Mizu no Kaori
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 158 reviews
Mizu no Kaori is a small, family-run ryokan tucked into the Gora Onsen district of Hakone, offering a compact collection of traditionally furnished rooms and direct access to the region’s mountain scenery. The property presents a quiet, residential setting a short drive from the area’s museums and ropeway; a free shuttle links the ryokan with the nearest stations, easing transfers for guests arriving by public transport. Interior details lean toward classic tatami layouts with futon bedding, soundproof windows and modern conveniences such as air conditioning and complimentary Wi‑Fi; some room types do not include a private bathroom, which is reflected in how the property organizes its bathing facilities.
Bathing is central to the stay: the ryokan features an on-site hot spring and reserves additional private bathing slots for guests who prefer exclusive use. Guests can book a private outdoor soak in advance through the property or request a reservation on arrival, allowing a secluded view across the treed slopes in a setting designed for quiet relaxation. These arrangements make Mizu no Kaori an easy choice for travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Hakone and, when privacy is preferred, a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa, combining the communal ritual of Japanese bathing with options for individual or small-group use.
Meals are prepared in a traditional style and many guests opt for half-board to experience evening kaiseki-style courses and a morning set; the dining emphasizes seasonal produce and simple presentation suited to the ryokan’s intimate scale. Practical services include station pick-up, multilingual staff, luggage assistance and free on-site parking, and the property’s compact size encourages attentive, family-like service. For visitors prioritizing a quietly authentic onsen experience close to the area’s cultural attractions, Mizu no Kaori offers a straightforward, well-located base grounded in conventional ryokan hospitality.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Mizu no Kaori
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive hosts and helpful service
Multiple reviews highlight very friendly, attentive owners and staff who make guests feel at home, offering help such as station pickups/drop-offs and small personalized gestures (e.g. arranging a cake).
Excellent traditional meals
Dinners and breakfasts are repeatedly praised as authentic, abundant and delicious — many guests call the multi-course meals a highlight and recommend booking half‑board.
Authentic onsen experience
Guests value the natural hot‑spring water, well‑maintained onsen facilities and the option to reserve a private outdoor bath with mountain views; many found the baths relaxing and restorative.
Traditional, peaceful ryokan atmosphere
Reviewers appreciate the classic, family‑run ryokan feel: traditional rooms, rustic charm, quiet mountain setting and scenic surroundings that provide a genuine Japanese experience.
Spacious, characterful rooms
Several guests mention roomy, traditional-style rooms and comfortable futons/bed options, which contributed positively to their stay and overall comfort.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited transport
Hakone location is described as mountainous and somewhat hard to reach; reviewers advise allowing extra travel time and note public transport can be infrequent, making the host’s transfer service important.
Some facilities feel dated
A number of guests remark that parts of the property are a bit old or worn, which may show in decor and fittings even if it adds to the ryokan’s charm for some.
Noise from common areas reported by some
At least one guest reported repetitive music playing in corridors and common rooms throughout the day, which could be heard from the bedrooms and affected enjoyment.
Occasional cleanliness concerns
One review mentioned mediocre cleanliness specifically in the hot‑bath area; while most guests found the baths pleasant, this suggests standards may vary.
Weak Wi‑Fi and firmness of bedding for some guests
A few reviewers noted weak Wi‑Fi signal in rooms, and some guests with back/hip issues found the futons or mattresses uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional tatami with futons; typical occupancy ranges from single to four guests, and larger rooms with four futons are available. Extra beds and baby cots are not offered.
Yes — the ryokan has source hot-spring baths including gender-separated public baths (rotation by time) and private outdoor baths that can be reserved for private use. Private baths require advance booking with the front desk.
Yes — the ryokan provides pick-up from the nearest stations (for example Gora or Sounzan) on request; please contact the property in advance to arrange collection. Arrival coordination is recommended due to the secluded location.
From Haneda take trains toward Odawara/Hakone-Yumoto and then the Hakone Tozan line or a taxi to the Gora/Sounzan area; from Narita use Narita Express or other airport trains to Tokyo or Odawara and continue by shinkansen/local train and Hakone transport. For the final leg it is common to request station pickup from the ryokan.
Staff at Mizu no Kaori speak Japanese and English and are accustomed to assisting international guests. Advance requests or simple English communication are generally handled well.
Expect traditional Japanese rooms with tatami, futons and yukata; the ryokan serves seasonal multi-course (kaiseki-style) dinners and breakfasts prepared on site. The property also offers a regional fango (onsen mud) therapy as part of its wellness services.
The ryokan is in the Gora area of Hakone, close to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the Hakone Ropeway/cable car (Sounzan/Owakudani access) and other Hakone sights such as Lake Ashi and local walking trails. Many attractions are a short transfer away by Hakone transport or taxi.
The property sits in a quiet villa area with limited shops immediately nearby; the nearest convenience stores and restaurants are in Gora or Sounzan and reachable by a short ride. Staff can advise on local taxis, buses and walking routes.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 21:00 and check-out is from 06:00 to 10:00. If you need an earlier arrival or later departure please contact the ryokan in advance to confirm availability.
Whole-ryokan rentals are offered for group bookings (typically arranged by phone and suitable for larger groups); please contact the property to discuss details and availability. Pets are not permitted on the premises.