Gyokutei
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Gyokutei is a small, traditional ryokan perched on a quiet hill above Hakone-Yumoto, combining classic Japanese architecture and a compact garden centered on a koi pond. The property’s rooms are tatami-floored and arranged in a detached, courtyard-facing layout; each guest room features its own in-room hot spring bath fed from the ryokan’s private source, while larger communal baths and a garden-view public bath are also available. This intimate setting makes it a straightforward choice for travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Hakone that balances seclusion with easy access to local attractions.
Meals emphasize seasonal kaiseki cuisine prepared with local ingredients and served in the privacy of your room, allowing for an unhurried dining rhythm that complements the understated interiors. Practical comforts—flat-screen TV, refrigerator, toiletries, yukata robes and slippers—sit alongside traditional touches such as futon bedding and sliding shoji screens. Additional services include on-site parking, massage treatments, luggage storage and concierge assistance to arrange nearby museums and outdoor destinations, all tailored to preserve the ryokan’s calm, residential atmosphere.
Located within a short, gentle walk of Hakone-Yumoto station, the ryokan offers easy connections to the region while maintaining a retreat-like feel; nearby highlights include the Open-Air Museum, Gora Park and Lake Ashi. Rooms are suited to couples and small groups seeking a peaceful base for exploring Hakone, and the presence of private in-room baths means guests preferring solitude can enjoy a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa without sharing public facilities. The overall experience focuses on rhythm, seasonal cuisine and quiet attention to service.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Gyokutei
Positive Reviews
Outstanding traditional dining (Kaiseki)
Many guests highlighted the exceptional multi-course kaiseki dinners (often served in-room) and high-quality breakfasts, praising presentation, variety and overall culinary experience as a major highlight.
Attentive, welcoming staff
Reviews repeatedly mention very kind, helpful and attentive staff who explain traditions, serve meals in-room and assist throughout the stay, contributing strongly to the guest experience.
Authentic ryokan atmosphere
Guests appreciated the genuine traditional elements — yukata, futons, low tables, room layout and ritualized service — which made the stay feel immersive and memorable.
Relaxing onsen options
The property offers pleasant onsen experiences, including private and shared baths; many reviewers found the hot springs soothing, well-maintained and an integral part of the stay.
Beautiful, tranquil setting and spacious rooms
Multiple reviews praised the landscaped garden, peaceful surroundings and roomy Japanese-style rooms with comfortable futons, effective air conditioning and overall cleanliness.
Negative Reviews
Bathrooms / some facilities feel dated
Several guests noted that bathrooms (and in a few cases one of the onsens) showed wear and could benefit from renovation or refreshing to match the rest of the property.
Occasional noise from neighbouring rooms
A few reviewers reported disturbances from other guests in adjacent rooms, which affected sleep or quiet time despite the ryokan not being directly at fault.
Lack of blackout curtains in some rooms
Some guests mentioned insufficient blackout curtains, causing early morning light to enter rooms and disturb sleep for light-sensitive guests.
Cuisine and breakfast may not suit all tastes
While many praise the traditional meals, a number of guests said the 100% Japanese-style menu (and in some cases a salty breakfast) may not appeal to those expecting lighter or more Western options.
Price / value and inconsistent service reports
A minority felt the rate was high for certain aspects (expectations for fully renovated baths at premium prices) and one review noted variability in staff styles—mostly polite, but occasionally more rigid or formal—leading to mixed impressions of value and service consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese‑style with tatami and futon bedding; some rooms accommodate up to four guests on futons. Baby cots and extra beds are not available, and children aged 13 and older are charged as adults.
Many rooms include a private in‑room onsen, and the ryokan also operates gender‑separated public hot‑spring baths. Staff will explain bath etiquette and provide towels and yukata.
There is no regular hotel shuttle; Gyokutei is about an 8‑minute walk from Hakone‑Yumoto station but the route is steep so taxis are recommended for heavy luggage. From airports, use trains or airport buses to reach Odawara or Tokyo and transfer to Hakone.
From Tokyo take Odakyu services to Odawara, then the Hakone Tozan Line to Hakone‑Yumoto; the ryokan is an 8‑minute walk from the station. From Haneda or Narita use airport train/bus services into Tokyo or Odawara, then follow the same route.
Staff commonly assist English‑speaking guests and are familiar with local itineraries and transport options. For detailed requests a translation app or simple written instructions can be helpful.
The ryokan serves traditional kaiseki multi‑course dinners and Japanese breakfasts, typically served in your room. Please notify the ryokan in advance for dietary restrictions or allergies.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check‑out is by 11:00. Late arrivals may be restricted, so contact the ryokan in advance if you expect to arrive after the stated check‑in window.
Some rooms already have private baths; for use of the public baths ask staff about reserving private time slots or options, subject to availability. Pets are not permitted on the property.
Located near Hakone‑Yumoto, the ryokan offers easy access to the Hakone Open‑Air Museum, Gora Park and Lake Ashi via the Hakone Tozan Line and local buses, typically within 30–60 minutes. The staff can advise on day‑trip routes and timetables.
Convenience stores and small shops are located near Hakone‑Yumoto station within a short walk for basic supplies; larger supermarkets are further away and usually require a short bus or taxi ride.