Miyanoshita Station

Miyanoshita Station is a small railway stop on the Hakone Tozan Railway line in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, serving as a gateway to one of Japan's most historic hot spring resort areas. The station opened in 1919 as part of the mountain railway system that connects Odawara to Gora, winding through the mountainous terrain of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The railway itself is renowned as Japan's oldest mountain railway, featuring a unique switchback system that allows trains to climb the steep gradients.

The station's primary significance lies in its proximity to Miyanoshita Onsen, a hot spring resort town that has welcomed visitors since the Edo period and gained international prominence during the Meiji era. The area around the station retains a nostalgic atmosphere with traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) and Western-style historic hotels, most notably the Fujiya Hotel, which opened in 1878 and stands as one of Japan's oldest Western-style resort hotels. The hotel's classic architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens represent a unique fusion of Japanese and European design from the Meiji period.

Visitors arriving at Miyanoshita Station can explore the charming hillside streets lined with traditional shops, cafes, and galleries housed in renovated historic buildings. The station area offers scenic walking routes through forested paths, with views of the surrounding mountains and occasional glimpses of Mount Fuji on clear days. Many travelers use the station as a base for experiencing authentic hot spring bathing culture, as several public bathhouses and day-use onsen facilities are within walking distance. The nearby Chisuji Falls provides a short hiking destination accessible from the station area.

Miyanoshita Station is located approximately 15 minutes by train from Hakone-Yumoto Station, the main gateway to Hakone. The Hakone Tozan Railway operates regular services throughout the day, and the station is included in the Hakone Free Pass, a popular multi-day transportation ticket covering most transport modes in the Hakone region. From Tokyo, travelers typically take the Odakyu Romance Car to Hakone-Yumoto before transferring to the mountain railway.