Kaiseki Ryokan Ashikari
9,8/10 Exceptional - Based on 16 reviews
Kaiseki Ryokan Ashikari sits in a wooded setting in Yugawara, Kanagawa, presenting a measured blend of Sukiya-style interiors and contemporary comfort. The property comprises a limited number of suites, semi-suites and detached rooms arranged around a planted garden, each room designed to afford privacy and seasonal views. Every guest room is fitted with its own open-air bath supplied directly from the local hot spring source, making this a distinctive ryokan with private onsen in Yugawara for travellers seeking an intimate hot-spring experience paired with traditional accommodation.
The onsen water here is a soft, mildly alkaline spring typical of the Yugawara area; it is conveyed both to the freestanding public baths and to the in-room open-air tubs without dilution, emphasising the gentle skin-care qualities long associated with the local springs. Communal bathing facilities include sheltered open-air pools that open onto landscaped vistas of the surrounding ridgeline, while separate large bathhouses offer a quieter, more social bathing option. Spa treatments and a small on-site spa facility complement the bathing programme for guests wanting additional relaxation.
Dining focuses on multi-course kaiseki prepared from seasonal, local ingredients and is served in a way that respects the rhythms of the ryokan: courses are paced, presented with attention to texture and provenance, and often enjoyed with views of the illuminated garden. Practical amenities include a complimentary shuttle from the station on request, private parking, Wi‑Fi and light wellness services such as massage. For visitors exploring the coastal hot-spring belt and nearby mountain sights, this ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa provides a deliberately quiet base with direct access to the region’s thermal waters and cultural trails.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kaiseki Ryokan Ashikari
Positive Reviews
Outstanding kaiseki and varied cuisine
Multiple guests praised the kaiseki meals as exceptional and creative; several described the food as a highlight of their stay and noted generous portions and memorable courses.
Private onsen and scenic views
Rooms with private outdoor onsen were highly appreciated — guests enjoyed the outdoor tubs and mountain views, and the public onsen was also noted for its attractive outlook and sense of openness.
Immaculate, comfortable and spacious rooms
Many reviewers reported very clean, well-stocked rooms that were comfortable and, in some cases, spacious (family rooms); room amenities met or exceeded expectations.
Attentive, accommodating staff and service
Staff received frequent praise for being helpful, welcoming and accommodating (including handling dietary restrictions and arranging pick-ups from the station); managers were singled out for going above and beyond.
Tranquil location and relaxing atmosphere
Guests repeatedly mentioned the ryokan’s peaceful, rejuvenating setting — a quiet retreat that contrasted well with busy city travel and helped create a relaxing stay.
Negative Reviews
Perceived high price for some guests
A number of reviewers felt the accommodation was expensive and questioned the value for money, with at least one guest explicitly stating the cost felt too high.
Food not always to every guest’s taste or quantity issues
While many loved the meals, a few guests felt the cuisine did not meet their high expectations or found portions too large, leading to leftovers or disappointment.
Limited English from some staff and materials
Several guests noted language barriers — staff sometimes had limited English and in-room guides (e.g., on iPad) weren’t always available in English, which made communication or information access less convenient.
Minor maintenance/appearance issues
One review mentioned a couple of areas looking slightly tired, suggesting occasional signs of wear that did not significantly affect the overall experience.
Occasional service hiccups
There were isolated service issues reported (for example, a locked room without an issued key and a staff member appearing annoyed), indicating rare lapses in consistency of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 17 rooms including Japanese‑Western suites, semi‑suites, detached rooms and family tatami rooms; some family units can sleep up to six using futons. Booking platforms sometimes show different child policies, so contact the ryokan directly to confirm rules for children.
Yes — every room features an open‑air bath fed directly from the source waters, and the property also offers communal open‑air public baths.
A complimentary hotel limousine service to and from Yugawara Station is available on request; please reserve or call ahead to arrange pick‑up.
Haneda is the closest major airport (about 1.5–2 hours by public transport or car) while Narita is typically 2.5–3 hours; most guests travel to Yugawara Station by train and then use the ryokan shuttle or a short taxi.
English‑speaking staff are available and the ryokan provides multilingual support; additional staff assistance in Chinese and Korean is commonly offered.
The ryokan serves seasonal kaiseki multi‑course dinners and traditional Japanese breakfasts; the kitchen can accommodate allergies and many dietary requests with advance notice.
Local highlights include Manyo Park, Yugawara Art Museum and Fudotaki Falls within a short drive or walk, and Hakone attractions are reachable by car or public transport for day trips.
The nearest rail link is Yugawara Station on the JR Tokaido Line; walking from the station to the ryokan is steep and long, so guests typically use the free shuttle or a short taxi ride.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 (guests are generally asked to arrive by early evening) and check‑out is 11:00; please notify the ryokan of your expected arrival time so they can arrange shuttle pickup or note late arrivals.
All rooms have private open‑air baths for exclusive use; pets are not permitted and private hire of communal baths may be limited—ask the ryokan in advance. Basic shops and a supermarket are available near Yugawara Station for supplies.