Aura Tachibana
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Aura Tachibana sits on a hill above Hakone Yumoto in Kanagawa, offering 45 rooms across two wings. The Kaze no Tachi wing focuses on modern rooms, many with private open-air baths, while Mori no Tachi preserves traditional Japanese-style layouts with tatami and larger family rooms. Guest rooms include seating areas, wide windows framing mountain or town views, en-suite facilities and complimentary Wi‑Fi. A free shuttle to Hakone Yumoto Station and on-site parking ease arrival and day trips.
The property centers on hot spring bathing: a large public complex with indoor and open-air sections, saunas and a washing area designed for privacy. Public baths operate in afternoon–evening and early morning periods. The spring is a weakly alkaline simple hot spring (pH 8.7). For seclusion, the rooftop "open-air bath with a view" is reservable for private use and several Kaze no Tachi rooms include private onsen, making it a practical choice for travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen Hakone.
Meals emphasize creative kaiseki cuisine that highlights seasonal vegetables and seafood, presented with care; dining pairs easily with cocktails or coffee on the sky terrace cafe & bar overlooking the valley. On-site facilities include a tea lounge, souvenir shop, massage services and a banquet space that can double as a meeting room, plus vending and relaxation areas. The combination of relaxation-focused amenities, convenient access from Tokyo and the emphasis on public and private bathing positions the property as a considered ryokan with onsen Kanagawa for visitors exploring the region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Aura Tachibana
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional Japanese experience
Many guests praised the ryokan’s strong blend of modern comfort and traditional Japanese style, noting the immersive atmosphere, the ability to wear provided kimonos, and the overall cultural authenticity of the stay.
Excellent multi-course meals (kaiseki) with options
Reviews highlight outstanding, generous dinners and breakfasts with high-quality presentation; several guests appreciated that vegetarian options were available and that meals allowed tasting multiple traditional dishes.
Private and public onsen facilities
The private open-air baths (onsen) in rooms or on terraces were repeatedly described as a major highlight—romantic, relaxing and with great views—while the property also offers a well-regarded public onsen.
Attentive, friendly and helpful staff
Staff received frequent praise for being polite, attentive and service-oriented, including help with transport arrangements and exceptional table service during meals.
Spacious, well-equipped rooms with views and amenities
Guests noted roomy, clean rooms with scenic mountain/valley views, comfortable bedding in many rooms, plentiful toiletries, and useful extras (kimono lending, futon setup on request). A shuttle service to/from the station was also appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Breakfast is very local/heavy
Multiple guests found the typical Japanese breakfast (kaiseki/salty options) large and very local; some wished for a more continental option and noted it must be requested in advance or sought elsewhere.
Onsen access and temperature issues
A few reviewers reported problems with onsen use: some rooftop/on-site onsen tubs being excessively hot or difficult to enter, and occasional booking/availability hassles for private baths.
Tattoo policy limits public onsen use
Some visitors were disappointed that guests with large tattoos could not use the public sento due to local custom, although private onsen rental options were available.
Accessibility challenges from the station
The hotel sits uphill and some guests found the climb with luggage strenuous; while a shuttle exists, it may require coordination (asking tourist office to call) rather than automatic pickup.
Occasional comfort, maintenance and connectivity issues
A minority of reviews mentioned firm mattresses, minor wear or paint damage in rooms, missing small items (e.g., towels or bedside lamps in one room) and intermittent/weak Wi‑Fi connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check-in is from 3:00 PM (please notify the hotel of your arrival time; arrive by 6:00 PM if you plan to have dinner) and check-out is by 10:00 AM.
Room types range from 2-person twin rooms to traditional family rooms that can accommodate up to six guests; specific capacity depends on the room type, so confirm when booking.
Yes — the ryokan offers large public indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, and several room types (Kaze no Tachi and top-floor rooms) include private open-air onsen.
Yes — a free shuttle runs between Hakone-Yumoto Station and the hotel (service from the station is roughly 2:00–6:00 PM and from the hotel about 8:00–10:00 AM); call upon arrival at the station to use it.
From Shinjuku take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto (about 85 minutes); from Haneda or Narita use trains to Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto and transfer by local train, bus or taxi (Odawara is about a 15-minute drive).
Yes — staff can assist in English to help with check-in, directions and basic guest needs.
The ryokan serves seasonal kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfast; please inform the hotel in advance of any special dietary requests so the kitchen can prepare accordingly.
Pets are not allowed and the property is non-smoking throughout.
Some rooms include private in-room open-air baths and there is a private open-air bath at the sky terrace; ask reception about arranging private use or room options with a private bath.
The ryokan is a short walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station; Hakone Art Museum is about a 20-minute drive and Lake Ashi about 35 minutes by car, with local trains, buses and taxis available for sightseeing.