Mitake
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 361 reviews
Mitake is a compact, family-run ryokan set in the highland fields of Sengokuhara, Hakone, offering a traditional wooden structure, tatami-floored guest rooms and a small landscaped garden that frames views of the surrounding pines. With just fifteen rooms, the inn emphasises a calm, unhurried pace: futon bedding, yukata for guests and simple in-room amenities are paired with communal living spaces where board games and a lounge encourage low-key socialising. Framed as a ryokan with private onsen in Hakone, the property keeps an intimate, residential scale rather than a resort footprint.
The bathing programme centres on the local sulphurous spring: milky, iron-tinted water drawn from the Owakudani source provides the characteristic cloudy soak known locally as nigori-yu. Facilities include gender-separated public baths plus at least one kashikiri (private) bath that guests can use on a time-shared basis; the private baths are complimentary and available around the clock on a reservation-or-queue system managed by the property. Both indoor and outdoor bathtubs are maintained for continual flow (kake-nagashi) of the natural spring water, and communal areas provide lockers, toiletries and bath towels for guest use.
Meals follow seasonal, regionally sourced preparations and are served in-room, with multi-course Japanese menus for dinner and set breakfasts designed to showcase local produce; the dining approach is relaxed and timed to suit the ryokan’s small scale. Onsite touches include a small souvenir corner, table tennis and bicycle rentals for short excursions. Convenient for day trips from the capital, Mitake presents itself as a ryokan with private onsen near Tokyo while remaining rooted in Kanagawa’s Hakone attractions such as nearby museums, walking trails and bus links that connect the highland plain to the wider Hakone circuit.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Mitake
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Multiple reviewers praised the genuine Japanese atmosphere: tatami rooms, low tables, futons, yukata rental and traditional room service that includes setting futons and serving meals in-room.
Very friendly and attentive staff
Guests repeatedly mention warm, helpful hosts who go out of their way (language help, small gestures like preparing shoes) and create a welcoming, family-like atmosphere.
Excellent, plentiful traditional meals
Kaiseki-style dinners and breakfasts are described as delicious and generous, with many small, well-prepared dishes; evening meals are frequently highlighted as a standout feature.
Multiple onsen options (private and public)
The property offers a public onsen plus two private baths (indoor and outdoor) accessible without reservation; guests enjoyed the sulphur baths and found the private onsens convenient and relaxing.
Convenient bus access and peaceful setting
Many guests appreciated the ryokan's quiet, wooded location and that several bus stops are directly outside the property, making it easy to reach by public transport.
Negative Reviews
Some facilities feel dated
Several reviewers noted ageing equipment: older tatami, an ofuro/onsen area in need of renovation and generally dated room furnishings that could benefit from refurbishment.
Early and fixed meal times
Multiple guests found dinner served relatively early (around 17:30–18:00) and mentioned the meal schedule is strict, which can be inconvenient after full-day excursions.
Location requires bus travel and few nearby services
The ryokan sits in a small hamlet; reviewers warned that most movement requires buses, there are few nearby restaurants, and bus services stop early (around 17:30), limiting evening options.
Tattoo and bathing restrictions
Guests with tattoos were discouraged from using the public baths; unlike some places, tattoo patches were not provided, limiting access for tattooed visitors to certain baths.
Noise, light and connectivity issues in some rooms
A few reviewers reported thin walls (hearing neighboring rooms), early morning light with limited blackout options, and inconsistent Wi‑Fi in rooms at the end of corridors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; the ryokan has 12 rooms including family rooms suitable for small families—check the specific room listing for exact maximum occupancy.
Check-in is from 15:00 until 22:00 and check-out is from 06:00 until 10:00.
Yes, Mitake features natural hot spring facilities, including both indoor and outdoor onsen for guests to use.
Private onsen facilities are available; booking policies vary, so confirm availability with the ryokan when you reserve or at check-in.
The property does not advertise a regular airport shuttle; most guests arrive by train/bus or car and the ryokan is a short walk from the local bus stop.
Take the Hakone-area bus toward Togendai and get off at Senkyoro‑mae, then walk a short distance to the ryokan; driving from the Gotenba interchange is also possible.
Staff speak basic English and are generally reported to be helpful with directions, translations, and special requests.
The ryokan offers traditional Japanese/Asian-style breakfasts and provides dinner (often seasonal or kaiseki-style) on request, served in-room or in the dining area.
Pets are generally not accepted; contact the property directly if you need clarification or an exception.
Nearby highlights include the Sengokuhara pampas grass fields, Venetian Glass Museum, Hakone Lalique Museum, Owakudani volcanic valley and Lake Ashi, with hiking trails and local restaurants within walking distance.