NOL Hakone Myojindai: A Boutique Onsen Escape Between Tokyo & Kyoto

I spent two nights at NOL Hakone Myojindai as a reset between the energy of Tokyo and the cultural deep-dive of Kyoto. It ended up being one of my favorite stays in Japan.

This boutique style hotel strikes a rare balance: it feels elevated and thoughtfully designed, yet still approachable in price. It’s part of a small, design-forward brand with a sister property in Kyoto, and what really sets it apart is how seamlessly it blends modern comfort with traditional Japanese elements. The entire experience feels rooted in place—quiet, nature-forward, and deeply relaxing—without ever feeling overly formal or intimidating.

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Getting There: Transportation & Logistics

Reaching Hakone—and NOL Hakone Myojindai—is part of the experience.

From Tokyo, I took the Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station, which is by far the most comfortable and scenic option. From there, you have a few choices:

Taxi (easiest, ~20–30 minutes)
Local train to Gora Station (the hotel has a shuttle that can be reserved at specific times to pick you up from Gora Station)

I opted for a taxi for convenience, especially since the hotel is tucked away in a peaceful, forested area. Once you arrive, you immediately feel removed from the crowds.

The Overall Vibe: Modern Meets Traditional

It’s quiet, serene, and intentionally a bit secluded. The design here is one of its strongest features. Think:

Clean, modern lines
Warm wood tones
Subtle Japanese design elements
Floor-to-ceiling windows bringing in forest views

But it never feels overly minimalist or sterile; there’s a softness to the space that makes it feel cozy and grounded. It’s the kind of place where you instantly slow down.

Spacious, modern lobby at Nol Hakone Hotel with a long bar and wooden stools, warm wood-paneled walls, and a dramatic sculptural chandelier of suspended rods, viewed from above with cozy seating areas and soft ambient lighting throughout.

Amenities: Designed for Relaxation

This is not a hotel where you’re rushing out to sightsee—this is where you stay in and enjoy.

Highlights include:

Forest terrace: A peaceful outdoor space surrounded by greenery—perfect for unwinding with tea
Indoor heated pool: Opens up to an outdoor deck in warmer weather, blending indoor/outdoor living beautifully
Steam room: Ideal after a soak in the onsen
Thoughtful lounge spaces throughout the property

The entire property encourages you to move slowly, relax, and disconnect.

Room Types & Style: What to Book

NOL Hakone Myojindai offers a mix of modern Western-style rooms and more traditional Japanese-inspired layouts, so your experience can vary quite a bit depending on what you book.

Deluxe Onsen Twin (What I Booked)

We stayed in a Deluxe Onsen Twin, and I would absolutely recommend this category if it’s within your budget.

Spacious, modern design with warm wood accents
Large windows with peaceful forest views
Private in-room onsen bath (major highlight)
Twin beds with a comfortable seating area

Having a private onsen made it easy to soak whenever we wanted—especially in the early morning or at night—and added a level of privacy and convenience that really elevated the stay.

Standard Twin & Tatami Room (More Traditional Option)

I also had the chance to view a Standard Twin & Tatami room, which offers a more traditional Japanese feel.

Combination of Western beds + tatami mat flooring
Lower seating area for a more classic Japanese layout
No private onsen in this category

Tatami rooms are traditional Japanese-style spaces with woven straw mats as flooring. You’ll often find:

Low tables and floor seating
A more minimalist, open layout
A slightly more immersive cultural feel

Even without a private onsen, these rooms still felt very comfortable and thoughtfully designed—just a different aesthetic and experience.

The Onsen Experience (Public + Private)

The onsen facilities here are a major highlight.

Public Onsen

Separate men’s and women’s baths
Both indoor and outdoor soaking areas
Surrounded by nature—especially beautiful in the open-air sections

Private Onsen (In-Room)

We had a private onsen in our room, and I absolutely loved having both options.

Private = convenience and intimacy
Public = more traditional experience and larger bathing spaces

If your budget allows, I highly recommend booking a room with a private onsen because it makes the stay extra special and relaxing.

Private outdoor onsen bath at Nol Hakone Hotel with a deep soaking tub on a covered balcony, overlooking trees and mountain views, with a seating area and soft natural light creating a serene atmosphere.

Food & Dining

Dinner

The hotel offers an on-site restaurant with a curated dinner experience, though it’s more limited than larger resorts.

Thoughtfully prepared dishes with a refined presentation
Emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients

If you don’t opt for the restaurant:

There’s a limited room service menu available for dinner
Good to know in advance if you prefer more flexibility

Breakfast

The breakfast buffet was excellent:

Wide variety of options (both Japanese and Western)
Fresh, high-quality ingredients
A great way to start a slow morning before heading to Kyoto or continuing your trip

Outside the hotel

For dinner on the second night, we opted to eat out at a cute burger restaurant down the road. The walk was about 12 minutes downhill from the hotel to Box Burger where we enjoyed a casual but delicious meal. It’s the closest restaurant to the hotel and a good option if you are looking for an easy bite to eat. We enjoyed our meal so much that we got some extra fries to good and bought some Box Burger merch!

We also ate lunch out on the day we spent exploring the sights of Hakone. Opting to grab a meal lakeside after the ferry across Lake Ashi.

The Lobby & Lounge Perks

The lobby is beautiful—light-filled, calm, and inviting. One of my favorite touches was the complimentary drink station available all day. There’s a beautiful bar area right in the lobby that offers a wide variety of teas, coffee, hot chocolate plus wine for small additional fee.

It’s the kind of space you naturally gravitate toward in between activities—or after a soak in the onsen.

Things To Do Nearby

Hakone is known for its nature and slower pace, and this hotel makes a great base if you want to explore lightly.

Nearby highlights:

Hakone Open-Air Museum
Lake Ashi (with views of Mount Fuji on clear days)
Hakone Ropeway
Scenic walks and forested trails

That said, this is more of a “stay and relax” destination than a packed sightseeing stop—and that’s exactly why it works so well between Tokyo and Kyoto.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Beautiful blend of modern design and traditional Japanese elements
Excellent onsen facilities (both public and private options)
Thoughtful amenities and relaxing atmosphere
Incredible value for the level of luxury
Pajamas that are genuinely next-level
Perfect “reset” stop between major cities

Cons

Slightly remote location (taxi needed from station)
Limited dinner options if you don’t book the restaurant
Not ideal if you want a highly activity-packed stay

TLDR: NOL Hakone Myojindai Review

NOL Hakone Myojindai is exactly the kind of place that elevates a Japan itinerary—from a busy, fast-paced trip to something more balanced and intentional.

It’s calm without being boring, luxurious without being over-the-top, and deeply rooted in its surroundings. For me, it was the perfect pause between two incredible cities—and a stay I’d recommend without hesitation.