Hidamari Ichinoyu
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 227 reviews
Hidamari Ichinoyu, formerly Ichinoyu Shinkan, is a recently renovated ryokan set on a quiet hillside near Hakone-Yumoto and Tonosawa stations. The property reopened after refurbishment in 2024 and blends traditional tatami rooms with refreshed interiors and modern conveniences. Public indoor and outdoor baths open onto views of the surrounding greenery, and the property operates as a small, family-oriented inn that provides shuttle links to the nearby station and easy access to core Hakone sights. This ryokan with onsen in Hakone offers a calm base for sightseeing and day trips.
Guest rooms are primarily Japanese-style with tatami flooring and futon bedding; many room types include a private open-air hot-spring bath on the balcony or terrace, while other room categories share access to larger communal baths. The hot spring water is drawn from the property's source and is described as alkaline, used throughout both public and in-room baths. Rooms include amenities such as refrigerator, flat-screen TV, yukata robes and complimentary Wi‑Fi, and services include optional in-house massages and luggage assistance to ease arrivals and departures.
Meals are served in the dining area as multi-course, seasonally focused Japanese menus, with the kitchen able to handle common dietary requests when notified in advance. The layout and bathing options make the property practical for families and small groups, and private in-room bathing suits visitors seeking discretion or those with tattoos. With its combination of traditional accommodation, refreshed rooms and onsen facilities, Hidamari Ichinoyu presents a straightforward choice for travelers looking for a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hidamari Ichinoyu
Positive Reviews
Outstanding traditional meals (kaiseki)
Many reviewers praised the dinner and breakfast as exceptional—multi-course kaiseki-style meals, fresh ingredients, large portions and high-quality Japanese cuisine often described as a highlight of the stay.
Excellent private and public onsens
Guests loved the onsen experience: private open-air baths attached to rooms, clean public baths, natural hot spring water (gentle on skin) and relaxing views while soaking.
Clean, spacious and comfortable rooms with thoughtful amenities
Rooms were frequently described as very clean and roomy, with large futons or comfortable bedding, well-appointed bathrooms, yukata provided, free drinks in the lobby and useful modern/traditional layout features.
Friendly, attentive staff and helpful service
Staff were noted as polite and helpful (for example sending forgotten items to guests’ next hotels); reviewers appreciated the warm service and small touches that enhanced the experience.
Calm, relaxing location and good overall value
Many guests found the ryokan peaceful and 'out of time', ideal for relaxation and family or couple trips, and several commented that the quality of food and onsen made the stay good value despite regional prices.
Negative Reviews
Challenging access and steep location
The property sits up a steep hill with many stairs and a long 20% incline for about 800m mentioned by guests; this makes it difficult with luggage or for guests with limited mobility and often requires taking a taxi.
Taxi availability and ride‑hailing issues
Multiple reviewers noted difficulty securing taxis (particularly early morning) and that common ride‑hailing apps may not work reliably in the area, so transport planning is needed.
Limited English spoken by staff
Some guests reported that staff spoke little English, which can complicate navigation, taxi arrangements and communication for non‑Japanese speakers.
Cuisine may not suit all tastes or dietary needs
While many praised the food, several guests said the traditional multi‑course meals can be heavy on fish and refined dishes that some children or non‑fans of traditional Japanese cuisine found less appealing; vegetarian and specific dietary options were sometimes limited.
Minor comfort and amenity issues; price perception
A few visitors mentioned small/thin towels, an occasional unpleasant heating odor, or that prices felt a bit high compared with expectations—though many still considered the overall experience worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary but many rooms accommodate up to four guests using futon bedding; there are also twin/room options for two. Cribs and extra beds are not available, so notify the property in advance if you are travelling with children.
Yes — the property offers public indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and several room types include a private open‑air onsen fed by the spring. Public baths and in‑room baths follow the ryokan’s posted schedules and rules.
The ryokan does not offer separate reservable family/kashikiri baths; private hot-spring baths are available only in specific rooms that feature an in‑room open‑air bath.
A free shuttle/bus service links Hakone‑Yumoto station to a nearby stop and taxis run from major local stations; from Tokyo or the airports take trains to Odawara or Hakone‑Yumoto and transfer locally.
Tonosawa Station is about a 10‑minute walk from the property, while Hakone‑Yumoto is a short 3–5 minute taxi or shuttle ride away.
Staff speak some English but language support can be limited; bring a translation app or simple written instructions for special requests to make communication easier.
The ryokan serves traditional multi‑course dinners (kaiseki) and breakfast in the dining room, with dinner service usually around 17:45 or 18:45. Guests without a meal plan who wish to dine at the property should reserve at least two days in advance, and early check‑in is advised if you plan to eat there.
Pets are not allowed on the property.
There is a small convenience store within a few minutes' walk; for larger supermarkets and more shop options head to Hakone‑Yumoto station a short drive away.
The ryokan is a convenient base for Hakone sightseeing — Lake Ashinoko and Hakone Shrine are roughly a 30‑minute drive, and local trains, buses and the ropeway connect you to museums, parks and nature walks.