Togakubo
9,7/10 Exceptional - Based on 21 reviews
Togakubo is a traditional mountain inn on the slopes of Mount Ōyama in Isehara, Kanagawa, operating in the style of a shukubo with a history visible in its wood‑framed architecture and tatami interiors. Rooms retain a measured, low‑key character with futon bedding, tatami floors and provided yukata; the property keeps a limited number of guest rooms to preserve a quiet, intimate atmosphere. Meals highlight the local tofu tradition through carefully composed seasonal kaiseki plates that emphasize regional ingredients and restrained presentation, making dining a central element of the stay.
The bathing facilities combine communal hot‑spring bathing and outdoor bathing with options for more private use: an open‑air onsen set against woodland and mountain views and private open‑air baths available with some room types, allowing guests to choose either shared or secluded immersion. Facilities are presented plainly and focus on natural hot water and a calm setting rather than on large spa complexes; basic amenities are supplied for bathing and changing, and the design encourages mindful relaxation and quiet appreciation of the surrounding greenery. This property functions well as a ryokan with private onsen Isehara for travelers seeking a more secluded onsen experience.
Practical details reflect the property’s role as a pilgrimage and mountain retreat: staff arrange simple spiritual activities and quiet rituals that guests may join, such as morning purification and optional meditative practices, while service emphasizes unobtrusive hospitality and seasonal fare. Access is oriented toward visitors arriving by regional transport and road, and the pace of the place suits adults and small groups looking for an authentic ryokan rhythm rather than resort entertainment. For those searching for a compact, tradition‑driven stay near Mount Ōyama, this ryokan with private onsen Kanagawa offers a focused, restorative alternative.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Togakubo
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive hospitality
Multiple reviewers highlight very friendly, attentive and helpful staff who go out of their way to assist guests (for example offering umbrellas in heavy rain) and provide a welcoming, caring atmosphere.
Excellent tofu‑centered kaiseki and high‑quality meals
Guests repeatedly praise the meals—traditional kaiseki with many small dishes—especially the local tofu, describing the food as exceptional and among the best they had in Japan.
Authentic traditional ryokan experience and comfortable rooms
The property offers well‑appointed tatami rooms and traditional decor; reviewers describe spacious, beautiful rooms (some with private bathrooms) and appreciate the preservation of Japanese traditions.
High‑quality outdoor and private baths (onsen)
The outdoor onsen and options for private baths are frequently mentioned as a highlight—reviewers call them exceptional, comfortable and a perfect complement to the stay.
Scenic, peaceful mountain setting and cultural activities
Located on Mount Oyama, guests value the quiet mountain retreat, scenic surroundings, nearby temples and hiking. Many also enjoyed cultural touches such as morning ceremonies, sutra copying and small welcome gifts (e.g. fabric pouch with toiletries).
Negative Reviews
Limited English communication
Several reviews note that staff speak little or no English, which can limit explanations about dishes and local customs; knowing Japanese improves the experience according to some guests.
Some signs of aging in facilities
A few guests observed remnants of older or worn areas in the property, suggesting parts of the building show age even though the staff’s care offsets this for many visitors.
Housekeeping issue with air conditioning
One reviewer specifically mentioned that the room air‑conditioner had not been thoroughly cleaned, indicating a possible lapse in room maintenance for certain stays.
Not a natural spring onsen (expectation note)
At least one guest pointed out the baths are not a natural hot‑spring onsen, which might be relevant to visitors specifically seeking a natural spring experience, though they still found the baths excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futon bedding and typically accommodate up to four guests; the ryokan assigns room type on the day of arrival.
Yes — the property offers a hot-spring onsen with public indoor baths and an open-air bath for guests to use.
Private use of facilities is available by request (and for day use the ryokan offers private rooms for small groups); private bookings depend on availability and must be arranged with the ryokan.
There is no regular airport shuttle; access is by local bus from Odakyu Isehara Station or by private car — the ryokan provides directions for train-and-bus connections.
From Tokyo take the Odakyu line to Isehara Station and then a local bus to the Oyama area (about 30 minutes by bus), or drive — Haneda Airport is roughly a one- to two-hour drive depending on traffic.
Standard check-in is in the late afternoon and check-out is in the morning; the ryokan lists check-in roughly 16:00–18:30 and check-out roughly 08:00–10:00.
Pets are not permitted at the property, and there is no supermarket on site; the nearest shops and larger stores are in Isehara town and require a short bus or car trip.
Japanese is the primary language, but the ryokan maintains English information on its site and staff are experienced welcoming international visitors and assisting with practical directions and arrangements.
Meals focus on traditional, seasonal Japanese cuisine with a local tofu-centered kaiseki style; dinner and breakfast are served in classic ryokan style and dietary requests should be communicated in advance.
Togakubo sits at the foot of Mount Oyama, close to the Oyama Afuri Shrine and the cable car — it’s ideal for hiking and shrine visits; day trips to Hakone and other Kanagawa attractions are also possible.