Hakoneji Kaiun
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 227 reviews
Hakoneji Kaiun sits beside a murmuring river in the Hakone-Yumoto area, offering a comfortable mid-sized ryokan experience in Hakone. The property occupies a multi-storey building with a mix of Japanese-style tatami rooms and Western conveniences such as a fridge, kettle and flat-screen TV in many units; several rooms look out over the river. Meals follow a Japanese set-course approach with morning options that accommodate vegetarians on request, and public spaces include a relaxed lounge and dining area. This ryokan with onsen in Hakone, Kanagawa places practical convenience and traditional atmosphere close to the town’s transport links and main visitor sites.
Bathing facilities are a defining feature: guests can use communal hot spring baths and an open-air soaking area, and the property also offers reservable private bathing options for those seeking solitude. The hot spring water is sourced from the local Yumoto onsen system and is described as a gentle, clear spring suited to fatigue recovery and general relaxation. Staff provide towel and yukata rental and manage private-bath bookings; note that public-bath use can be subject to local rules on visible tattoos, while private baths provide an alternative for unrestricted bathing.
Practical amenities include complimentary parking, Wi‑Fi and accessible facilities, plus ancillary services such as a sauna, massage treatments and vending machines; lifts and level access support guests with mobility needs. The ryokan’s scale and riverside setting make it a convenient base for classic Hakone sightseeing, from museum visits to easy train connections into central Kanagawa and Tokyo, and the mixed offering of communal and private bathing appeals to couples, families and those seeking a hands-off traditional stay with modern conveniences.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakoneji Kaiun
Positive Reviews
Authentic Japanese experience
Multiple guests praised the ryokan’s traditional atmosphere — tatami floors, futons, yukata/robes and other cultural details that made the stay feel genuinely Japanese and immersive.
Onsen facilities (public and private)
Reviewers highlighted the hot baths as a major plus: clean, relaxing public onsen on upper floors and the option to rent a private onsen for more privacy or for guests with tattoos.
Excellent meals
Dinner and breakfast (kaiseki-style) were frequently described as delicious, abundant and well presented; many guests said the food was a highlight and worth adding to the stay.
Convenient location
The hotel is within walking distance (around 10 minutes) of Hakone-Yumoto station and close to local attractions, which guests found convenient for exploring the area.
Clean, spacious rooms and helpful staff
Many reviewers noted roomy, tidy rooms with useful amenities (tea, small fridge, slippers) and friendly, polite staff who made an effort to help despite limited English.
Negative Reviews
No private bathroom in many rooms
Several guests reported rooms without showers or full bathrooms — guests must use the communal onsen or book a private bath; some were surprised at booking and warned future visitors to be prepared.
Limited English spoken by staff
Multiple comments pointed out a language barrier: staff are polite and helpful but often speak little English, which can make communication challenging for some guests.
Aging décor and some outdated amenities
A number of reviews mentioned that the property and some amenities feel a bit old or in need of refreshment; a few guests noted smells or dated common areas.
Breakfast style and timing may not suit everyone
While many loved the traditional Japanese breakfasts, some visitors (especially those preferring Western food) did not enjoy the menu; a few also found meal service times (dinner early, breakfast timing) inconvenient for day trips.
Distance and access for luggage
Although close to the station, several reviews noted the roughly 10‑minute walk can be awkward for travellers with heavy or bulky luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms vary from single/twin layouts to Japanese-style rooms that sleep up to four guests using beds and futons; check the specific room description when booking.
Yes, the property has public indoor and open-air hot-spring baths, and private onsen can be reserved at reception for a private soak.
Many traditional Japanese-style rooms do not have ensuite showers and rely on the public onsen; some room types may include private facilities—confirm the room details before arrival.
By public transport, take trains toward Hakone-Yumoto and then walk or take a short taxi from the station; by car Haneda is roughly an hour to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
The ryokan is within a short walk of Hakone-Yumoto Station and the hotel operates or coordinates short shuttle/taxi transfers—contact the property to confirm schedules or requests.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; front-desk hours are limited so notify the hotel of any unusual arrival times in advance.
Japanese is the primary language, and staff can assist in English to varying degrees; guests with limited Japanese may find some reception help available but should prepare simple requests in advance.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese meals (breakfast and dinner) in-house; meals are typically Japanese-style and may require advance arrangement or reservation.
Pets are not allowed (service animals are accepted), free on-site self-parking is available, and Hakone-Yumoto’s shops and convenience stores are within easy walking distance.
Expect tatami rooms with futons for sleeping, provided yukata and slippers, shared onsen bathing etiquette, and a calm, authentic Japanese inn atmosphere focused on relaxation and local cuisine.