Kozuka Hisanoha
8,1/10 Excellent - Based on 70 reviews
Kozuka Hisanoha is a compact ryokan set in Sengokuhara, Hakone, offering an intentional retreat for up to eight guest groups per night. The property emphasises quiet, garden-facing rooms that blend tatami and Western elements; accommodations range from traditional futon rooms to twin-bed configurations. Communal spaces are modest and warmly furnished, and the property operates a natural, continuously flowing onsen sourced from its own hot spring, making it a focused option for travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Hakone, Kanagawa.
Each room includes essentials—air conditioning, flat-screen TV, fridge, electric kettle and complimentary Wi‑Fi—and most layouts are designed for two to four guests. There are no private in-room baths; bathing is centred on a shared hot-spring facility described as kakenagashi-style, and the onsen is kept intentionally small so guests often enjoy near-private use outside peak times. Meals are served on-site in a compact dining area and commonly feature locally sourced beef sukiyaki or premium pork shabu‑shabu; some plans offer private dining arrangements.
The ryokan provides free on-site parking and maintains a non-smoking policy; note there is no elevator and the property is not fully barrier-free. Check-in and check-out windows follow standard evening and morning hours and front-desk service operates during daytime hours. Located within easy reach of Sengokuhara attractions such as the Venetian Glass and Pola museums, this small-scale property presents a quietly curated stay for those prioritising a restrained, service-led experience at a ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kozuka Hisanoha
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff
Many guests praise the staff as incredibly friendly, helpful and attentive, contributing strongly to the traditional ryokan experience.
Excellent food (notably shabu‑shabu) and generous breakfast
Multiple reviews highlight high‑quality, abundant meals—especially the shabu‑shabu dinner—and a very satisfying Japanese breakfast.
Clean, comfortable traditional rooms and peaceful setting
Visitors appreciate the well‑maintained, spacious traditional rooms, comfortable futons, calming garden views and an overall tranquil atmosphere.
Relaxing natural onsen with near‑private use
The hot spring is described as a dream — natural water, very pleasant and often nearly private due to the small, cosy setting.
Useful amenities and convenient basics
Guests note good amenities (yukata, toiletries available), free drinks from the afternoon, and that a bus stop is within walking distance for access to nearby attractions.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport issues
The ryokan is off the beaten path; several guests found it far from main train stations. Bus trips can be long, crowded or delayed, and bus schedules are sometimes unreliable.
Onsen small and limited capacity
The bath is quite small (often mentioned as fitting 3–4 people), which can limit relaxation when more guests are present; some suggest a booking system might help.
Access difficulties with luggage / no elevator
Because there is no elevator and the property is somewhat elevated, carrying large suitcases or heavy luggage was reported as difficult by several guests.
Occasional room or comfort issues
A few guests mentioned problems such as a noisy air‑conditioner, a thinner less comfortable mattress provided for an extra adult, and occasionally slightly damp yukata.
Expectation mismatch on specific offerings
Some guests expected different meal styles (e.g., a kaiseki menu) or noted variations in the hot‑spring appearance compared with prior visits, which led to mild disappointment for a few visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has eight rooms and limits daily guests; room types accommodate about 2–4 people depending on the room—contact the property to confirm a specific room’s capacity.
Yes — there is a communal hot spring (kakenagashi) and a small whirlpool bath; baths are shared rather than in-room and can feel nearly private when occupancy is low.
There is no regular airport shuttle; most guests arrive by public bus or private transfer, and you should arrange any pickup in advance with the ryokan or by private taxi.
Take the Hakone Tozan bus toward Sengokuhara and alight at Kozukairiguchi (about a 3‑minute walk to the ryokan); Hakone‑Yumoto Station is roughly 11 km away and is the common access hub from Tokyo.
Staff are primarily Japanese-speaking, and English is commonly spoken by reception and service staff for basic guest needs.
Check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; please notify the ryokan in advance if you expect to arrive later in the evening.
The onsen is primarily communal; when occupancy is low it can be used nearly privately but exclusive reservations vary, and tattoo rules are not uniform—please contact the ryokan ahead to request private use or to confirm tattoo policy.
Pets are not permitted, and there is no on-site shop or nearby convenience store; a vending machine is available, so plan to buy any needed supplies before arrival.
Yes — the ryokan offers dinner (often sukiyaki/shabu‑style or set courses) and an Asian-style breakfast; dinner is served in the restaurant or private dining on request, with typical dinner service in the early evening.
Venetian Glass Museum is about 700 m away and the Pola Museum about 900 m; the Hakone Open‑Air Museum and other major sights are within a short drive, making the ryokan a good base for Sengokuhara attractions.