Susukinohara Ichinoyu
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 584 reviews
Susukinohara Ichinoyu sits in the Sengokuhara valley of Hakone, Kanagawa, offering a measured blend of traditional ryokan character and contemporary comfort. The property is arranged in main and annex buildings set into the region’s seasonal landscape, with guestrooms designed in Japanese style or mixed Japanese–Western layouts. A defining feature is that most room types include a private open‑air onsen-style bath, allowing guests to bathe outdoors in thermal water with views of the surrounding greenery; this configuration positions the property as a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa without sacrificing indoor conveniences such as in‑room climate control, flat‑screen TVs and refrigerator facilities. Public hot‑spring facilities are also maintained for those who prefer a communal bathing experience, and the premises are managed to national hygiene standards for hot‑spring operations.
Onsite services focus on simple, serviceable hospitality: a restaurant serves Japanese breakfast and multi‑course dinner options emphasising seasonal ingredients, and front‑desk staff provide basic multilingual assistance. Practical amenities include complimentary parking for guests who travel by car, property‑wide wireless internet, luggage storage and non‑smoking guest rooms; some accessibility features are available in designated areas. The property’s layout and service rhythm aim to balance quiet privacy with accessibility to core guest needs, and small additional services such as towel provision and optional spa or massage bookings can be arranged through reception during a stay. Overall, the accommodation operates like a classic Hakone ryokan with onsen offering both private and shared bathing choices.
Located within easy reach of local attractions, the ryokan is convenient for visits to the nearby wetland botanical garden, regional art museums and the pampas‑grass fields that define Sengokuhara’s seasonal skyline. Transport options include regional bus links and taxi services from the main Hakone stations, making it suitable for travelers planning day trips across the Hakone area or looking for a calm base for sightseeing in the wider Kanagawa prefecture. The property’s setting favours guests seeking measured immersion in Hakone’s hot‑spring culture while keeping practical connections for exploring the region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Susukinohara Ichinoyu
Positive Reviews
Private and public onsens praised
Many reviewers highlighted the private onsen in rooms as a standout feature and also praised the public onsen—both are described as relaxing, with great views and a soothing atmosphere (birds, mountain views).
High-quality traditional meals
Multiple guests enjoyed the kaiseki-style dinners and traditional breakfasts, noting they are generous, very tasty and an authentic experience—recommended for those wanting to try a classic ryokan meal.
Comfortable traditional rooms
Guests appreciated the Japanese-style rooms with tatami and futons, often calling them spacious, comfortable and well appointed; several mentioned tasteful wooden interiors and good room amenities.
Attentive, friendly staff and service
Several reviews mention caring, helpful staff who provide attentive service, contributing to a calm and restful stay.
Good location and facilities
Reviewers liked the peaceful, wooded setting and convenient access to local transport (bus stop for Lake Ashi, ropeway, attractions). On-site amenities such as free drinks/bar and overall equipment were also noted as positives.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent staff courtesy
A few guests reported cold or disrespectful reception from some front-desk staff, indicating variability in service experience across stays.
Rigid meal times and limited meal options
Several reviewers found the set meal schedules restrictive for day trips and mentioned limited flexibility or alternatives for dietary preferences (e.g., difficulty adapting breakfast or meals for food restrictions or picky eaters).
Thin walls and noise from neighbours
Multiple guests noted that room partitioning is thin, so noise from adjacent rooms or neighbours can be noticeable at times.
Room issues: light, view and occasional cleanliness
Some visitors mentioned rooms can be dark or have obstructed views (e.g., power lines), and one reviewer noted the private onsen could have been cleaner on arrival.
Perceived value/price concerns
A few guests felt the stay was expensive relative to some aspects of the experience (room light/view, lack of meal flexibility), affecting perceived value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from twin to quadruple; most rooms sleep 2–4 guests and children are welcome, but cots and extra beds are not provided.
Many room types feature a private in-room or open-air onsen; availability depends on the room booked, so check the room description when reserving.
Yes — the property has communal hot spring baths including indoor and outdoor options in addition to rooms with private baths.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the ryokan is most commonly reached by Hakone-area buses or by taxi from Odawara, Togendai or nearby stations.
Take a direct Hakone-area bus from Odawara (journey around 45 minutes) or use local buses to Sengoku‑Kogen/Togendai and walk a short distance from the bus stop.
Staff speak Japanese and English, and additional language support (such as Chinese) may be available.
The ryokan serves dinner and breakfast on-site, typically as traditional multi-course Japanese meals; dietary requests (e.g., vegetarian) can often be arranged if notified in advance.
The ryokan is close to the Lalique Museum, Venetian Glass Museum, Little Prince Museum, Hakone Ropeway and the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands, all within a short drive or bus ride.
Pets are not allowed on the property; private hire or event use is not listed publicly, so contact the ryokan directly to discuss group or exclusive-use requests.
There is a convenience store (Family Mart) within a short walk, the ryokan offers free on-site parking, free Wi‑Fi, luggage storage and vending machines for guest convenience.