Hot Spring Inn Hakone Suisen
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 356 reviews
Hot Spring Inn Hakone Suisen offers a deliberately relaxed, “freedom” style stay that blends simple contemporary design with traditional Japanese elements. The property positions itself as a self-catered retreat: there is no formal meal service, but guests have access to a fully equipped communal kitchen and flexible dining areas so you can bring or prepare your own food. Public spaces include a calming lounge and terrace, complimentary Wi‑Fi, and free parking; the atmosphere and décor favor uncluttered lines, natural wood and large windows that frame the surrounding trees and seasonal light.
Accommodation ranges from compact single and standard Japanese rooms to larger executive and deluxe rooms; select room types include an in‑room hot spring rock bath or indoor hot spring bath and private toilet, while other rooms rely on the shared bathing facilities. The inn’s hot spring offering comprises both indoor and outdoor baths set to capture forest views, and the property highlights a clear, mildly alkaline spring with a nanobubble treatment system in some pools. For travellers specifically seeking a ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa, the combination of shared open‑air baths plus a few rooms with dedicated hot spring fixtures makes it suitable for both communal onsen experiences and more private bathing when a room with an in‑room bath is reserved.
Set amid Hakone’s wooded slopes, the inn works well as a low‑key base for hiking, local museums and the region’s thermal attractions while avoiding large resort bustle; many guests note the peaceful, restorative setting and attentive staff. Practical details emphasise self‑sufficiency: bring preferred groceries or plan a nearby meal run if you prefer cooked dining, and check room descriptions closely when booking if a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa is a priority. The inn’s layout and flexible check‑in policy suit couples, small groups and solo travellers looking for an understated onsen stay with straightforward facilities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hot Spring Inn Hakone Suisen
Positive Reviews
Peaceful forest location with great views
Multiple guests highlighted the ryokan’s tranquil setting in the woods/mountains and praised the views from rooms — a calm, restorative contrast to busier Hakone attractions.
Excellent onsen facilities (indoor & outdoor)
Reviewers repeatedly enjoyed the hot spring baths — both indoor and outdoor — describing them as relaxing, warm and often not crowded, ideal after a day of sightseeing.
Attentive, helpful staff and good service
Staff were described as very kind and accommodating (help with luggage, shuttle/transport assistance, friendly welcome), contributing strongly to guests’ positive experiences.
Clean, spacious traditional Japanese rooms
Guests appreciated the well-maintained, zen-style rooms with tatami and comfortable futons; many noted rooms were spacious, clean and aesthetically pleasing.
Charming communal spaces and useful amenities
The hotel’s communal areas (cozy lounge with records, reading corner), a well-equipped shared kitchen and breakfasts (fresh pastries, good coffee for many) were enjoyed by several visitors.
Negative Reviews
Limited evening dining options nearby
Several guests reported few or no restaurants open in the village in the evening, meaning guests often needed to travel to nearby towns or bring their own dinner.
Many rooms lack private showers
Multiple reviews warned that some room types do not have private showers — guests must use the shared onsen baths to wash, which may be uncomfortable for those expecting in-room showers.
Confusing access and signage from the station
Guests experienced unclear directions and insufficient signage when arriving by train (some transfers required), and some struggled to find the correct connection without guidance.
Breakfast quality and variety inconsistent
While some praised pastries and coffee, others found the included breakfast light or limited (reheated pastries or fewer traditional options), so expectations vary.
Remote location requires planning for supplies and transport
The hotel’s secluded setting means few nearby shops and limited evening transport service; visitors should plan for snacks, meals and check bus/train schedules in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single rooms to Japanese-style rooms and suites; maximum occupancy varies by room so please check the specific room description or contact the inn for exact limits.
Yes, the property operates a natural, continuously flowing hot spring with public indoor and open-air baths for guests.
Some room types include a private in‑room onsen or rock bath; for exclusive use of public baths please contact the property in advance to confirm availability and options.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the nearest rail access is Ōhiradai Station on the Hakone Tozan Line and the inn is easily reached by car or local buses—contact the inn if you need a bespoke pick‑up arrangement.
Typical routes are train to Odawara or Hakone‑Yumoto followed by the Hakone Tozan Line to Ōhiradai or a short bus/taxi ride; from airports take express trains or buses to Odawara/Hakone and transfer to local transport.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; some team members can assist in basic English, and the property recommends contacting them ahead of arrival if you need additional language support.
Check‑in/check‑out times and any arrival instructions depend on your booking; please confirm exact times and arrival guidance on your reservation confirmation or by contacting the inn directly.
Pets are generally not accepted; some rooms offer private in‑room baths but full property privatization is not standard—contact the inn to discuss private rental requests or special arrangements.
There is no hotel supermarket, but the ryokan encourages guests to bring food and provides a shared kitchen and cooking equipment for self‑catering; convenience stores are available in nearby Hakone‑Yumoto.
The inn is close to Ōhiradai switchback, Hakone Open‑Air Museum, Gora Park, Ōwakudani and Lake Ashi, with public buses and the Hakone Tozan Line connecting most sites within a short drive or local transit ride.