Kinokuniya Ryokan
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 672 reviews
Kinokuniya Ryokan sits in the wooded slopes of Hakone, offering traditional Japanese accommodation with timber architecture, tatami-floored rooms and futon bedding alongside modern amenities such as air conditioning and in-room refrigerators. The inn dates to 1715 and combines historical character with practical guest facilities. Positioned for easy access to Lake Ashi and local sights, it is described as a ryokan with onsen in Hakone and provides a mix of communal spaces and quiet rooms suited to couples and families.
Bathing facilities form a central part of the experience: the property draws from its own sulfur spring source and maintains large indoor baths, outdoor open-air baths and three reservable private baths. Private baths require a same-day reservation and are listed as available without charge, making the property a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa; communal baths offer changing facilities and basic toiletries. Staff manage bathing schedules to balance privacy and turnover, day-use bathing is offered for visitors, and written guidance plus quiet-hours help preserve a calm onsen atmosphere.
Rooms follow classic ryokan layouts, with Japanese-style rooms and a small selection that include an en-suite or private bathing area; many look out over woodland or the ryokan’s gardens. Meals are served in a dining hall or in-room where specified, with set Japanese dinners and morning options; dinner reservations are normally required by late afternoon. On-site services include parking, multilingual assistance and optional massage, and the property operates a straightforward check‑in/check‑out schedule and can advise on local transport.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kinokuniya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Warm, helpful staff
Multiple guests praised the staff for being extremely friendly, attentive and eager to help, creating a very welcoming atmosphere throughout the stay.
Authentic traditional experience
Reviewers highlighted the strong sense of tradition — tatami rooms, futons, yukata/kimonos provided, and overall decor — which offered a deep cultural immersion and memorable ‘old-Japan’ feel.
Excellent traditional meals
Many reviews described the evening meals and breakfasts as plentiful, high-quality and a highlight of the stay, offering a wide range of regional dishes that were interesting and satisfying.
Relaxing onsen (bath) options
Guests enjoyed the onsen facilities — indoor, outdoor and bookable private baths — reporting they were pleasant, relaxing and an important part of the experience; private baths were appreciated by families.
Calm setting and atmosphere
The ryokan’s peaceful location, central garden and restful ambiance were repeatedly mentioned as ideal for relaxation and escaping everyday life.
Negative Reviews
Some facilities (especially baths) feel dated
Several guests noted that certain infrastructure — in particular public baths and some common areas — are a bit worn and would benefit from renovation or refreshing while retaining authenticity.
Strong smells and distinctive flavours
A number of reviewers mentioned sulfur smell from the onsen and strong-tasting items (e.g., natto), which some guests found off‑putting or challenging.
Food may not suit children or all Western tastes
While many enjoyed the traditional cuisine, several guests warned that some dishes are unfamiliar or not child-friendly; parents noted to request alternatives to avoid waste.
Complex footwear etiquette
The traditional shoe-and-mule routines (changing footwear for entry, rooms, toilets, onsens, restaurant) were found by some guests to be tiresome or confusing during longer stays.
Minor practical issues (timing & additional fees)
A few guests flagged practical annoyances such as early dinner times being inconvenient for some schedules and a bath/use tax not clearly communicated in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are traditional tatami rooms with futons and typically accommodate 1–3 adults; family or larger-room options are available—check the room description when booking.
Yes. The property offers indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths fed by its sulfur source, with separate men’s and women’s baths and some reservable private baths.
There is no regular airport shuttle; most guests arrive via Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto by train or bus and then take a local bus or taxi to the Ashinoyu stop—contact the ryokan if you need arrival guidance.
Take the Hakone Tozan bus from Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto and alight at the Ashinoyu/Ashi-no-yu stop, a short walk to the ryokan; it is also a short drive from Kowakidani and free parking is available on site.
Staff can assist in basic English and the property lists English-language booking information, but English ability may be limited; inform the ryokan in advance if you require more language support.
You can expect tatami rooms with futon bedding, provided yukata, and traditional Japanese meals (dinner and breakfast) served in the dining area or room depending on your plan.
Lake Ashi, Owakudani, Onshi-Hakone Park and several museums are within short drives; the ryokan is well placed for exploring Hakone by bus or car.
Private (reserved) baths are offered at the property; pets are generally not accepted, so please confirm directly with the ryokan before booking.
Dining options immediately nearby are limited; the ryokan serves dinner and breakfast and has a small on-site shop, while convenience stores and more restaurants are located in larger nearby towns—staff can advise directions.
Check-in is typically in the afternoon with checkout in the morning; please inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time, and note that guests should arrive by about 18:00 if they wish to be served dinner.