Hakone Onsen Ryokan Yaeikan
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 2113 reviews
Hakone Onsen Ryokan Yaeikan is a traditional Japanese inn in the Yumoto area of Hakone that presents softly lit rooms with tatami floors and futon bedding, basic in-room amenities such as a refrigerator and electric kettle, and a compact, wood-accented public lobby. The property blends a classical ryokan layout with modern conveniences and a small garden, and it positions itself as a ryokan with onsen in Hakone for guests seeking an authentic hot-spring stay close to the town centre. Meals are prepared in a Japanese style and commonly served in-room, reflecting a focus on seasonal cuisine and private dining.
The bathing facilities include both indoor and open-air hot-spring baths, gender-separated public baths and multiple guest rooms fitted with their own baths; a number of room types offer private in-room or open-air onsen and some accommodate an in-room sauna. The property makes two hot-spring baths available for private reservation at no extra charge, and on-site wellness options such as massages can be arranged. These features make it suitable for visitors who want a ryokan with private onsen Kanagawa while still having access to shared communal bathing and garden views.
Practical amenities include complimentary on-site parking, free Wi‑Fi and front-desk assistance; the ryokan sits within a short walk of the Hakone‑Yumoto transport hub, with easy driving access to regional highlights such as the Open-Air Museum and Lake Ashi. Rooms range from compact traditional layouts to larger suites with dedicated bathing areas, and the service model emphasises in-room meals and personalised hospitality, making the property a straightforward choice for couples, families and small groups seeking a calm, traditional hot-spring experience in Kanagawa’s Hakone area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
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Review summary for: Hakone Onsen Ryokan Yaeikan
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Guests repeatedly praised the traditional atmosphere: tatami rooms, yukata, meals served on the tatami and an overall immersive cultural experience.
Excellent onsen and in-room sauna
Multiple reviews highlight very pleasant hot baths—both public and private in-room onsen—and some rooms include a sauna, which guests found a major plus.
Attentive, friendly staff and service
Staff are described as caring, attentive and discreet; service in room (meals, luggage storage) and flexibility for dietary requests were appreciated.
High-quality meals served in-room
Many guests called the dinner (and often breakfast) refined, abundant and beautifully presented, frequently served directly in the room.
Convenient location and spacious rooms with good views
Guests noted the ryokan is about a 10‑minute walk from the station, offers spacious traditional rooms and some rooms have attractive mountain or river views.
Negative Reviews
Aging facilities and equipment
Several comments mention that the hotel is somewhat old, with equipment, tatami/yukata and some bathrooms showing wear and in need of refreshment.
Futon/bed comfort and limited daytime seating
Complaints include thin foam mattresses or uncomfortable futons, and the practice of setting up futons only for the night then removing them early leaves little comfortable seating during the day.
Highly structured schedule and limited flexibility
The ryokan follows a strict routine (set check‑in/out times, fixed dinner times and quick removal of futons after breakfast), which some guests felt reduced morning relaxation and freedom.
Inconsistent service / language issues
While many praised staff, a number of guests reported an unfriendly receptionist and mentioned staff speak little English, creating occasional communication or service issues.
Onsen cleanliness, towel availability and menu limitations
A few guests raised concerns about the cleanliness of the communal onsen, noted insufficient towels for multiple bathing areas, and found the breakfast (salty Japanese style) or fixed menus limiting for some tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types are traditional tatami with futon bedding and typically accommodate between 2 and 6 guests; check the specific room listing for the exact futon count and capacity.
Yes — there are indoor and open-air hot-spring baths; two onsen can be reserved for private use free of charge (please reserve at check‑in).
The property does not advertise an airport shuttle; it is a short walk from Hakone‑Yumoto Station, so guests normally arrive by train, bus or taxi from the airports or Tokyo.
Yaeikan is about 650 m from Hakone‑Yumoto Station; common routes are the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone‑Yumoto or JR to Odawara then a local transfer — from Haneda or Narita use train or airport bus into Tokyo or Odawara and continue to Hakone‑Yumoto.
Staff can communicate in English in addition to Japanese, and guest reviews highlight helpful, English‑speaking service.
Breakfast and traditional Japanese dinner are served, with many meals delivered in‑room; note you must check in by 19:00 if you want to be served dinner.
Guests with tattoos may be restricted from using the ryokan’s public bathing areas; reserving a private bath is a common workaround.
Children of all ages are welcome, but the property does not provide cribs or extra beds, so select a room type that fits your party size.
Free on‑site parking is available; however, the property has no elevators and guests must use stairs in parts of the building.
Pets are not permitted; the ryokan does not advertise full property privatization but does offer reservable private onsen time, and shops/convenience stores in Hakone‑Yumoto are within a short walk for basic supplies.