Still Thinking About Golden Week 2025 Plans?
If you haven’t decided yet, how about spending the holidays somewhere close to Tokyo—where you can enjoy hot springs, fresh air, and beautiful scenery? All of these spots are accessible by train, making them easy to visit even for a short trip.
These destinations still have availability in early May, so it’s a good time to start planning. Whether you’re looking to unwind in nature or soak in a quiet onsen, here are a few last-minute ideas to help make the most of your Golden Week.
For other things to do in Japan, kindly see article below.
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1. Nikko
How to Get to Nikko by Train from Tokyo
From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Limited Express “Romancecar” directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station. The ride takes approximately 85 minutes and offers a comfortable and scenic route.
Alternatively, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station (about 35 minutes), then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line to reach Hakone-Yumoto.
What to See and Do
Nikko is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Shrines and Temples of Nikko, including Futarasan Shrine, Toshogu Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple—all set within the historic Nikko mountain area and surrounded by peaceful forests.
Also part of Nikko National Park, the area offers breathtaking natural landscapes. The park spans approximately 114,000 hectares across Tochigi, Fukushima, and Gunma Prefectures and was established in 1934 as one of Japan’s first national parks.
For those looking to relax, Nikko also features scenic hot springs and stylish glamping options, making it the perfect Golden Week escape.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko
For a luxurious Golden Week experience, consider The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, located on the shores of Lake Chuzenji with views of the majestic Mt. Nantai. This hotel is the first in the Ritz-Carlton brand to feature its own onsen (hot spring), offering a unique blend of luxury and tradition.
Nestled within Nikko National Park, the hotel provides stunning views of both the lake and the mountains from its guest rooms. At The Japanese Restaurant by The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, guests can enjoy exquisite dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, highlighting the region’s natural bounty.
Price: From ￥170,000*
Address: 2482 CHUGUSHI, Nikko, 09, 321-1661
2: Fufu Nikko
Located next to the serene Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, Fufu Nikko offers a peaceful and sacred atmosphere—ideal for a quiet Golden Week escape. Each suite features a private onsen fed by the hotel’s own natural hot spring source, ensuring a truly relaxing stay.
As previously introduced on belongingJAPAN, the Fufu group is known for its small luxury concept. The design and service are carefully curated to minimize encounters with other guests, allowing families and individuals to enjoy a fully private experience.
Dining at Fufu Nikko includes refined Japanese cuisine and teppanyaki, made with local ingredients and presented with seasonal elegance.
Price: From ￥140,800* 12% Off
Address: 1573-8 Hon, Nikko, Tochigi, 321-1434
2. Hakone
How to Get to Hakone by Train from Tokyo
- Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Ueno Station to Utsunomiya Station, then transfer to the JR Nikko Line to reach Nikko Station.
Or, take the Tobu Limited Express “SPACIA” or “Revaty” from Asakusa Station directly to Tobu-Nikko Station. The trip takes about 2 hours and offers a comfortable and scenic ride.
What to See and Do
Hakone is filled with relaxing and visually stunning attractions—ideal for a Golden Week escape. Take a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway for breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi, or enjoy a cruise on a charming pirate ship across the lake. Visit the iconic Hakone Shrine, hidden in the forest near the water’s edge, and soak in its spiritual atmosphere.
Art lovers will enjoy the Hakone Museum of Art, where they can appreciate the beauty of Japanese ceramics in a peaceful garden setting. The nearby Polà Museum of Art, surrounded by forest, offers a serene space to view both classic and modern works.
With its wide range of hot springs, traditional ryokan, and modern luxury hotels, Hakone offers something for every traveler.
1. Kinnotake Sengokuhara
For those seeking a refined and tranquil Golden Week retreat, Kinnotake Sengokuhara offers an exclusive adults-only experience in a small luxury setting. Spread across a spacious property, the hotel features only nine unique room types, each with a private open-air bath, creating an atmosphere of quiet seclusion.
Guests can unwind at the serene spa, or enjoy drinks at a bar overlooking a magical reflecting pool. The dining experience includes exquisite Kyo-kaiseki cuisine, prepared with seasonal ingredients and delicate presentation.
Kinnotake Sengokuhara is perfect for travelers who want to slow down, savor the moment, and experience Hakone in a more intimate and luxurious way during Golden Week.
Price: From ￥269,220* 30% Off
Address: 817-342 Sengokuhara Hakone-machi, Hakone, Kanagawa, 250-0631
2. Sengokubara cocon
Opened in February 2024, Sengokuhara Cocon is a brand-new luxury hotel nestled in the serene highland resort area of Sengokuhara, Hakone. Located at an elevation of 800 meters, the property boasts a beautifully landscaped garden spanning over 3,300 square meters, with just five spacious suite rooms, each offering the ultimate in privacy and comfort.
Each suite includes its own private onsen and sauna, providing a personal wellness retreat. Guests can also relax in the hotel’s semi-open-air public bath and herbal bath, designed to soothe both body and mind.
The on-site restaurant showcases premium Japanese wagyu, fresh local seafood, and other carefully selected regional ingredients. Vegan and vegetarian menus are also available upon request, making it a welcoming choice for all dietary preferences.
Price: From ￥178,500* 11% Off
Address: 1245-280 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Kanagawa, 250-0631
3. Kawaguchiko
How to Get to Kawaguchiko by Train from Tokyo
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station (about 1 hour and 30 minutes), then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway bound for Kawaguchiko Station (about 55 minutes).
A direct limited express “Fujisan View Express” or Fuji Excursion service is also available from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, which takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes total.
What to See and Do
Kawaguchiko offers a picture-perfect view of Mt. Fuji, especially from Lake Kawaguchi, which reflects the iconic peak on calm days. The area is home to beautiful flower parks such as Oishi Park, where from late April, tulips, daffodils, and field mustard flowers bloom in full color. In early May, the park transforms as shibazakura (pink moss phlox) spreads out like a vivid pink carpet—perfectly timed for Golden Week.
Visitors can ride the Kachi Kachi Ropeway for panoramic views, visit the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, or enjoy a peaceful cruise across the lake. For those interested in art, the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum showcases intricate kimono artistry in a tranquil garden setting.
1. Fuji Onsenji Yumedono
Just 500 meters from Lake Kawaguchi, Kawaguchiko Onsen Yumedono is a luxurious ryokan that showcases the elegance of traditional Japanese architecture. Designed and built by skilled artisans using time-honored construction techniques, the inn offers a serene retreat steeped in Japanese aesthetic.
Each room is equipped with a private open-air bath, and the villa-style accommodations feature garden-view baths for an even more tranquil experience. Guests can choose from various room types to suit their preferences.
Meals are served in private dining rooms, with both breakfast and dinner crafted using carefully selected ingredients from across Japan. Guests can savor refined Japanese cuisine paired with local Yamanashi wines and Japanese sake, making for a truly memorable stay.
Price: From ￥178,182*
Address: 6677 Funatsu Fujikawaguchikomachi, Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi-ken, 401-0301
2. Fuji Lake Hotel
Established in 1932, Fuji Lake Hotel is a long-standing traditional hotel located by the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. The property offers a variety of room types, including ones with open-air baths, rooms with stunning Lake Kawaguchi views, and rooms with direct views of Mt. Fuji.
Guests can enjoy meals that suit their preferences and family needs—choose from a buffet-style dining area that even young children can enjoy, or opt for a refined experience at the Japanese restaurant, which provides a calm and elegant setting.
Price: From ￥70,000*
Address: 1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-cho, Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi-ken, 401-0301
* Please be aware that the prices and room availability listed above are as of April 24th, 2025. Prices may vary depending on the season, and room availability may change.
* When you purchase products introduced in the content, a portion of the sales may be returned to belongingJAPAN.
