Yugawara Retreat Goen no Mori
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 56 reviews
Yugawara Retreat Goen no Mori is a retreat-focused ryokan in Yugawara, Kanagawa, combining traditional tatami rooms with modern comforts. Guests stay in Japanese-style and family rooms equipped with refrigerators, flat-screen TVs and air conditioning, and the property presents a quiet, garden-lined setting intended for relaxation. Located within easy reach of the local station and the seaside park, it serves as a calm base for exploring nearby hot-spring towns; this ryokan with onsen Yugawara offers an intimate alternative to larger hotels.
Bathing centers on the property’s hot springs, with communal bathing areas and reservable private baths for those seeking privacy. Facilities include an onsen pool, a hot tub and a sun terrace; staff can arrange private-use sessions and spa treatments to accompany restorative stays. The modest scale makes it well suited to travelers who value quiet soaking after hiking or coastal walks, positioning the property as a compact ryokan with private onsen Kanagawa option for small groups or couples.
Dining emphasizes plant-forward cuisine served in an on-site dining room offering vegetarian and vegan menus built around seasonal vegetables and grains. Retreat programming is a core feature: yoga and mindfulness sessions, Esalen-style massage and light movement classes are offered as add-ons or as part of multi-day packages for guests prioritizing rest and gentle recovery. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi, private parking and elevator access, and staff are available to assist with local recommendations for art venues, parks and coastal trails.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yugawara Retreat Goen no Mori
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, plant‑based food
Multiple guests highlighted the meals as a major strength — carefully prepared, delicious, healthy and often 100% plant‑based/vegan, with seasonal local ingredients and thoughtful presentation.
Warm, attentive staff and service
Reviewers repeatedly praised the staff for being kind, polite and helpful; several noted quick responses to issues and consistently courteous service that enhanced the stay.
Relaxing onsen and bathing options
Guests enjoyed both private and public onsen experiences, including rooms with hinoki (cypress) baths; many said the baths were restorative and used them repeatedly during short stays.
Tranquil, well‑designed atmosphere
The property’s calming, natural decor, quiet ambience, plentiful books and traditional Japanese styling created a peaceful, restorative environment that guests found restorative.
Clean, comfortable traditional rooms
Visitors appreciated the cleanliness and comfortable feel of the rooms — traditional tatami rooms blended with modern facilities, calming layouts and small thoughtful touches (kimono, water offerings, cozy communal spaces).
Negative Reviews
Noise issues at times
Several guests reported disturbances such as train noise, strong wind noise at night or noisy HVAC equipment; while staff sometimes relocated guests, noise affected sleep for some.
Inconsistent bath temperature and delays
Some reviewers found onsen water too hot or too cool, and a few mentioned that filling the hinoki bath took a long time, reducing convenience.
Cold or insufficient heating in certain areas
A few guests noted chilly conditions — especially in the hinoki‑bath changing room where there was no air‑conditioning/heater — which made parts of the stay uncomfortable for sensitive or elderly guests.
Accessibility and room expectations
At least one guest expected a bed for mobility reasons but received a Japanese‑style room, causing difficulty getting up and down; others mentioned small practical issues like narrow entranceways or old sink faucets.
Surroundings not scenic for some
A couple of reviewers commented that the immediate neighborhood or views were not particularly attractive, though they said the property itself felt like a refuge from the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are for adults only; children and extra beds are not permitted. Check each room’s maximum occupancy on the booking page or contact the property for group needs.
Yes — the property has hot spring baths and a public onsen available 24 hours, and there is a hot tub/Jacuzzi on site. Ask the property about private-use options or reservations for exclusive use.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the ryokan is about a 5‑minute walk from Yugawara Station. Contact the property directly to arrange any special pick‑up if needed.
Haneda Airport is the nearest major airport for most international arrivals; from Tokyo it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Yugawara by train. Trains via Odawara/Yugawara Station are the usual route.
Staff can assist in English and Japanese. Please notify the property in advance if you need specific language support.
The ryokan focuses on vegan cuisine and wellness retreats, offering programs such as Esalen massage, Tao Yoga, mindfulness meditation and other bodywork alongside onsen relaxation. Many guests book half‑board or retreat packages that include meals and sessions.
Yugawara is near Hakone, Atami and Odawara and offers mountain and seaside scenery; day trips to Hakone and Mt. Fuji viewpoints are common. Local walks and onsen town attractions are within easy reach.
The property is a 5‑minute walk from Yugawara Station and is reachable by train from Tokyo in about 1.5 hours. Free private parking is available for guests arriving by car.
Standard check‑in is between 15:00 and 18:00 and check‑out is between 07:00 and 10:00. Please inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance.
Whole‑property (private) rental is offered for events or group stays by prior arrangement; pets are not allowed. There is no on‑site supermarket, but convenience stores and shops are available in Yugawara near the station.