Musashino Bekkan
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 149 reviews
Musashino Bekkan is a compact, traditional ryokan tucked into the Miyanoshita neighborhood of Hakone, offering tatami-floored guest rooms and attentive Japanese service in a calm, wood-lined setting. Rooms range from classic Japanese-style accommodations to a selection that includes private open-air baths; guests find the property convenient for exploring nearby museums and the Hakone Tozan Railway. The ryokan provides practical amenities such as a shuttle from the station, luggage storage and communal lounges where seasonal teas are served, creating the low-key comforts expected of a ryokan with onsen in Hakone without theatrical modern trappings.
The bathing facilities are a defining feature: multiple gender-separated indoor and outdoor baths sit alongside a handful of reservable private open-air baths, typically offered in short sessions for privacy and flexibility. Private baths include small, characterful options fashioned from hinoki timber or Izu stone and a rustic barrel-style tub with views toward the hillside and the passing Tozan line; these are bookable by time slot to let guests enjoy solitude. Public baths are arranged to highlight seasonal change and natural materials, and on-site spa treatments are available for those seeking massages or facial therapies, reinforcing the ryokan’s profile as a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa for travelers who value both shared and solitary hot-spring experiences.
Dining follows a kaiseki approach with multi-course Japanese meals presented in-room, emphasizing local seafood and seasonal produce alongside a small selection of sake and regional specialties. The property maintains a modest retail corner for souvenirs and a lounge space where house-blended tea and light snacks are offered before or after bathing. Staff routinely assist with arrival logistics and local advice, and while the atmosphere stays rooted in traditional ryokan rhythms—early dinners and attentive room service—the combination of private bathing options, in-room dining, and a compact network of facilities makes this an orderly, authentic base for exploring Hakone’s hot-spring circuit and nearby cultural sites.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Musashino Bekkan
Positive Reviews
Abundant private and public onsen options
Many reviewers praised the variety of onsen—private outdoor baths and reservable private onsens in the forest as well as public baths—highlighting them as a major attraction and very relaxing.
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Guests enjoyed the strong traditional atmosphere: tatami rooms, futons, shoji/rice-panel shutters, wearing yukata, and other cultural details that provided an immersive Japanese stay.
Exceptional, artful meals (kaiseki)
Multiple reviews called the dinners outstanding—delicious, visually beautiful multi-course meals often served in-room. Many guests found the culinary experience memorable and a highlight.
Attentive, helpful staff and convenient shuttle service
Reviewers repeatedly mentioned kind, professional staff who provided excellent service, including pickup/drop-off from the nearby train station, luggage assistance, help reserving private baths, and personalized attention.
Peaceful natural setting and attractive rooms
The property’s location in nature, mountain views from large windows, outdoor baths, and generally spacious, clean rooms were noted as very charming and soothing.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and steep access
Several guests noted the hotel sits on a steep hill and can be hard to reach by public transport; while staff shuttle service is available, access may require extra effort or planning.
Aging facilities and some worn bathroom areas
Multiple reviews mentioned the ryokan shows its age—worn showers, dated bathrooms and fixtures, and some areas that feel in need of refurbishment.
Food can be too traditional, heavy or pricey for some
While many loved the kaiseki, a number of guests found the cuisine overly traditional (e.g., fish at breakfast), too plentiful after a large dinner, or expensive relative to expectations.
Inconsistent staff communication and occasional rudeness
A few reviewers reported limited English ability among staff, brusque or inflexible behavior in some interactions (luggage/shuttle requests), and at times poor first impressions from particular employees.
Occasional comfort issues (damp smell, mosquitoes, temperature/timing)
Some guests experienced damp/odors in the building, mosquitoes in rooms, being woken early for breakfast setup, or private onsen water that was uncomfortably hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style and are typically set up for two adults; the property generally does not offer extra beds or cots, so larger groups should book multiple rooms or confirm room type in advance.
The ryokan has public hot-spring baths and open-air baths on the property; some room types also include private open-air baths.
Some room categories include a private open-air bath, and guests can request private-time use of bathing facilities subject to availability—ask the staff when you book or at check-in.
Yes, the ryokan provides a free shuttle service from nearby Miyanoshita station upon request; contact the property ahead of arrival to arrange pickup.
The property is about 46 miles (roughly 74 km) from Haneda; the usual route is airport train or bus to Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto, then local bus or the Hakone Tozan Railway to Miyanoshita, where the ryokan’s shuttle can meet you.
Staff speak English at a functional level and regularly assist international guests with directions, sightseeing suggestions, and reservations; they may use translation tools for detailed requests.
Meals are Japanese-style, with kaiseki or set-dinner and morning dishes typically served in-room or as arranged by the ryokan, and rooms feature tatami flooring and yukata for an authentic stay.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum and Gora Park are within a short walk or drive, while Owakudani, Lake Ashi and other Hakone sights are a short drive or bus ride away.
Pets are not permitted at the property; private use of certain baths is possible by reservation for added privacy where those options exist.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 11:00; the ryokan offers luggage storage for guests arriving early or leaving late, and you should notify the property if you expect to arrive after the stated check-in window.