Ajisai Onsen Ryokan – Award Winning Private Open Air Onsen
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 528 reviews
Set in the wooded slopes of Hakone’s Gora district, Ajisai Onsen Ryokan combines traditional ryokan design with modern amenities to create a calm atmosphere. The property centres on thermal bathing: an open-air rotenburo and bookable private baths fed by local hot springs let guests soak outdoors in privacy while views focus on garden plantings. Facilities include a reception, communal lounge and terrace for quiet sitting. This ryokan with onsen in Hakone offers a compact base for visitors seeking direct access to hot-spring bathing and nearby cultural sites.
Rooms range from tatami‑floored suites with futons to studios with Western beds, air conditioning, a small kitchenette and private bathrooms; many open onto garden views or a veranda. Meals are served in an on-site dining room as set multi-course menus that use local seasonal produce. The ryokan supplies robes and indoor slippers, yukata for lounging and an in-room electric kettle; staff assist with luggage and daily service in the Japanese tradition of attentive hospitality.
Within easy reach of Gora Station and attractions such as an open-air sculpture museum and Gora Park, the property works well for exploring Hakone’s landscapes and lakes. Practical amenities include complimentary on-site parking and a 24-hour front desk; public bathing and reserveable private baths are managed to preserve seclusion. For travellers wanting a concise traditional stay centred on bathing, Ajisai serves as a clear example of a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa that balances simple comforts with native bathing culture and is suitable for families and couples alike.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ajisai Onsen Ryokan – Aw…
Positive Reviews
Excellent private onsen options
Multiple reviews praise the onsen offering—three private baths (indoor and outdoor) that guests can reserve for set time slots. Reviewers described the baths as fantastic, relaxing and a highlight of the stay.
Outstanding meals and breakfast
Many guests described dinner and breakfast as exceptional and delicious (traditional Japanese kaiseki-style dinners were repeatedly praised). Some reviews note a high-quality, satisfying breakfast experience and mention that a continental option exists when arranged.
Attentive, friendly staff and authentic hospitality
Staff were repeatedly described as very helpful and kind, providing clear explanations and attentive service. Guests appreciated the immersive ryokan touches (yukata/kimonos provided) and family-friendly welcome.
Calm, traditional ryokan atmosphere and comfortable rooms
Reviewers valued the peaceful, traditional setting and comfortable, spacious Japanese-style rooms. The property’s cleanliness, quietness after busy city visits and authentic design contributed to a relaxing experience.
Convenient base for exploring Hakone
Guests highlighted the location in Hakone as convenient for visiting the area (lake Ashi, region sights). Several reviews also noted on-site parking and relative proximity to Gora station and bus connections.
Negative Reviews
No private bathroom/shower in rooms
Multiple guests pointed out that rooms do not include a shower or full bathroom; showers must be taken in the onsen areas before using the baths, which may be unexpected for some visitors.
Onsen scheduling constraints and variability
Private onsen use is limited to reserved time slots (typically one evening and one morning) and some reviewers noted differences between individual onsen facilities (some are better equipped than others). Popular outdoor baths are often booked early, so advance scheduling is recommended.
Occasional room allocation or configuration issues
At least one guest reported receiving a different room layout than booked (different futon/bed arrangement), which affected the intended experience.
Access and transport can be awkward
Several reviews mention that reaching the ryokan from Gora station can require using the funicular and some walking with luggage; taxis are not always available at the station, making arrival less straightforward for some guests.
Some maintenance, humidity and limited on‑site options for non‑preordered meals
A few guests observed aging or less‑well‑maintained equipment in rooms and baths and occasional humidity in rooms. One review noted that continental breakfast was not readily available for guests who had not pre-ordered, suggesting limited flexibility for walk-in meal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from small family rooms to larger Japanese-style rooms with multiple futons (examples on booking show rooms with up to 12 futon spaces in the deluxe suite); cribs and extra beds are not available, so please select a room that fits your party size when booking.
Yes — the property offers private open-air baths that guests reserve in time slots at reception; ask the front desk on arrival to book available sessions.
There’s no dedicated airport shuttle; common routes are by train (Odakyu to Hakone-Yumoto then Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station) followed by about a 10-minute walk or a short taxi from Gora Station.
Check-in is from 16:00 (4:00 PM) until midnight and check-out is until 10:30 AM.
Staff are reported to be friendly and can assist in English for common guest needs, though availability of fluent English speakers may vary by time and shift.
The ryokan serves dinner and breakfast with Japanese and some Western options; notify the ryokan in advance of dietary restrictions or allergies so they can accommodate when possible.
Pets are accepted at the property; please notify the ryokan ahead of your stay to confirm arrangements.
The ryokan is about a 10-minute walk from Gora Station but the route is uphill and includes stairs or areas without sidewalks, so a taxi is recommended if you have heavy luggage.
Gora Park, the Hakone Museum of Art and local craft houses are all within a short walk (roughly 5–15 minutes), with Hakone’s sightseeing spots accessible via the nearby Gora Station.
Yes — several convenience stores (such as 7‑Eleven, Lawson and Daily Yamazaki) and small shops are within about 1 km for basic supplies.