Oku Yugawara SANSUIROU
6,8/10 Good - Based on 11 reviews
Oku Yugawara SANSUIROU is a traditional sukiya-style ryokan set in the wooded valleys of Oku-Yugawara, presenting a calm, elevated retreat framed by Hakone’s outer ridges. Established as a ryotei and inn with a long history, the property emphasises seasonally driven kaiseki cuisine prepared to showcase local ingredients; meals are presented with attention to aesthetic detail and can be enjoyed in private dining rooms or served to guestrooms. The house character blends tatami-floored rooms and wooden sukiya architecture to create an intimate, intentionally relaxed atmosphere.
Hot-spring facilities are a principal feature: the property offers a rooftop open-air onsen with panoramic mountain views and a public bathing schedule that alternates access by gender, plus a selection of rooms that include open-air baths or private onsen for in-room soaking. Guests who prefer a solitary bathing experience can choose accommodations with private bathing facilities, while the shared baths provide a scenic communal option; the rooftop bath times and public/private distinctions are operated according to the ryokan’s daily schedule.
Rooms range from traditional Japanese futon layouts to larger suites, many equipped with in-room baths and modern conveniences such as Wi‑Fi and complimentary parking; the property also offers services like luggage storage and attentive table-side kaiseki service. Conveniently reachable from nearby stations by short drive or bus, the ryokan sits within Kanagawa prefecture as a quiet getaway close enough to Hakone and the coast for day excursions, making it a practical choice for travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa or a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Oku Yugawara SANSUIROU
Positive Reviews
Enjoyable onsen and baths
Guests praised the onsen experience—rooftop/open-air bath described as spacious and fun, and indoor baths were clean and pleasant to use.
Clean, well‑kept interior
Several reviewers noted the property was tidy and well cleaned, with fresh floral arrangements adding a pleasant touch to the public areas.
Comfortable rooms with nice views
Rooms were described as great and comfortable, in some cases with attractive river views that guests appreciated.
Tasty, well‑presented meals (some highlights)
Many guests enjoyed the meals and presentation—breakfast items such as freshly grilled horse mackerel were singled out as delicious.
Sauna and uncrowded bathing
The small sauna was appreciated for allowing personal temperature control, and baths were generally not crowded, letting guests relax.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent food quality
Multiple guests felt the food could be better or inconsistent; one specific complaint mentioned a crab rice dish that was overly soft (porridge‑like) and not to expectation.
Serious hygiene/service incident reported
At least one reviewer reported finding an insect in their food and said the item was not replaced and they received no sincere apology, indicating a major service/hygiene concern.
Rooftop onsen sometimes unavailable
Guests noted the rooftop/exhibit open‑air bath was closed for repairs during at least one stay, which was disappointing for those expecting that facility.
Noise from nearby river can disrupt sleep
Rooms facing the river can be affected by loud flowing water at night; noise‑sensitive guests were advised to bring earplugs.
Cold or awkward areas and heavy doors
Some guests reported cold spots when moving between areas (floors icy in the morning) and practical issues such as a very heavy indoor bath door, which affected comfort and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single to multi-person layouts; some rooms and suites include Western beds plus multiple futons and can host families or groups (certain suites accommodate up to six). Always confirm maximum occupancy for the specific room when booking.
The property has communal indoor and open-air hot-spring baths plus rooms with private open-air baths; the rooftop open-air bath operates on a gender-rotating schedule (men and women have designated time slots). Guests with tattoos may be restricted from public bathing areas, so check policies before using public onsen.
The ryokan does not advertise a regular free shuttle; most guests arrive by taxi or local bus from Yugawara or Atami stations. Contact the ryokan in advance if you need help arranging pickup or transfer options.
Take the JR Tokaido line or shinkansen to Atami or Yugawara, then a taxi or local bus to the ryokan (roughly 20–30 minutes from Yugawara by road; about 90 minutes from central Tokyo by train). Allow extra time for transfers and notify the ryokan of your arrival time.
Staff are primarily Japanese; English assistance is often available but may be limited. Prepare a translation app or brief written instructions if you have specific requests.
Standard check-in is in the mid-afternoon (around 15:00) with check-out in the morning (by 11:00); exact windows may vary by reservation. The property enforces quiet hours and has restricted entry overnight (customers are asked to inform the ryokan of late arrivals).
Some room types include private open-air baths for exclusive use; private rental baths may be available on request. Specify your preference when booking to confirm availability and any additional arrangements.
Pets are not permitted on the premises.
The ryokan is in Okuyugawara near Yugawara Onsen and local parks, museums, and hiking trails; day trips to Hakone and the coastal area are also common. Seasonal attractions include cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and coastal scenery.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese meals (kaiseki-style dinners and Japanese breakfasts) in-room or in private dining areas. Small shops and convenience stores are available in Yugawara town a short drive away for additional supplies.