Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 412 reviews
Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel occupies a high-altitude, forested site beside a golf course in Hakone, Kanagawa, combining traditional ryokan elements with full hotel services. It is a ryokan with onsen that draws from the Yunohanazawa source, a sulfur-rich, milky-white spring reputed locally for skin benefits and steady warmth; guests can use both indoor baths and a reworked open-air bath that frames mountain and sky. The property’s position above the valley emphasises seasonal views — from fresh greenery and autumn colour to clear, star-filled nights — which shape the bathing and dining experience.
Accommodation is arranged across compact Japanese-style and mixed rooms that emphasise tatami flooring, low tables and futon bedding, with a subset of twin rooms offering a raised tatami area and Western beds; all rooms include private bathrooms and standard in-room amenities. Public facilities include communal lounges, a small shop and complimentary Wi‑Fi, and a scheduled shuttle connects the hotel to the nearest rail hub. Meals focus on regional produce and creative takes on local dishes served in a dining room that opens onto the hotel’s koi-filled courtyard.
Positioned within reach of the region’s main sights, the hotel serves as a quiet base for the Hakone Open-Air Museum, ropeway viewpoints and short drives to volcanic scenery, while the onsen remains the primary draw for guests prioritising bathing and recovery. The open-air bathing area underwent a planned renovation in 2025 to refresh materials and sightlines. Practical services and a relaxed pace make the property suited to couples, families and golfers seeking a relaxed wellness stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen (indoor & outdoor)
Guests consistently praise the quality, cleanliness and relaxing experience of the baths. The outdoor sulfur onsen, especially at night, is repeatedly described as a highlight.
Attentive, friendly service
Staff are frequently noted as very kind, helpful and attentive — assisting with meal preferences, room needs and shuttle arrangements, contributing to a restful stay.
Authentic ryokan experience and traditional rooms
Traditional Japanese elements (tatami, futons, kimonos for dining) create a genuine cultural immersion that many guests loved; rooms often offer spacious layouts and large windows overlooking gardens or the golf course.
High-quality, varied Japanese cuisine
Meals (kaiseki dinners and breakfasts) are regularly described as excellent, varied and beautifully presented; several guests stayed multiple nights and noted different menus each evening.
Peaceful, scenic setting with useful facilities
The property’s natural surroundings, garden views and calm atmosphere are repeatedly praised. On-site amenities such as a tea/coffee lounge, pleasant dining areas and a complimentary shuttle to the nearest bus/gare are appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport limitations
The hotel is isolated; visitors often recommend renting a car. The shuttle to the bus stop/gare helps but guests report limited schedules, waiting times and crowded buses, which can make sightseeing inconvenient.
Very traditional breakfast with few Western options
Several guests found the breakfast strongly local (fish, rice, soup), with little or no Western alternative — this did not suit all tastes, particularly for children or visitors expecting continental choices.
Room layout and futon-related issues
Some guests found futon sleeping uncomfortable or impractical (back pain, limited space to open luggage) and noted that futons are not always folded away during daytime use, which reduces usable room space.
Limited amenities/comfort concerns (Wi‑Fi, AC, lounge hours)
Reports include unstable or weak Wi‑Fi in rooms, lack of air conditioning in some areas and a lounge that closes earlier than guests would like. A few mentioned small or poorly equipped smoking areas.
Onsen access restrictions and occasional service hiccups
A minority of guests noted that tattoo policies prevent some visitors from using the baths. There are rare comments about inconsistent front‑desk handling (e.g., booking/room-type mixups or initial staff interactions) that required manager intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are primarily Japanese-style (tatami and futon); capacity depends on the room type, with most rooms suited for two adults. For larger groups or specific bedding needs please contact reservations to confirm availability.
The public onsen is open roughly 5:00–10:00 for morning and 15:00–01:00 for afternoon/evening; guests should bring their room towels. Standard Japanese onsen rules apply: no swimsuits, tattoos may restrict access, and infants in diapers cannot use the baths.
A free shuttle runs daily from Odawara Station (pick-up at West Exit near the samurai statue at about 14:00) and the hotel departs around 10:45; pick-up from the Ashi-no-yu bus stop is also available. Seats are limited so you must reserve the shuttle by phone or email when booking or before arrival.
Travel to Odawara Station by train from Tokyo or airport connections, then use the hotel’s reserved free shuttle or a taxi to reach the property. If you arrive by bus to Ashi-no-yu, contact the hotel for pick-up at that bus stop.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English support is limited but staff will assist where possible. Guests often use basic English or translation apps for additional help.
The hotel serves Japanese-style courses (kaiseki) using seasonal local ingredients; dinner and breakfast availability depends on your booking and must be reserved in advance. To be served dinner at the hotel you should check in by 18:00, otherwise dinner may not be available.
There are no private onsen in regular rooms; only public baths are available at this property (private-ony suites are offered at a different nearby ryokan). Pets are not permitted on the premises.
There are two convenience stores (a LAWSON and a 7-Eleven) in Moto-Hakone for basic supplies. There are few restaurants immediately around the hotel, so plan meals or reservations in advance.
Nearby attractions include Mt. Komagatake and its ropeway, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani, Hakone Ashinoko boat cruises, and Gotemba Premium Outlets, all reachable by local transport or the hotel shuttle plus transfers. The hotel’s location near a golf course also suits guests seeking golfing activities.
Standard check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM. The hotel accepts Hakone carry/luggage services and provides free parking for guests; arrange shuttle return trips and any luggage delivery with the front desk in advance.