Yusakaso
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 138 reviews
Yusakaso sits in the Hakone Yumoto Onsen neighbourhood and is a compact, recently renovated ryokan offering thirteen guest rooms arranged in traditional Japanese style. Rooms feature tatami flooring and futon bedding, air conditioning, flat-screen televisions and in-room safes, with a mix of en suite and shared-bathroom configurations. The property lies about 1.2 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, within a short walk of Soun-ji Temple and easy walking distance of central Hakone attractions, making it convenient for visitors and for travellers searching for a ryokan with onsen Hakone.
Bath facilities are a central focus: the ryokan provides a communal open-air onsen and an indoor hot-spring bath, and guests can reserve a private onsen for short exclusive sessions. Water is drawn from local mineral springs and the bathing areas are arranged to balance privacy with views of the surrounding greenery. For travellers specifically searching a ryokan with private onsen Kanagawa, Yusakaso combines accessible communal bathing with the option to book private time, accommodating solo visitors and couples alike.
Meals emphasize Japanese preparation and presentation, with many guests noting attentive service and the option to have breakfast and dinner brought to the room; menus tend to follow seasonal ingredients and traditional course structure. Practical amenities include complimentary Wi‑Fi, on-site parking, luggage storage and a small lounge, along with a non-smoking policy and modest leisure facilities including table tennis. Check-in and check-out times are fixed, and visitors commonly highlight a helpful, family-run approach to hospitality suitable for short stays or multi-night breaks in Hakone.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yusakaso
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff
Multiple reviews highlight very helpful, polite and accommodating staff who went above and beyond (greeting guests, carrying bags, explaining meals, and assisting with language). Staff handled special requests (e.g. tattoos in public bath) and some spoke basic English, making the stay smooth for international visitors.
Outstanding onsen (hot springs)
Guests repeatedly praised the baths — a variety of private and communal onsens, beautiful outdoor settings with great views, well maintained and restorative for sore muscles. Many enjoyed quiet, uncrowded bathing and appreciated women-only times and easy private-onset bookings.
Excellent, authentic meals (in-room dining)
Food was described as exceptional, carefully prepared and abundant; several guests recommended booking the food/half-board package. In-room kaiseki-style dinners and breakfasts were a highlight, served with attention and explanation from staff.
Traditional, peaceful ryokan atmosphere
Reviewers felt the ryokan offered a genuine traditional experience—calm, zen-like environment, spacious authentic-style rooms, scenic views and comfortable futon bedding (many found futons comfortable). The setting helped guests relax and made the stay memorable.
Convenient guest services and room comfort
Guests noted spacious rooms with great views, comfortable futons/mats, helpful on-site facilities (private onsen booking, bath towels provided), and overall a high level of service that enhanced the experience (e.g., special arrival tea, meticulous food presentation).
Negative Reviews
Property and corridors feel dated
Several guests noted signs of wear in common areas and corridors (stains on carpets, worn walls) and mentioned the hotel could benefit from a refresh or refurbishment to feel more modern/maintained.
Location and transport access uphill/limited shuttle
The ryokan sits up a hill; reviewers warned of a significant walk from the station. Public buses run infrequently and the hotel shuttle is limited or not available as expected, so many advise taking a taxi or checking bus schedules in advance.
Price is high for some guests
A number of reviews mentioned the stay was a splurge or on the expensive side; at least one guest felt the price–quality balance was disappointing, despite enjoying the experience.
Food limitations and fish-heavy menu
While meals were widely praised, some guests noted the traditional menu features a lot of fish (including whole grilled fish at breakfast) and hidden bones, which can be inconvenient or unsuitable for non-fish eaters. The ryokan may not be able to accommodate non-fish diets.
Small comfort and amenity issues
A few reviewers mentioned minor comfort problems such as uncomfortable pillows, memory-foam futons being less authentic than expected, and some lacking room toiletries (guests obtained items from bath changing rooms).
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Japanese-style rooms accommodate up to four guests using futons; families are welcome but no extra beds or cots are provided.
Yes — the property has public and open-air onsen baths and offers the option of private baths for separate use.
Private baths are available to reserve for short, private sessions; please contact the property in advance to request a time slot.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the ryokan is reachable from Hakone-Yumoto Station (about 1.2 km) and the property can assist with arrival details on request.
Tokyo Haneda is the closest major airport; from there take trains to Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto and continue by local train, bus or taxi to the ryokan.
Staff are primarily Japanese, and many speak basic English; guests report helpful English assistance from the team.
Expect tatami rooms with futons, communal and open-air onsen bathing, and traditional multi-course meals served on-site; note that most rooms do not have private showers.
Popular nearby sites include the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Lake Ashi, Odawara Castle and the Hakone-Yumoto area; these are reachable by short train or bus rides.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is from 08:00 to 10:00; if you want to dine at the ryokan you should arrive by 18:00 so dinner can be prepared.
Pets are not permitted at the property; convenience stores and local restaurants are within walking distance in the Hakone-Yumoto area and free on-site parking is available for guests who drive.