Hotel Nanpuso
8,1/10 Excellent - Based on 140 reviews
Hotel Nanpuso sits at the gateway to Hakone Yumoto, offering a mix of Western beds and tatami seating across roughly 110 rooms. A short shuttle or drive from Hakone‑Yumoto Station makes it a convenient base for exploring Owakudani, Lake Ashinoko and local museums. Room types range from standard Japanese and Western‑style layouts to larger suites and rooms fitted with private open‑air baths; guests seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Hakone can reserve rooms that include their own outdoor soaking tubs.
The property features communal indoor and outdoor hot‑spring baths with set public hours, alongside guest rooms that provide private open‑air bathing. Onsite facilities include a year‑round swimming pool, a rooftop garden with mountain views, free public Wi‑Fi, complimentary parking and optional massage services. Leisure amenities extend to a karaoke room and several communal lounges, while staff can assist with local transfers and sightseeing arrangements, making the hotel practical for families, couples and independent travelers.
Dinners emphasise seasonal Japanese kaiseki‑style courses and breakfast is typically offered as a buffet, with many meals served in a dining room that highlights local ingredients. Guest rooms are simply appointed with a flat‑screen TV, refrigerator and slippers, and most include a tatami seating area to preserve a traditional ryokan feel. Standard arrival and departure times are usually check‑in from 15:00 and check‑out around 11:00, and the combination of shared baths and private open‑air options positions the property as a straightforward, accessible ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa for short escapes from Tokyo or longer Hakone stays.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Nanpuso
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen (public and private)
Many guests praised the baths—both the public onsen and private/in‑room open‑air baths were described as relaxing and restorative, easing sore muscles and providing a peaceful experience.
Excellent meals (breakfast and dinner)
Multiple reviews highlighted delicious, fresh food: rich breakfast buffets and beautiful multi‑course dinners, with some guests noting in‑room dinner service as a special touch.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff were repeatedly described as helpful, kind and attentive; several guests singled out room hosts and concierge service as enhancing the stay.
Comfortable, spacious traditional rooms
Guests enjoyed Japanese‑style rooms (some with Western elements), noting spacious layouts suitable for families (sleeping four) and attractive traditional touches like outdoor baths and rock‑garden views.
Good additional services (massages, drinks)
Onsite massage services received positive mentions for quality and availability, and some guests appreciated complimentary drinks and other small extras.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport limitations
Many guests found the hotel a bit far from the station (reports vary from about 10 to 25 minutes on foot) and noted limited local transport; suggestions included adding a shuttle or providing clearer pre‑trip bus information.
Some rooms and facilities feel dated or in need of renovation
Several reviews mentioned older or worn areas—outdated bathrooms, stained furniture, musky smells or mold in a few cases—indicating parts of the property could use refurbishment.
Layout and accessibility issues
The hotel layout sometimes requires using multiple elevators, towers or walkways to reach rooms, and small interior steps and distant rooms can be inconvenient or difficult for guests with mobility needs.
Noise, insulation and smoke problems in some rooms
A few guests reported poor window insulation allowing noise, wind or cold to enter, and others experienced cigarette smells entering supposedly non‑smoking rooms (possibly via air systems).
Service inconsistencies and administrative frustrations
While many praised staff, some guests experienced slow/complicated administrative procedures (adding breakfast was awkward), inconsistent service quality between days, rigid dinner cut‑off rules, and isolated reports of rude staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from standard Japanese/Western rooms to family-style rooms with futons or beds; some room types comfortably sleep up to four guests. Children are welcome but please add ages and number of guests when booking to confirm exact occupancy.
The property offers public indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths plus some guest rooms with private open-air baths. Public baths are generally available in the afternoon and early morning, while private in-room baths are reserved only for the guests who book those room types.
A short local shuttle/bus and taxis connect Hakone‑Yumoto Station with the hotel (about a few minutes’ drive); there is no direct airport shuttle, so most guests arrive via train to Hakone‑Yumoto then use the local shuttle or taxi. Plan your trip from Tokyo or the airport to Hakone‑Yumoto first, then the hotel transfer.
Staff have limited English but are helpful and there is some English signage; many guests manage with basic English, a translation app, or simple gestures. For complex requests, contacting the hotel in advance is recommended.
The hotel serves Japanese-style dinner (seasonal kaiseki or set meals) and a buffet-style breakfast in its restaurant; some dinner options may be served in-room depending on your booking. Vegetarian or dietary requests are best communicated ahead of arrival.
The hotel is a convenient base for Hakone sights including the Hakone Open‑Air Museum, Owakudani area, Lake Ashi and Odawara Castle, all reachable within a short drive. The Hakone‑Yumoto area also offers local shops and onsen streets for walking.
Take the Odakyu Line or Hakone Tozan Railway to Hakone‑Yumoto Station, then transfer to the hotel’s local shuttle/bus or a short taxi ride; walking is possible but can be uphill and longer. Confirm shuttle timings with the hotel on your arrival day.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 and check‑out is by 11:00. If you need an earlier arrival or later departure, please request this in advance as it depends on availability.
Rooms with private open‑air baths can be booked when available, but public baths are generally not fully privatizable unless the room includes a private bath. Pets are not allowed on the property.
Hakone‑Yumoto station area, a short walk or shuttle ride away, has convenience stores and local shops for snacks and basic supplies, and the hotel provides vending machines and a small coffee shop on site. For larger shopping needs plan to visit the station area before arriving.