the swimwear-required areas, but be mindful of other guests' privacy. The traditional Mori no Onsen area is strictly no-photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several dining options available within Yunessun, offering a range of Japanese and international dishes. You can use your wristband to charge food and pay later.
Reviews on food are mixed. Some find it convenient and decent, while others mention long lines and that it's not particularly memorable or worth the price.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted within the Yunessun facility. It's best to purchase food from their onsite restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The wine bath, coffee bath, and the outdoor cave bath with its scenic views are popular photo spots. The overall quirky atmosphere also makes for unique shots.
Photography is permitted in the swimwear-required areas of Yunessun. However, the Mori no Onsen (traditional, clothing-free area) strictly prohibits cameras and phones.
While you can bring your phone into the swimwear-required pools, it's advisable to use a waterproof case and be considerate of others' privacy when taking photos or videos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the novelty baths are a highlight, keep in mind that the focus is more on relaxed soaking than high-thrill rides. The Mori no Onsen area is strictly for adults and requires nudity, so it's best to plan separate visits or for one parent to supervise the children in the Yunessun area. The wristband payment system makes it easy to manage expenses for the whole family.
✨ Couples & Friends
+1 Exploring the various themed baths together, like the coffee or matcha pools, can be a delightful way to spend an afternoon. The novelty of the experience is a great conversation starter and a departure from typical date activities. Consider booking a private onsen if available for a more intimate experience, or simply enjoy the shared novelty baths. The cave bath with a view also offers a more serene setting for relaxation.
📸 Instagrammers & Novelty Seekers
+1 Don't forget to snap shots of the coffee, matcha, and other quirky baths that make this place so distinctive. The overall atmosphere is playful and unconventional, offering plenty of visual interest. Remember to bring your swimwear and a waterproof phone case to capture the action in the pools. While the facility might not be brand new, its unique offerings are what draw visitors, and the novelty factor is undeniable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Appeal of Themed Baths
+1 Other popular options include the coffee bath, which is said to invigorate the skin, and the matcha bath, known for its antioxidant benefits. This novelty is a major draw for tourists seeking a unique Japanese experience beyond traditional onsen. While these themed baths are the main attraction, it's important to note that the water in these novelty baths may not possess the same therapeutic mineral qualities as natural hot springs. The experience is more about the novelty and fun rather than deep therapeutic benefits. Visitors often find the experience to be quirky, entertaining, and highly photogenic, making it a memorable part of their trip to Hakone.
Navigating Yunessun: Swimwear vs. Traditional Onsen
+1 It's a more casual and family-friendly environment. In contrast, the Mori no Onsen (Forest Hot Spring) area offers a more traditional and serene onsen experience. Here, bathing is done naked and the area is strictly segregated by gender. This section provides a more authentic onsen feel, with natural hot spring waters and a quieter atmosphere.
A Note on Maintenance and Atmosphere
Despite this, many visitors still find the experience enjoyable, especially if they manage their expectations. The quirky charm and the novelty of the themed baths often outweigh the minor aesthetic drawbacks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit