Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, the all-weather onsen theme park in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, is celebrating the arrival of spring with a cherry blossom-themed event, "Hanami Onsen 2026," running from Thursday, March 26, 2026, for a limited period.
Duck Hanami Bath: A Float of 3,000 Rubber Ducks
The crowd-pleasing seasonal bath "Ahiru no Hana Ikada Buro" (Duck Hanami Bath) returns to the indoor "Turkish Hamam" zone. Roughly 3,000 rubber duck toys float across the water's surface, while 40 cherry blossom–colored lanterns cast a soft pink glow overhead—evoking the feel of sakura petals drifting on a river. Cameras and smartphones are permitted inside Yunessun (the swimwear bathing area), making it a prime spot for photos.
Venue: Yunessun (swimwear onsen area) – Indoor "Turkish Hamam"
Period: March 26 (Thu) – April 24 (Fri), 2026
Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM–6:00 PM / Weekends & holidays 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
Standard Yunessun admission required: Adults (middle school and above) from ¥2,500 (tax included); Children (age 3 and above) from ¥1,400 (tax included).
Hanami in a Swimsuit Under the Open Sky
In the outdoor area, Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom throughout the grounds. Guests can soak in the outdoor hot springs and pools while enjoying the blossoms under the warm spring sky—a one-of-a-kind hanami experience. The park is also running the 25th Anniversary "Yunessun NICO NICO Photo Contest" during this period, inviting guests to share their favorite springtime shots on SNS.
Seasonal Cocktails at Hakone Hotel Kowakien
Hakone Hotel Kowakien's 4th-floor Bar 1959 is serving a "Spring Cocktail Fair" with three limited-time drinks:
- Sakura Highball – A refined Japanese-style highball with a gentle hint of cherry blossom
- Sakura Royale – Sparkling wine and liqueur in harmony
- Strawberry Milk Delight – A sweet, creamy blend of strawberry and chocolate
Each cocktail is ¥1,300 (tax and service charge included). The bar is also open to day-trip visitors.
Venue: 4F Bar 1959, Hakone Hotel Kowakien
Period: March 15 (Sun) – April 12 (Sun), 2026
Hours: 4:00 PM–midnight (Last order 11:30 PM)
Sakura Cocktails at Hakone Kowakien Ten-Yu
The ryokan hotel Hakone Kowakien Ten-Yu, where all guest rooms feature open-air hot spring baths, offers four seasonal "Sakura Cocktails" at its 1st-floor The Bar & Lounge. The lineup captures the fragrance of cherry blossoms and the sweet-tart taste of fruits, celebrating the beauty of spring. Day-trip guests are welcome to stop by.
Each cocktail is ¥1,800 (tax and service charge included).
Venue: 1F Ten-Yu The Bar & Lounge, Hakone Kowakien Ten-Yu
Period: March 1 (Sun) – April 17 (Fri), 2026
Hours: 4:00 PM–11:00 PM (Last order 10:30 PM)
Hakone Kowakien Cherry Blossom Collection
The Hakone Kowakien complex—which also includes Mikawaya Ryokan and Horaien—offers multiple hanami spots throughout the grounds.
This spring, Hakone Kowakien offers hanami experiences unlike anywhere else—from floating rubber ducks and cherry blossom lanterns indoors to sakura-framed pools under the open sky.
