Hakone Onsen Sanso Nakamura
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 535 reviews
Hakone Onsen Sanso Nakamura is a compact, traditional mountain inn set in Sengokubara’s bamboo groves, offering a quietly paced stay across fifteen guest rooms. The property presents a blend of nostalgic Japanese-style rooms and a few Western twin options, with heating and practical room amenities suited to year-round visits. Framed by mature greenery, it operates as a ryokan with onsen in Hakone, Kanagawa, positioning bathing and seasonal cuisine as the core of the guest experience.
The inn draws exclusively from a local source of nigori-yu: a milky, sulfur-rich spring described as warming the body to its core. Bathing facilities comprise a larger communal bath and a smaller indoor bath; both are fed directly from the source and are indoors but feature large windows that open views onto the garden and bamboo stand. Day-use bathing is organised in shorter time slots to manage capacity; on-site changing and a small resting area support short visits.
Meals follow a monthly-changing Japanese set-meal approach that highlights seasonal produce, served in a communal dining area where portion sizes and presentation reflect traditional ryokan practice. The property provides basic guest services including free on-site parking, a small leisure room, and optional massages; rooms include toiletries and heating for cooler months. Reservations cannot be completed through the property's website and are normally made via external booking channels or by telephone; the ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa functions as a modest, service-oriented base for exploring Sengokubara’s gardens and nearby museums.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakone Onsen Sanso Nakamura
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen (hot springs)
Multiple guests praise the onsen as a highlight—well-maintained baths, some with views over bamboo/forest and a relaxing atmosphere that enhances the ryokan experience.
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Rooms in Japanese style with futons and yukata create an immersive, charming stay that many reviewers found relaxing and memorable.
Delicious, generous meals (recommend half‑board)
Several visitors recommend booking demi‑pension: evening meals and breakfasts are described as traditional, plentiful and high quality for those who enjoy Japanese cuisine.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff are repeatedly noted as polite, helpful and willing to accommodate late arrivals, contributing to a welcoming stay.
Quiet, natural location ideal for relaxation and hiking
Guests value the ryokan’s forest setting, calm atmosphere and proximity to walking trails; many mention it as peaceful and well suited to unwind.
Negative Reviews
No private bathrooms/showers
Many reviewers report there are no en‑suite showers or private bathtubs; bathing and washing facilities are communal at the onsen, which can be inconvenient or uncomfortable for guests who prefer privacy.
Futon comfort issues for some
Several guests found futons thin or lacking extra mattress support; travellers with back problems recommend checking bedding options or requesting reinforcement.
Thin walls and noise sensitivity
Rooms have light sound insulation—phone vibrations, conversations or early‑morning animal/insect noise disturbed some guests and reduced privacy.
Remote location and transport/access challenges
The ryokan sits up a hill about a 10‑minute walk from the nearest bus stop; the approach can be steep, buses are infrequent and often stop early in the evening, so arriving/departing by car is sometimes recommended.
Perceived value and some aging facilities
A number of guests felt the price was high relative to the facilities; a few noted dated decor or onsens that could benefit from refreshment, and occasional cold corridors or a less outgoing reception experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms suit singles, couples and families; the booking system shows availability up to larger party sizes. Extra beds and cots are not typically provided, so check room capacity when booking.
The ryokan offers two indoor communal hot‑spring baths with milky (nigori) sulfur water and a large window overlooking a bamboo grove, giving an open‑air feel. There are no listed outdoor rotenburo.
Private baths are not listed as standard; the property operates day‑use bathing in limited one‑hour slots (morning–early afternoon). Contact the ryokan directly if you need to request a private arrangement.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the ryokan is about a 5‑minute walk from the Sengoku (Senkyoro‑mae) bus stop served by Hakone buses. Free on‑site parking is available if you travel by car.
Haneda is the closest major airport for Hakone; from Tokyo you can transfer via Odawara or Hakone Yumoto by train or take highway/airport buses, then use Hakone Tozan Bus to Senkyoro‑mae before a short walk. By car it is about 20 minutes from the Tomei/ Gotemba interchange depending on traffic.
The ryokan provides some English information and staff can assist in basic English, though Japanese is generally used. For detailed requests it’s helpful to contact them in advance.
Standard check‑in is between 15:00 and 18:00 and check‑out is between 08:00 and 10:00; the ryokan asks guests to notify their expected arrival time in advance. Late arrivals should be communicated beforehand.
The ryokan sits in Sengokuhara, close to attractions such as the Hakone Open‑Air Museum, Pola Museum of Art, the Sengokuhara pampas grass fields, Owakudani and Lake Ashi; many are a short drive or reachable by local bus. The area is well suited for nature walks and museum visits.
Pets are not permitted at the property. There is no supermarket on site; staff can advise the nearest convenience store or grocery options and how to reach them.
Meals are served as seasonal Japanese set menus for breakfast and dinner in the dining area, emphasising traditional ryokan cuisine. Inform the ryokan in advance about any dietary restrictions or allergies so they can try to accommodate them.