Hakone Kowakien Tenyu
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 2392 reviews
Opened in April 2017, Hakone Kowakien Tenyu presents a contemporary take on traditional inn hospitality, positioned to emphasize mountain and valley views and quiet access to nearby attractions. The property’s concept centers on harmony with nature, with an emphasis on open-air bathing: every guestroom is fitted with its own outdoor hot-spring tub crafted in ceramic, allowing private immersion while looking toward the surrounding ridgelines. This arrangement makes the hotel a clear option when searching for a ryokan with private onsen in Hakone.
Guest accommodation blends tatami surfaces and modern amenities—air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars and en suite facilities—alongside the signature outdoor baths; room types vary by view and meal package, with several plans pairing kaiseki or teppanyaki dining options. Onsite communal facilities include a large open-air onsen with wide horizon views, a spa and sauna, gardens, lounges and seasonal pool access; a preserved restaurant annex and specialty dining venues add historical character to the culinary offerings. The hotel also operates courtesy transport to local stations and is within easy reach of the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the nearby onsen amusement area.
Services intended for a seamless stay include 24-hour reception, luggage storage and parking along with accessible amenities and family-friendly options; staff-led hospitality focuses on relaxed pacing, in-room dining and curated local experiences. For visitors prioritizing thermal bathing combined with contemporary comforts, the property functions as a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa, suited to couples and travellers seeking a quieter hot-spring stay with straightforward access to Hakone’s trails and museums.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakone Kowakien Tenyu
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen experience
Multiple reviewers praised the hot-spring baths — large public baths (indoor and outdoor), rotating male/female baths, private onsen tubs on balconies, footbaths with mountain views — describing them as unique, relaxing and beautifully maintained.
Friendly, attentive staff and service
Guests repeatedly noted warm, professional and helpful staff, attentive housekeeping (discreet cleaning) and extra services (welcome drinks, free shuttle, concerts, excursions) that enhanced the stay.
Spacious, comfortable rooms and beds
Many comments highlight large, clean rooms with comfortable beds and private outdoor tubs filled with onsen water on request, making accommodations feel both relaxing and roomy.
High-quality meals and variety
Numerous guests enjoyed the dining options — plentiful breakfast and dinner buffets, teppanyaki, kaiseki and shabu‑shabu offerings — praising variety, presentation and some specialty chef-prepared meals.
Great location, views and convenient shuttle
Reviewers appreciated the scenic mountain/Fuji-area setting and views, plus the hotel shuttle to Gora station and easy access to local attractions; additional on-site amenities (ice cream bar, live music in the lobby, outdoor relaxation areas) were also well received.
Negative Reviews
Pricey for the market
Several guests felt the hotel is expensive and mentioned the cost was high compared with typical prices in Japan, noting price as a common drawback despite quality of services.
Inconsistent dinner quality and limited vegetarian options
While many praised meals, some reviewers reported that certain dinner items did not meet five‑star expectations (examples cited like low-quality salmon roe) and noted few vegetarian choices at buffet dinners.
Smoking odor in corridors
At least one guest experienced cigarette smell on their floor, indicating occasional issues with smoke drifting into corridors.
Minor cleanliness/maintenance issues reported
Most guests found the property clean, but a few mentioned cleanliness or signs of ageing — one described parts of the hotel as feeling closer to four‑star and another noted imperfect cleanliness for the level.
Somewhat remote / transfer times can be long
Guests warned the ryokan is set back in the mountains and not immediately central; although a shuttle runs regularly, bus transfers to stations can take significant time, so allow extra travel margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maximum occupancy varies by room type so check the room details when booking; children of all ages are welcome. Cribs and extra beds are not available and adult rates apply for children aged 6 and older.
Yes — every guestroom includes a private open‑air onsen. The property also operates public baths and spa facilities.
Yes — Ten‑yu runs a free shuttle between Gora Station and the hotel; the property is also a short walk from local bus stops (Tenyu and Kowakien). Check the hotel for the current shuttle timetable.
Typical routes are by train or airport bus to Odawara, then the Hakone Tozan Railway to Hakone‑Yumoto or Gora and a bus or the hotel shuttle to Ten‑yu. Journey time is roughly 1–2 hours from Haneda and about 2–3 hours from Narita depending on transfers and traffic.
The hotel lists Japanese and English among spoken languages and also indicates support for Chinese and Korean. Reception can assist with common English enquiries.
Expect Japanese‑style rooms with tatami and futon or beds plus an in‑room open‑air onsen, combined with resort amenities such as lounges, gardens, pools and a spa. Meals offer Japanese and Western options, and the property blends traditional hospitality with contemporary comfort.
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a five‑minute walk via a covered passage; the Hakone Open‑Air Museum and Lake Ashi are a short drive away. Other ropeway, museum and sightseeing spots in Hakone are accessible by local bus or train.
Use the Hakone Tozan Railway, local Izu‑Hakone and Hakone Tozan buses, and sightseeing passes (Hakone Free Pass) for convenience. The hotel is close to bus stops and offers a shuttle to Gora Station for rail connections.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check‑out is from 09:00 to 11:00. Dinner is served in the evening and guests must check in by 20:00 to be served dinner, so confirm meal times when you reserve.
All rooms have private in‑room baths and the hotel operates public baths; contact the hotel to ask about any private rental bath options. Pets are not allowed; the property has an on‑site shop and convenience stores or supermarkets are available in nearby Hakone Yumoto and surrounding towns.