Seikansou
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 51 reviews
Seikansou is a small, adult-only ryokan set on the slopes above a hot-spring district in Hakone, offering a compact collection of traditionally styled rooms that blend tatami areas with modern comforts. Many rooms feature a private outdoor soaking tub on a wooden terrace, allowing guests to bathe while taking in mountain views; this layout makes the property a straightforward choice for travelers seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Hakone. Public bathing facilities and a modest wellness area complement the in-room options, and on-site parking is available for those arriving by car.
Meals are served in-room and follow a multi-course, seasonal approach with local ingredients presented in careful portions; dinner and breakfast service is frequently highlighted by previous visitors for its attention to timing and presentation. The accommodation operates a no-children policy and enforces standard check-in and check-out windows, while staff are typically described as attentive and service-minded. Facilities on the property include an open-air bath and a small spa program, so guests looking specifically for a ryokan with onsen Kanagawa will find both private and shared bathing experiences here.
Practical considerations include a short distance to the nearest station—making the ryokan reachable by a brief taxi or local shuttle—and restrictions on pets and extra beds. Rooms provide standard conveniences such as air conditioning, flat-screen television and complimentary toiletries, and the compact scale of the inn supports a quiet, low-traffic atmosphere. The combination of in-room baths, in-seat dining and mountain-facing terraces delivers a focused onsen stay geared toward relaxation and seasonal views.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Seikansou
Positive Reviews
Exceptional meals and presentation
Multiple guests praise the multi‑course kaiseki dinners and breakfasts as delicious, carefully prepared and beautifully presented — often described as fine‑dining quality and the highlight of the stay.
Private onsen with great views
Having a private outdoor onsen attached to the room was repeatedly mentioned as a standout feature; guests enjoyed relaxing in the hot bath with forest/mountain views and found it very comfortable and memorable.
Very attentive, friendly staff and service
Staff and owners are frequently described as warm, helpful and attentive — assisting with meals, robes and dietary needs, contacting guests about food sensitivities, and going out of their way to make stays comfortable.
Beautiful, traditional and comfortable rooms
The ryokan’s traditional rooms are praised as clean, well appointed and atmospheric; guests found futons/beds comfortable and the room design authentic and relaxing.
Peaceful, relaxing atmosphere and location
Many reviewers highlight the serene setting, lovely views and overall calming, romantic or relaxing experience — ideal for experiencing a traditional ryokan and onsen stay.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and difficult access with luggage
Several guests note the property is a steep 10–20 minute walk from the station and not easy to reach with luggage; while buses or taxis are available, some recommend clearer transport options or a hotel transfer for guests with heavy bags.
Meal timing and pacing can conflict with travel plans
Dinner is an extensive, multi‑course experience that can last a long time, and breakfast service typically starts at 8:30–9:00; a few guests found breakfast too late for early departures and suggested earlier options or clearer timing alternatives.
Some room size and maintenance issues
A minority of guests mentioned tight bedroom layouts and visible aging in fixtures (toilet, sink) and occasional problems such as no hot water at the sink; these were not widespread but noted as areas for improvement.
Price‑to‑value concerns for some guests
While many felt the experience justified the cost, a few guests expected more for the price and were disappointed, indicating expectations around value vary by traveller.
Communication and privacy points to address
A few reviewers reported issues such as a staff member entering without knocking, missing warnings about specific menu items (e.g. fugu), or limited guidance on using communal onsen facilities — suggesting clearer communication and privacy protocols would help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seikansou is a small ryokan with nine guest rooms, designed for an intimate experience rather than large groups.
Yes; most rooms feature a private open-air onsen or a terrace bath for exclusive use by the room’s guests.
A hotel shuttle service runs from Hakone-Yumoto Station; there is no direct airport shuttle, so most guests arrive via train through Odawara/Hakone-Yumoto and then use the local shuttle or taxi.
Check-in is between 15:00 and 18:00, and check-out is until 11:00.
Children are not permitted and guests must be at least 18 years old to stay.
Pets are not allowed at Seikansou.
Yes; private on-site parking is available for guests.
Staff can assist in English and Japanese to help international guests with check-in, directions and basic requests.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese multi-course meals (kaiseki) with dinner and breakfast typically served in the room for a private, seasonal dining experience.
Seikansou is in Hakone Yumoto, about a 10–20 minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station; popular nearby sights include the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Lake Ashi, and local travel is convenient by Hakone Tozan Railway, buses or short taxis.