Hakone Onsen Yuyado Yamanoshou
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 988 reviews
Hakone Onsen Yuyado Yamanoshou sits in the Sengokuhara district of Hakone, Kanagawa, presented as a compact, traditionally styled ryokan that preserves wooden Edo-period sensibilities. Rooms follow a tatami-and-futon layout with low tables and simple storage, and guests are provided yukata for moving around the property; the house style, exposed beams and lattice doors are emphasized as part of the ryokan’s character. Meals follow a kaiseki approach that highlights local mountain and coastal ingredients from the Sagami and Suruga coasts, prepared and served in an unhurried, seasonal sequence.
The onsen facilities are a defining feature: the property advertises an outdoor bath fed from a local Hakone source with cloudy, mineral-rich water, and it offers reservable kashikiri (private) baths so groups can book a private soaking slot—making it suitable for travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen privacy in Kanagawa. The scale of the property is small, and services include parking and Wi‑Fi; access is typically by bus from Hakone-Yumoto (the route toward Togendai) with a short walk from the Sengokuhara stop, placing the ryokan within easy reach of nearby museums and gardens. Guests frequently note the private-bath option and traditional multi-course meals as highlights.
For visitors who want a quiet Hakone base, this ryokan with private onsen Kanagawa offers an authentic, intimate stay where attention to food and bathing rituals is central: expect modestly sized rooms, careful plating at dinner and a pace oriented toward relaxation rather than modern hotel amenities. Staff focus on personal hospitality and can assist with arranging a private onsen time or local recommendations; travelers who prefer more English support or larger facilities should plan accordingly. Advance booking is advisable to secure the private onsen slot and preferred meal arrangements.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakone Onsen Yuyado Yamanoshou
Positive Reviews
Excellent traditional meals
Multiple guests praised the kaiseki-style dinner and traditional breakfast as very good, abundant and a highlight of the stay.
Private onsen of high quality
The reservable private onsen (indoor/outdoor options) was repeatedly described as beautiful, relaxing and a major benefit, allowing guests to enjoy baths privately even with tattoos.
Attentive, friendly staff
Staff were often described as very kind, helpful and service-oriented, doing their best despite language limits to ensure a pleasant stay.
Authentic ryokan experience
Guests appreciated the authentic atmosphere — tatami rooms, futons, yukata and traditional furnishings — providing a genuine Japanese inn experience.
Spacious rooms and peaceful setting
Many reviews mentioned large, comfortable rooms, a calm countryside location near attractions (e.g. Hakone Open Air Museum), and good overall charm and value.
Negative Reviews
Early and rigid meal times
Several guests noted fixed, early meal schedules (dinner sometimes around 17:30 and breakfast early) that can make sightseeing difficult and require strict adherence.
Location and transport access
The property can be remote for public-transport users: long bus rides (up to ~50 minutes) were reported and some guests found it easier to visit by car.
Small or unheated bathrooms and aging facilities
Some travellers reported very small or poorly heated bathrooms (cold in winter) and suggested certain facilities, including onsen areas and bathrooms, could benefit from modernization.
Language limits and dietary restrictions
Limited English spoken by staff was mentioned (guests relied on translators), and the fixed meal menus offer little choice, which can be problematic for allergies or specific dietary needs.
Minor room comfort issues
A few guests noted thin mattresses, lack of extra pillows or towel-drying areas and an older TV, indicating small comfort/amenity shortcomings in some rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan offers rooms for singles, couples and families; capacity varies by room type so check the specific room listing or contact the ryokan to confirm maximum occupancy for your party.
Yes — the property has thermal baths including indoor and open-air onsen for guests to use.
Private open-air/family baths are available to reserve subject to availability; ask at booking or at check‑in for times and reservation options.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the nearest major airport is Haneda (about 76 km). Guests typically travel by train to Hakone-Yumoto then by local bus to Sengokuhara; contact the ryokan if you need help arranging a pickup from a nearby station.
From Hakone-Yumoto take the Hakone Tozan Bus toward Togendai and get off at the Sengokuhara/Sengokuhara information stop, then it’s roughly a 10-minute walk to the ryokan.
Staff primarily speak Japanese and can assist in English; some staff may also speak Chinese — notify the ryokan in advance if you need language assistance.
The ryokan recreates a traditional Japanese atmosphere with tatami rooms, futon bedding and kotatsu; meals focus on Japanese cuisine, with a Japanese breakfast and multi-course (kaiseki-style) dinner available.
The ryokan is close to the Hakone Lalique Museum (about 300 m), the Venetian Glass Museum (about 800 m) and the Pola Museum (around 1.6 km), plus the Sengokuhara wetlands and botanical garden within a short walk or bus ride.
Check‑in is from 15:00 (3:00 PM) until 22:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; the property offers free Wi‑Fi and private parking for guests.
Pets are generally not accepted — contact the ryokan to confirm if you have a special request. There are convenience stores and supermarkets a short drive away; reception can give directions for the nearest options.