Hotel Ra Kuun
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Hotel Ra Kuun sits on a gentle rise above Lake Ashi and presents itself as a compact, service‑focused stay in Hakone. The property combines Japanese‑style rooms with futon bedding and Western‑style rooms with beds, allowing guests to choose a familiar sleeping arrangement. Public thermal baths are a central feature: indoor and open‑air onsen facilities are available with separate bathing areas, and day‑use bathing is offered for visitors who are not staying overnight, positioning the hotel as a practical ryokan with onsen in Hakone for travelers seeking an accessible hot‑spring experience.
The hotel’s dining area was refurbished with a lighter, Nordic‑inspired feel and serves a buffet for guests on meal plans; some packages include an all‑you‑can‑drink offering from check‑in until around 21:00, and complimentary snacks and beverages are provided in public spaces. Rooms are equipped with basic modern comforts such as flat‑screen TVs and refrigerators, and guest services include in‑room massage upon request, luggage assistance, vending machines and free on‑site parking provided on an arrival basis. Staff emphasize a friendly, helpful welcome and the property is oriented toward straightforward, family‑friendly hospitality rather than luxury frills.
Practical access is simple from local transit: the hotel is within walking distance of lakeside attractions and about a 20‑minute walk to the lakefront; bus links connect to Hakone‑Yumoto and Odawara in roughly 30–40 minutes, making it convenient for day trips around the Hakone area. Nearby cultural stops include lakeside viewpoints and regional museums, and the hotel’s positioning on the high ground affords views of the surrounding hills. For those searching in Kanagawa, this modest ryokan with onsen Kanagawa offers a clear choice for an uncomplicated hot‑spring stay close to Lake Ashi and Hakone’s main sights.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Ra Kuun
Positive Reviews
Relaxing onsen (hot springs)
Several guests praised the hotel's onsen — including an outdoor hot spring — as clean, pleasant and a great place to relax after sightseeing.
Good meals and buffet options
Many reviews highlighted the quality and variety of dinner and breakfast buffets; guests appreciated included drinks and found the evening meals unexpectedly good for the price.
Friendly, attentive staff
Numerous comments noted warm, helpful and efficient staff who provided clear explanations on arrival and attentive service throughout the stay.
Traditional spacious rooms and nice views
Guests enjoyed the large Japanese-style tatami rooms, traditional atmosphere (yukata provided) and attractive views toward the lake or mountains from some rooms.
Complimentary snacks/drinks and free parking
Visitors liked the free self-service drinks, snacks (popcorn, sweets, mini ice creams) available at reception and the convenient free parking on site.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited nearby services
Multiple reviewers warned that the hotel is isolated — far from shops and other dining options — making a car preferable; bus connections can be slow or crowded and involve uphill walks.
Difficult or unsafe pedestrian access
Several guests mentioned that the only walking route to the hotel is along a road without sidewalks or pedestrian crossings, which feels dangerous especially with luggage or at night.
Property is somewhat dated; bathrooms need attention
A number of reviewers described the hotel as older in style and noted that bathrooms could benefit from refurbishment or tidying; some small cleanliness issues (stains, rushed bathroom cleaning) were reported.
Noise and limited soundproofing
Some rooms face the road and guests reported morning traffic noise and generally thin walls, so noise from outside or adjacent rooms can be noticeable.
Dinner pricing/variety concerns
While food quality was often praised, a few guests found the fixed-price evening meals expensive and noted buffet repetition when staying multiple nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin Western rooms for two and Japanese-style rooms with up to three futons; the hotel offers a mix of western, Japanese and hybrid rooms suitable for couples and small families.
Yes — the hotel uses natural Ashinoko sulfur spring water and offers public indoor and open-air onsen baths for guests.
The hotel does not list a scheduled shuttle; most guests arrive by local bus or taxi from Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara stations after reaching Tokyo or the airports.
Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (or Shinkansen to Odawara), then board a local bus toward Motohakone and alight at Futagochaya, followed by a short walk to the hotel.
Japanese is the primary language spoken by staff; English assistance may be limited, so it helps to prepare simple requests in advance.
Guests can wear provided yukata, enjoy the onsen, and choose Japanese-style rooms with futon; the hotel also offers buffet dining and complementary snacks/drinks as part of some plans.
Lake Ashi is about a 20-minute walk, and other popular Hakone sites such as Hakone Shrine, the Open-Air Museum and Owakudani are a short bus or taxi ride away.
The nearest stop is Futagochaya; regular Hakone buses connect the hotel with Hakone-Yumoto, Odawara and the Moto-Hakone-ko area where you can change for local sights.
Standard check-in is 15:00–20:00 and check-out is 07:00–10:00; note the property restricts access between 20:00 and 07:00 and dinner plans generally require arrival by 18:00.
The hotel offers pet-friendly plans (confirm details with the hotel), private onsen rentals are not listed and on-site dining is available; shops and restaurants are a short bus ride away and there are vending machines on site.