Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 3156 reviews
Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori sits on the shores of Lake Ashi and presents a contemporary take on the ryokan formula. Operated under the Hanaori brand, the property pairs Japanese-style room entrances and yukata service with modern beds and large windows framing either lake or mountain vistas. Room types include categories with private open-air tubs and accessible layouts; public areas emphasise light, timber finishes and direct sightlines to the water. Its position beside the Togendai ropeway station makes it an accessible choice for visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Hakone while keeping easy links to the area’s main attractions.
The bathing facilities are a core feature: two large communal baths alternate gender schedules so guests can enjoy both a lake-facing and a garden-facing outlook, complemented by open-air onsen and reservable private baths for couples or families who prefer exclusivity. Several room types are advertised with rotenburo-style outdoor baths, and the hotel operates a small wellness programme that includes a sauna and on-site massage treatments. Public bathing etiquette is observed and accessible bathing and elevator access are provided for guests with reduced mobility.
Meals are served in an open-plan restaurant with views over Lake Ashi, offering a buffet-style breakfast and dinner options that combine seasonal Japanese cuisine with live-cooking stations. Practical amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, complimentary on-site parking with EV charging and a shuttle service to nearby transport nodes, which together make the property a convenient base for sightseeing. Choosing a room with an outdoor tub lets visitors enjoy the convenience of a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa while remaining close to ropeway links and regional museums.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
Positive Reviews
Excellent location and lake views
Many guests praised the hotel's location on Lake Ashi — easy access to transport (bus, funicular, boat) and stunning views from the lobby, terrace and some rooms.
Outstanding breakfast and dinner buffets
Numerous reviews highlighted the quality, variety and taste of both the dinner and breakfast buffets; several guests described the buffet as exceptional and advised booking dining time slots early.
Onsen experience (private and public)
Visitors consistently enjoyed the onsen facilities — private in-room baths and communal baths were described as beautiful and relaxing, with additional features like a heated foot-bath terrace.
Friendly, attentive staff and good service
Reviewers reported warm, helpful staff who went out of their way (for example offering a room change when AC failed). Shuttle service to Odawara and staff assistance with room setup were also appreciated.
Spacious, comfortable rooms and traditional atmosphere
Guests liked the roomy, well-equipped rooms, comfortable bedding, traditional ryokan touches (yukata/kimonos) and elegant reception — many called the property peaceful and magnificent.
Negative Reviews
Dining area can be noisy and crowded
Several guests found the dining room very noisy at meal times and noted that the large, busy buffet can feel loud and hectic, which affected the meal experience for some.
Limited vegetarian options at the buffet
A few reviewers requested more vegetarian choices on the buffet, indicating the selection could be improved for non-meat diets.
Logistics: distance to rooms and luggage handling
Some guests mentioned long walks between reception and rooms (across multiple buildings) and said it would be helpful if staff carried luggage to rooms, especially when arriving with heavy bags.
Early check-out and short breakfast window
One comment noted a 10:00 check-out feels early for the price and that breakfast service ends relatively quickly, requiring early wake-ups and rushed departures.
Occasional nearby sulfur smell / proximity to road
A few visitors reported intermittent sulfur odors from nearby activities and that some rooms are close to the road, which slightly detracted from the otherwise peaceful setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room occupancy varies by room type; children of all ages are welcome but guests aged 3 and above are charged as adults. Cribs and extra beds are not available, so check room capacity when booking.
The property has large public hot-spring baths with lake and garden views, indoor baths, an outdoor bath, and a sauna; the two main baths follow alternating gender schedules so guests can enjoy different scenery. Towels and basic toiletries are provided in bathing areas.
Yes — the ryokan offers private/semi-open-air baths that can be reserved for exclusive use; advance reservation is recommended at check-in or before arrival. Availability is limited so please request early.
A complimentary shuttle runs between Odawara Station and the ryokan on set departures; passengers must reserve the shuttle in advance using the contact details on their booking confirmation. There is also free on-site parking for self-drivers.
Typical options are a direct private transfer or train to Odawara followed by the hotel shuttle or local bus and the Hakone Ropeway to Tōgendai; travel time from Haneda is roughly two hours and from Narita around three hours by road, depending on traffic. For the smoothest arrival, aim to reach Odawara and use the scheduled shuttle to the hotel.
English-speaking staff are available and the front desk offers concierge assistance for local tours, transport and sightseeing. They can advise on ropeway/bus/tour timings but may ask you to book specific tickets locally.
The ryokan has an on-site restaurant and serves buffet breakfast and dinner with Japanese dishes and seasonal ingredients. The property has limited ability to accommodate special meal requests, so notify them in advance if you have strict dietary needs.
The ryokan overlooks Lake Ashi and is a short walk from Tōgendai Station (Hakone Ropeway), making Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Hakone Shrine, and nearby museums like the Pola Museum easily accessible. Many scenic spots and hiking paths around Lake Ashi can be reached by ropeway, bus or short drives.
Standard check-in is from 3:00 PM (latest check-in noted on booking) and check-out is by 10:00 AM, with a 24-hour front desk. Limited luggage storage is available but guests are asked to inform the property of arrival time and any luggage storage needs in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan and smoking is not allowed in rooms. There are a few small shops and convenience outlets around Tōgendai and Motohakone for basics, while larger supermarkets and more dining options are found at Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara.