Hakone Pax Yoshino
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 250 reviews
Hakone Pax Yoshino sits on the riverine fringe of Hakone Yumoto, within easy reach of Hakone‑Yumoto Station by a short walk or the property shuttle. The property blends mid‑century ryokan character with practical amenities: a 24‑hour reception, free Wi‑Fi in public areas, a small shop and communal lounges. Rooms range from traditional tatami layouts with futons to Japanese‑Western suites with separate beds and living space; many rooms include a private hot‑spring bath and riverside terraces that frame seasonal foliage.
As a compact ryokan with onsen in Hakone, the spa program is central: the property operates gender‑separated public baths as well as reservable private open‑air onsen named Kumo, Hoshi and Tsuki, and many guest rooms feature hinoki or stone in‑room hot‑spring tubs fed from the Yumoto source. For guests seeking seclusion this ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa offers 60‑minute private sessions for a focused soak; public bathing hours rotate between men's and women's schedules and the staff provides towels and basic toiletries.
Meals follow a seasonal kaiseki tradition, with dinner served as multi‑course plates that emphasize local seafood, mountain vegetables and steamed rice prepared in a kamado pot; breakfast choices include a buffet and Japanese set options. Onsite amenities extend beyond bathing to recreation: small shop for local treats, a children's play corner, table tennis and karaoke rooms, plus a staffed front desk coordinating shuttle service and local information. The combination of in‑room spring baths and communal facilities makes the hotel a practical base for exploring Hakone's museums and lakes.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakone Pax Yoshino
Positive Reviews
Attractive onsen facilities
Multiple reviewers praised the public onsen and the option to book a private onsen—described as very nice and a highlight of the stay, providing a relaxing experience.
Spacious, comfortable rooms with river views
Many guests reported large, comfortable rooms (including traditional Japanese-style rooms) that overlook the river; futons/beds were described as comfortable and rooms as quiet.
Excellent breakfast and good dining experiences
Several guests highlighted a generous, varied breakfast (including gluten-free options) and positive kaiseki/dinner experiences that added to the ryokan feel.
Attentive staff and thoughtful amenities
Reviewers appreciated helpful, proactive staff, welcome refreshments, supplied yukata/robes and room amenities, and polite service that enhanced the stay.
Scenic, peaceful location and traditional atmosphere
The hotel’s setting by the river, nearby waterfall and surrounding nature was repeatedly noted as scenic and relaxing, contributing to an authentic Japanese ryokan experience.
Negative Reviews
Distance from station and transport issues
Multiple guests noted the hotel is a walk or short shuttle ride from the nearest train station; the final approach can be uphill and inconvenient with heavy luggage, and shuttle frequency is limited.
Inconsistent food/dinner quality and limited dinner options
While some praised the meals, a number of reviews reported uneven dinner quality, mediocre western breakfast for some, and that dinner availability often requires advance reservation or is only offered as part of a package.
Dated public areas and variable staff service
Several reviewers described the lobby/hotel as tired or in need of renovation; one reviewer found front desk service slow or unhelpful at times, creating frustration.
Room smell and cleanliness issues in some cases
A few guests mentioned unpleasant room odors (including cigarette smell in supposedly non-smoking rooms) and occasional bathroom cleanliness or bathtub condition concerns.
Limited access to some onsen facilities
Private onsen use can be restricted by a first-come, first-served policy and public onsen access may be limited for guests with tattoos, prompting some to seek alternative bathhouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type; some Japanese/Western rooms sleep up to four (two beds plus two futons) while most rooms are for two—check the room description when booking.
Yes — there are public gender-separated baths with set hours and several private open-air baths that can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis at check-in.
Yes — shuttle buses and the local ‘orange’ route serve the Hakone-Yumoto to ryokan run; the property is also a 10–15 minute walk from the station, and timetables can vary, so confirm your arrival time in advance.
From Tokyo or the airports travel to Odawara by shinkansen or airport train, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan line to Hakone-Yumoto; from Hakone-Yumoto use the shuttle or walk a short distance to the ryokan.
Staff are available in Japanese and English.
The ryokan serves traditional kaiseki dinners and breakfast; the property states it cannot guarantee specialised allergy or dietary requests, and dinner service typically requires arrival by the evening ordering cut-off (around 19:30).
Large or visible tattoos are generally not permitted in the public baths; guests with tattoos should use private baths or cover tattoos where allowed.
Pets are not permitted, though service animals are accepted.
Yes — there is a convenience store along the route from Hakone-Yumoto Station and a shopping arcade near the station for basic supplies and snacks.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check-out is by 10:00; the ryokan asks guests to notify their arrival time, can store luggage from mid-morning on arrival day, and will request photo ID or passport details at registration.