Matsuzakaya Honten
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 609 reviews
Matsuzakaya Honten is a traditional ryokan housed in a historic building with sections dating back to the Meiji period, combining preserved architectural elements with discreet modern upgrades. Each guest room features its own open-air hot spring bath, providing private bathing directly from the source; room types range from compact tatami suites to larger rooms with separate sitting areas and outdoor baths. Public spaces include multiple lounges with different atmospheres and a garden-facing area for quiet reading or tea, while practical amenities such as free Wi‑Fi and onsite parking are available for guests.
Culinary offerings center on Japanese seasonal cuisine served in the ryokan’s dining facilities, with breakfasts presented in a gentle, restorative style and multi-course dinners prepared from local ingredients. The property runs cultural programs and in-house experiences—guests can try yukata dressing, participate in tea ceremony or calligraphy, and book massages or additional services to complement a stay focused on relaxation. Facilities also include communal thermal bathing options beyond the in-room baths, and the operation maintains a quiet, adult-oriented environment; children are not accepted at this accommodation.
Set in the Ashinoyu area of Hakone, the ryokan sits within a short drive of regional transport links and natural attractions that define the hot-spring town. For travelers seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Hakone, this property emphasizes in-room open-air bathing and curated cultural experiences; it is likewise a representative choice if you are looking for a ryokan with onsen Kanagawa that blends historical character with contemporary comfort. Reservations and specific room details are handled directly by the property.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Matsuzakaya Honten
Positive Reviews
Attentive, high-quality service
Staff consistently described as very attentive, caring and professional; guests felt well looked-after throughout their stay and praised the friendly hosts.
Exceptional, abundant cuisine
Many guests highlighted outstanding dinners and breakfasts — described as delicious, generous and a memorable gastronomic discovery of Japanese cuisine.
Private onsen and quality baths
Private in-room or outdoor onsens were repeatedly praised as magical, relaxing and a standout feature of the ryokan experience.
Authentic traditional atmosphere and rooms
Guests appreciated the traditional decor, tatami areas and historically evocative ambience that provide an immersive Japanese ryokan experience.
Peaceful setting and good room comfort
Visitors noted the calm, serene environment, spacious well-equipped rooms and convenient access (e.g. bus stop to Lake Ashi), contributing to a relaxing stay.
Negative Reviews
Price perceived as high
A few guests felt the nightly rate was somewhat expensive and questioned value for money despite the quality of the stay.
Surrounding neighbourhood
One reviewer mentioned the immediate neighbourhood as less attractive, which slightly affected their impression of the location.
Breakfast portions (European option)
A guest who requested a European-style breakfast found it light for the price (small toast and omelette, limited fruit), suggesting expectations may differ.
Dinner scheduling required in advance
Guests were reminded to indicate their preferred dinner time before arrival to avoid inconvenience — a practical booking/detail point to note.
Departure/checkout disappointment
At least one guest mentioned the only negative was the moment of departure, implying the farewell experience felt abrupt or disappointing compared with the rest of the stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacities vary by type: most rooms are for 1–2 guests, detached units and some room types can accommodate up to 4 people; check the specific room description when booking.
Yes — many room categories include private onsen (open‑air or indoor+open‑air baths) attached to the guest room.
Yes — the property provides public hot‑spring baths including an open‑air (rotenburo) and thermal bathing facilities in addition to room baths.
Yes — the ryokan arranges limousine/private transfers from Odawara or Hakone‑Yumoto stations and from Haneda or Narita airports; reservations must be made in advance (usually at least three days).
From Hakone‑Yumoto take the bus bound for Hakone‑machi or Moto‑Hakone (~25 minutes) and get off at Higashi Ashinoyu, then a short walk of about 3 minutes; Odawara and Hakone‑Yumoto are the main nearby stations.
The official site and some materials are available in English and staff provide English assistance; most guests report helpful support for common requests.
The ryokan offers cultural experiences such as wearing yukata, tea ceremony, calligraphy and other curated 'Ryocance' activities to enhance a traditional stay.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 and check‑out is by 11:00; if you plan to dine at the ryokan please check in by 19:00 as dinner service requires timely arrival and notify the hotel of food allergies at least one day in advance.
Pets are not permitted on the property; many rooms include private baths and the property can accommodate private‑use options (private baths or private dining) upon request—contact the ryokan to arrange specifics.
The ryokan sits in the historic Ashinoyu area with nearby attractions such as Kumano Shrine and Lake Ashinoko (about a short drive away); Hakone‑Yumoto provides shops and convenience services within a short drive or transfer.