YuYu Hakone – Private Open Air Onsen Usage Guaranteed
8/10 Excellent - Based on 246 reviews
Set in the Motohakone area of Hakone in Kanagawa, YuYu Hakone presents a compact, modern interpretation of a traditional inn that balances simple Japanese room layouts with contemporary comforts. Rooms are offered in family-friendly configurations with tatami-style sleeping options and private bathrooms; many rooms open onto a balcony or garden outlook and include standard amenities such as air conditioning and complimentary Wi‑Fi. The property sits within easy reach of Lake Ashi, the Hakone Ropeway and other regional attractions, making it a practical base for visitors seeking local sightseeing without sacrificing the onsen experience typical of the area, positioned as a ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa for travelers who prioritise access to hot springs.
The defining feature is the assured private open-air bathing: guests are guaranteed exclusive use of an outdoor onsen during their stay, which is managed in scheduled sessions to preserve privacy and cleanliness. The facility provides a dedicated shower area and basic toiletries for private bath use; booking materials and guest feedback indicate the private rotenburo can comfortably accommodate small groups or families and is intended for exclusive, timed sessions rather than continuous communal access. With its combination of private bathing and family-sized rooms, the property functions as a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa aimed at travellers who want an intimate hot-spring experience within a compact, service-focused property.
On-site amenities include a restaurant serving a mix of Japanese and Italian dishes with vegetarian options, a reception desk with multilingual assistance at peak hours, complimentary self-parking and a scheduled shuttle service to nearby stations. The property accepts pets under a specified fee and maintains quiet hours in line with local regulations; practical arrival and departure windows follow standard hotel practice (check-in from late afternoon, check-out by mid-morning). Given limited local dining options, guests often pre-book meals and reserve private onsen slots in advance to ensure preferred times during their stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: YuYu Hakone – Private Op…
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen experience
Guests repeatedly praised the onsen—especially the private onsen option—which they found relaxing, well maintained and a highlight of the stay.
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple reviews highlighted the staff's kindness, helpfulness and professionalism, noting polite service and quick responses to issues.
Peaceful natural location
The hotel’s setting in the forest near Lake Ashi was described as quiet, scenic and restorative, with good access to local attractions and bus links.
Authentic, spacious Japanese rooms
Visitors liked the traditional Japanese-style rooms and large spaces, including private balconies and authentic touches (kimonos), providing a comfortable, immersive stay.
Good communal facilities and overall value
Reviewers appreciated clean communal areas, a well-equipped shared shower with strong water pressure, complimentary items (tea, masks, toiletries) and generally considered the property good value for the region.
Negative Reviews
Food quality and limited menu
Several guests found the evening meals underwhelming—small portions, average taste, limited options and perceived as expensive—leaving many to recommend eating elsewhere.
No private en-suite bathrooms in many rooms
A recurring issue was the lack of private bathrooms in rooms; guests had to use communal showers/toilets, which some described as dated or not ideal.
Thin futons / bedding comfort
Multiple reviewers noted futons as too thin or not very comfortable, which affected sleep quality for some guests.
Isolated location and limited nearby services
While the setting is a plus, guests also reported the hotel is isolated with few nearby restaurants or shops within walking distance, and some mentioned limited on-site provisions.
Occasional cleanliness and amenity gaps
A few comments mentioned cleaning oversights (e.g., under beds), aging sanitary facilities, and missing in-room items (slippers, hangers, closet space) in some rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity depends on the room type; family rooms use multiple futons and typically accommodate small groups. Check the specific room description when booking for the exact maximum occupancy.
The property advertises guaranteed private open-air onsen use for bookings, so guests have exclusive access to the onsen included with their room. Confirm your reservation details to ensure the onsen is linked to your room type.
The property lists a hot spring bath and open-air bath among its facilities in addition to private onsen options. Availability of any shared baths may vary by room type and season.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the ryokan is close to local transport hubs so most guests arrive by train and bus. Plan transfers via Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto and local buses or taxis to reach Motohakone.
The ryokan is in Motohakone, within about 1–2 km of Togendai and near the Hakone Ropeway area; it’s typically reached by train to Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto, then by local bus or ropeway to Togendai and a short walk or taxi. Allow extra time for transfers and local schedules.
Staff provide multilingual service including English and Chinese in addition to Japanese. Language support may vary by shift, so simple English communication is commonly available.
Rooms include Japanese-style options with futons and tatami-style arrangements; the ryokan blends traditional elements with modern comforts. Breakfast and dinner options include Japanese dishes to complement the ryokan experience.
Popular nearby attractions include Owakudani (geothermal valley), Lake Ashi and the Hakone Ropeway, plus Togendai and several museums and scenic viewpoints. Many attractions are a short drive or local-bus ride from Motohakone.
Pets are allowed at the property (policies apply), and private use of the room’s open-air onsen is guaranteed; whole-property privatization is not listed as a standard option. For special requests like full-property hire or pet specifics, inquire with the property before booking.
The ryokan has an on-site restaurant serving Japanese and Italian dishes and offers breakfast services. For groceries and larger supermarkets, the closest options are in the Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara areas a short drive away.