Masutomi Ryokan
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 641 reviews
Masutomi Ryokan sits steps from Hakone-Yumoto station and preserves a century-old approach to hospitality, offering a compact, quietly traditional base for exploring the area. This ryokan with onsen in Hakone draws its water from the private Mamane-yu spring; guests can choose between an indoor bathing hall, an octagonal outdoor tub and a rooftop open-air bath that can be reserved for private use. Baths run on a gender-alternating schedule with private rental options available, and the onsen water is described by the property as an alkaline, clear spring reputed for skin-softening qualities.
Guest rooms mix tatami seating with either traditional futon or Western beds and some room types include their own outdoor bathtubs fed by hot spring water; standard rooms share bathroom facilities. The house operates a non-smoking policy indoors, provides complimentary Wi-Fi and on-site parking, and maintains a small on-site restaurant that centers menus on local seafood and organically grown vegetables delivered from contracted farms. Dinner is served in the ryokan’s dining space with seasonal set courses that emphasize balanced, restorative flavours.
A short walk to train connections, the ryokan doubles as a practical base for nearby museums, art attractions and lake and mountain excursions, while staff focus on attentive service and calm, restorative stays suitable for couples and families. For travellers seeking a more secluded bathing experience the property offers rentable private baths and room types with outdoor tubs, making it an appealing ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa for those planning a classic hot-spring stay near Hakone’s sights.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Masutomi Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff and hospitality
Many reviews highlight exceptionally friendly, helpful and attentive hosts and staff, creating a welcoming, family-like atmosphere throughout the stay.
Outstanding meals — dinner and breakfast
Repeated praise for the multi-course traditional dinners and hearty breakfasts — described as delicious, beautifully presented and a major highlight of the stay (some guests likened dinner to Michelin-level).
Quality onsen options, including private rooftop bath
Guests appreciated multiple onsen, the option to reserve a private rooftop bath, and the relaxing hot baths after a day of travel or sightseeing.
Authentic traditional ryokan experience and ambience
Many reviewers enjoyed the traditional setting — tatami rooms, yukata, tea in-room — and said the ryokan provided a genuine Japanese cultural experience and charming atmosphere.
Clean, comfortable rooms and convenient location
Rooms and communal areas are frequently described as very clean and comfortable (spacious tatami rooms noted), and the ryokan’s location close to the station and central attractions made exploring easy.
Negative Reviews
Road noise / roadside location
Several guests noted the property sits by a road; while many found it not overly disruptive, a number mentioned some noise from traffic, even if rooms are fairly well insulated.
Early meal schedules and relative cost
A few reviewers reported early set meal times (e.g. dinner around 18:00, breakfast at 08:00) and felt the experience can be expensive for what is offered.
Shared bathrooms / no in-room shower
Some guests pointed out that bathrooms are communal and certain room types lack a private shower, which may be inconvenient for those expecting en-suite facilities.
Minor issues with some onsen features and cleanliness
A few reviews remarked that the 'outdoor' octagonal bath is partly enclosed rather than fully open and suggested the area could be cleaner in places.
Limited guidance on in-room amenities and firmness of beds
A small number of guests wanted clearer instructions about making tea and wearing yukata, and a few found futons or beds firmer than expected (though extra mattress padding was sometimes offered).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary: many rooms are for 2 people while some Japanese-style rooms and suites can sleep 3–4 (futons are used for extra guests); confirm the exact capacity when booking.
The ryokan has several hot spring baths including an indoor stone bath, an octagonal outdoor bath and a rooftop open-air bath; public baths typically operate with gender rotations and amenities are provided.
Yes, certain baths (including the rooftop open-air bath) can be reserved for private use for an additional fee—advance reservation is recommended.
Tattoos are generally not permitted in shared public baths; guests with tattoos may use the rentable private baths instead.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the ryokan is a short walk (about 5–8 minutes) from Hakone-Yumoto Station and taxis are available from stations or airports.
Take a train to Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto (Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara), then walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station or take a short taxi ride; travel times vary by route and transfers.
Staff can assist in English and Japanese.
Standard check-in starts at 15:00 (3:00 PM) and check-out is by 10:00 AM; please inform the ryokan if you expect to arrive late.
Pets are not allowed; free on-site parking is available and there are shops, convenience stores and restaurants near Hakone-Yumoto Station within a short walk.
Yes — traditional Japanese kaiseki dinners and set breakfasts are served in the ryokan’s dining areas at set times and normally need to be reserved with your room; inform the ryokan in advance about dietary restrictions and they will try to accommodate them.