Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 1760 reviews
Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan sits on a wooded slope in Hakone and combines traditional ryokan hospitality with rooms that incorporate both Japanese and Western elements. Guest accommodation ranges from classic tatami rooms to suites and villa-style units, many of which feature their own open-air baths or indoor onsen facilities for private use. The property centers on a landscaped garden and a relaxed main lounge; public spaces include a café, an evening bar, and a restaurant serving seasonal Japanese cuisine prepared with local ingredients.
The onsen system draws water directly from local mountain springs, offering free-flowing, mildly alkaline thermal water known locally for its gentle texture and warming qualities. Public bathing areas comprise indoor and outdoor sections set amid cedar and garden views, while a selection of guest rooms and standalone villas provides private open-air baths that can be used at leisure. This combination makes the property a convenient choice for travelers searching for a ryokan with onsen Hakone and for those wanting a ryokan with private onsen Kanagawa.
Practical amenities include complimentary Wi‑Fi, guest parking, a 24‑hour front desk, and a shuttle connection to nearby transport nodes; staff assist with local sightseeing and hiking routes. Morning service features Western and Asian breakfast options, and evening meals focus on seasonal multi‑course menus alongside lighter café fare. The atmosphere balances quiet, restorative bathing with accessible facilities, making it suitable for couples or small groups seeking a measured, traditional hot‑spring stay in the Hakone area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryoka…
Positive Reviews
Attentive, high‑quality service
Many guests highlight extremely welcoming, polite and helpful staff who provide attentive service from arrival through meals, contributing strongly to a premium ryokan experience.
Private onsen and bathing options
Numerous reviews praise private onsen facilities—in‑room or private outdoor baths—and the overall quality and cleanliness of the hot‑spring experience, which guests described as a major highlight.
Authentic, beautiful traditional setting
The property’s traditional architecture, charming atmosphere and mountain views are repeatedly mentioned as offering a peaceful, immersive and picturesque Japanese experience.
Comfortable rooms and bedding
Guests report spacious, well‑equipped rooms with very comfortable beds and quality amenities; several reviews note roomy accommodations and good furnishings.
High‑quality kaiseki dinners and overall cuisine
Many visitors compliment the kaiseki dinners (and breakfasts) as refined, abundant and flavorful, with attention to detail and fresh, well‑prepared ingredients—meals are cited as a highlight by many guests.
Negative Reviews
Meal issues: portioning, repetition or uneven refinement
A number of guests mention that dinner can be overly large or served too rapidly (making it hard to finish), that evening menus sometimes repeat similar items across nights (hot pots), or that a few found the kaiseki less refined than other aspects of the stay.
Renovation works and some tired areas
Several reviews note ongoing construction (entrance façade, main gate) or parts of the building and corridors that need renovation, which some found unfortunate though understandable as maintenance.
Accessibility challenges for disabled guests
At least one reviewer pointed out that access for people with reduced mobility is difficult, suggesting the site is not well suited to guests who require step‑free access or easier circulation.
Remote location / distance concerns
A few guests found the property somewhat remote or a bit far from certain points of interest—this was a personal preference for some, but noted as a drawback by others.
Breakfast or traditional dishes may not suit all palates
Some visitors mentioned the breakfast could be less appealing than dinner—either too Western on one occasion or very traditionally Japanese (strong items like sardines) that may be challenging for Western guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Capacity varies by room type: standard rooms typically sleep up to 3, suites and villa-type rooms accommodate 4–6 guests; futons are provided where noted and extra cots are not available.
Yes; the ryokan offers communal hot spring baths with an outdoor section and certain room types include private open‑air or indoor onsen.
Public onsen commonly restrict visible tattoos; guests with tattoos can use private in‑room baths or ask staff for guidance on acceptable use.
Yes; a shuttle runs between Gora Station and the ryokan, and local buses serve the nearby Horaien bus stop a short walk from the property; timetables can change, so confirm before arrival.
From Tokyo you can take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone‑Yumoto then a local bus to Horaien (about 2 hours total), or take the bullet train to Odawara and transfer to local trains or buses toward the ryokan.
Staff speak Japanese and English and can provide basic local information and directions.
The ryokan is traditional in style and offers Japanese cuisine at an on‑site restaurant; breakfast options include American or Asian styles.
The ryokan sits beside Horaien garden and is close to the Kowakudani area, with Hakone‑Yumoto, Gora and other Hakone museums and sights reachable by short bus or train rides.
Standard check‑in is 15:00–19:00 and check‑out is 08:00–10:00; if you expect to arrive late or need shuttle details, contact the reservation office in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan; there is no on‑site supermarket, but convenience stores and local shops are available in nearby Hakone towns—reception can point you to the closest options.