Hakone Retreat villa 1/f
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 603 reviews
The Hakone Retreat villa 1/f sits in the Sengokuhara forest of the Hakone mountains, presenting a series of discreet log and timber hideaways set apart from the main hotel. The villa cluster comprises eleven private villas arranged to preserve mature trees and views; interiors emphasize natural materials, wood‑burning stoves and large picture windows that frame the forest. This property operates as a ryokan with onsen Hakone, where the rhythm of the surrounding landscape is central to the guest experience.
Accommodation ranges from compact two‑person villas to multi‑room suites, several of which include a dedicated hot‑spring bath on the room terrace or in a small courtyard; other guests may use communal thermal facilities and a spa. The onsen water is described as a sodium‑chloride, alkaline spring typical of the Sengokuhara area, and the property offers treatments designed to complement bathing. For travellers seeking a secluded thermal stay, the site functions as a ryokan with private onsen Kanagawa in selected room types.
Onsite dining mixes a wood‑fired casual menu at a forest‑facing dining room with formal kaiseki served in a restored sukiya‑style ryotei; a café and lounge serve freshly roasted coffee and simple bakery items. Practical amenities include an onsite restaurant program, a small library, bike rental, parking and a paid station transfer, and staff can arrange local walks and seasonal experiences tailored to the forest surroundings. Seasonal menus change with the local harvest and are rotated regularly, supporting a low‑tech, nature‑centred break with easy access to Hakone’s museums and trails.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakone Retreat villa 1/f
Positive Reviews
Private onsen in villas
Many guests praised the private hot-spring baths in the villas, describing the onsen experience as a highlight—quiet, relaxing and often outdoors—adding strong value to the stay.
Peaceful forest setting
Reviewers repeatedly mention the beautiful, secluded woodland location and tranquil atmosphere, which creates a restorative, nature-focused escape away from city life.
Attentive, friendly staff and service
Staff were frequently described as kind, helpful and attentive, providing thoughtful touches and good guest care (assistance with restaurants, shuttle service and concierge-style help).
Spacious, well-designed villas and comfortable rooms
Guests appreciated the villas’ design, high-quality materials, spacious layouts and comfortable beds; many noted attention to detail, tasteful decor and well-equipped rooms.
Strong dining and wellness offerings
Several reviews praised the culinary experiences (notably kaiseki dinners, sake pairing and varied breakfasts) and optional wellness treatments (notably long signature massages), which guests found memorable and luxurious.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport difficulty
Multiple guests noted the property is isolated—difficult to access by public transport, slow bus connections and reliance on taxis or cars; returning by taxi raises costs and finding a taxi nearby can be unpredictable.
Limited English communication
Several reviewers reported that some staff speak little to no English, which complicated communication for non-Japanese speakers and occasionally impacted service clarity.
Inconsistent food quality, availability and cost
While many enjoyed the meals, others found certain restaurant offerings or breakfasts lacking in quality or value for the price; some dining options have limited hours and availability that can be restrictive.
Occasional maintenance, cleanliness and noise issues
A few guests reported issues such as cleanliness needing improvement, non-working features (e.g., fireplace) not being fixed promptly, and intrusive noises from appliances or lighting that disturbed the expected calm.
Expectations vs. photos and communication inconsistencies
Some visitors felt booking photos showed features not present in their unit (for example a sofa), and a few experienced unclear or automated communications (contradictory info in emails or at check-in), leading to small disappointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Villas vary by type; most are designed for 2 guests while several suites sleep up to 3 or 4 people — check the specific villa description when booking for exact maximum occupancy.
Many villa types include a private hot spring (indoor or open-air) and the property also offers a larger public onsen and spa facilities for guests.
There is no regular free shuttle, but the hotel recommends local buses from Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara and offers a private taxi transfer service on request from major local stations.
From Tokyo you can take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto or the shinkansen to Odawara, then use a Hakone Tozan bus or taxi to the Hyoseki/Glass Forest stop and walk about five minutes to the property.
Japanese is the primary language; the property provides English information and staff can assist in basic English, with requests for additional language support handled in advance when possible.
The property has on-site restaurants including a ryotei offering kaiseki and seasonal dishes, plus breakfast service; some dining options require advance reservation and in-room dining is available for certain plans.
The ryokan sits in Sengokuhara forest near the Venetian Glass Museum and Glass Forest area, with easy access to Hakone sights such as Owakudani, Lake Ashi and local walking trails.
Standard check-in generally begins in the mid-afternoon and check-out is around late morning; please confirm exact times on your reservation as they can vary by villa and plan.
Each guest accommodation is a standalone villa and booked privately; the property now offers a designated dog-friendly villa (Ibuki) with specific rules, required vaccination proof, and restrictions on pets in restaurants and some public areas.
There is no full supermarket on site; basic convenience stores and more extensive shopping are found in Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara, while the immediate Sengokuhara area has limited local shops.