Kagetsuen
7,9/10 Very good - Based on 964 reviews
Kagetsuen sits on the Sengokuhara highland at roughly 800 metres elevation, surrounded by a 3,000-azalea garden that blooms in late spring and offers seasonal views of Mount Fuji. The property operates multiple hot-spring sources: a private underground spring gentle on the skin and a sulfur-rich Owakudani feed, and guests can use four private bathing rooms free of charge 24 hours a day. Those features make it a ryokan with private onsen in Hakone that appeals to families, couples and travellers seeking sheltered, intimate bathing.
Accommodation comprises fifty-six rooms spanning Japanese, Japanese–Western and renovated twin layouts; many units face either the garden, where the azaleas are illuminated in season, or the forest for quieter views. Room configurations often include tatami areas and futon options alongside modern conveniences such as in-room kettles, flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi‑Fi, and the property provides on-site parking. Dining focuses on seasonal kaiseki-style evening menus paired with a substantial morning buffet of more than forty items, served in the hotel’s dining spaces using local ingredients.
On-site leisure includes a table-tennis room and private karaoke spaces, and the highland setting keeps summer temperatures cooler while showcasing autumn colours. The location places guests within easy driving distance of Owakudani, the Sengokuhara pampas-grass fields, Togendai and Lake Ashi, as well as cultural attractions such as the open-air sculpture museum. Practical touches include 24-hour access to selected private baths and services tailored to families and guests with reduced mobility, making it a reliable ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa for those exploring Hakone.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kagetsuen
Positive Reviews
Multiple onsen options (public & private)
Guests repeatedly praised the hotel's onsen facilities: public baths and several private onsen available without reservation, useful for families or guests who prefer privacy.
Excellent food — standout breakfast and dinner
Many reviews highlight a very good breakfast with varied choices and an excellent dinner/restaurant experience, with several guests specifically praising the chefs and the quality of the meals.
Convenient location for Hakone sightseeing
The hotel is near the Hakone Ropeway, bus stops and the lake; guests appreciated easy access to tourist sites, shuttle services to nearby restaurants and being well placed to explore the area.
Welcoming, helpful staff and good service
Multiple guests mentioned attentive, discreet and welcoming staff; service at meals and general hospitality were frequent positives.
Spacious, comfortable rooms with Japanese-style features and views
Guests liked the large rooms (Western/Japanese hybrid or tatami rooms), comfortable beds, kimonos provided, souvenir shop on site, and in many rooms or areas pleasant views including Mt Fuji when visible.
Negative Reviews
Aging property and maintenance needed
Several reviews describe the hotel as old or ‘from the 1970s’ and say parts of the building and equipment would benefit from refurbishment or freshening up.
Remote location and limited dining/transport options after hours
While well located for sightseeing, guests warned the hotel is somewhat isolated: few nearby restaurants open late, limited bus frequency, and many guests had to use hotel shuttles or plan ahead for dinner.
Dinner booking policy caused issues
Guests reported that hotel restaurants often require advance reservations (sometimes 24 hours) and will not accept same-day bookings at check-in, which caused problems for visitors who had not planned dinner in advance.
Room amenities and bathroom shortcomings
Complaints included missing or inadequate pillows, towels and toiletries in some rooms, narrow or aging showers (leaks reported), empty vending machines and the absence of on-site laundry (washer/dryer).
Ventilation, view and accessibility concerns
Specific issues mentioned were windows that cannot be opened (poor ventilation), some rooms with obstructed views (roof blocking Mt Fuji), variable onsen comfort/quality between floors and difficulties for wheelchair users due to steps or high thresholds; a few guests also found some staff a little cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms suit solo travelers, couples and families; typical room types accommodate 1–4 guests, and larger family or suite options are available—confirm exact occupancy when booking.
Yes; the hotel offers two different spring sources with public baths and several private bathing rooms, so guests can enjoy traditional onsen bathing.
There are four private bathing rooms that are free to use on a first‑come basis and available 24 hours; true in‑room private onsens are not standard, so ask the hotel if you require a room with a private bath.
There is no dedicated airport shuttle; the hotel is served by Hakone Tozan and Odakyu highway buses from Hakone‑Yumoto, Odawara and Shinjuku, and is also reachable by car or taxi.
Major access points are Hakone‑Yumoto and Odawara stations; you can take the Hakone Tozan/line buses toward Togendai or a short taxi ride to the hotel, and the property provides detailed access information.
The hotel provides English information and an English contact; staff can assist in English, though availability may vary—call or email ahead for specific language needs.
Dinner is typically served as Japanese/Western kaiseki‑style cuisine and breakfast is usually a buffet; the hotel can accommodate common dietary requests if informed in advance.
The ryokan is close to Sengokuhara pampas grass fields and Owakudani and is a short drive from Lake Ashi, the Hakone Ropeway, the Venetian Glass Museum and the Hakone Open‑Air Museum.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 12:00; luggage storage is available before check‑in and after check‑out.
Pets are not accepted at the hotel (the sister cottage village at a different site accepts dogs); the property has an on‑site kiosk for basic items and convenience stores are located in Hakone‑Yumoto or a short bus/taxi ride away.