Ryokan Kiritani Hakoneso
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 271 reviews
Kiritani Hakoneso sits in Gora within Hakone and offers a compact, traditional stay across a main building and an annex, with a total of 24 guest rooms. Room types range from classic tatami layouts with futons to more modern Japanese rooms and a limited number of units that include private open-air baths; all rooms are equipped with yukata and tea facilities for relaxed seasonal stays. The property presents a quietly traditional atmosphere and practical amenities aimed at visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Hakone, Kanagawa.
The ryokan’s bathing programme centres on a milky, sulphur-rich “nigori” spring sourced from the Owakudani area and delivered as flowing kakenagashi water; this is offered through gender-separated indoor and outdoor baths alongside smaller reservable private baths and a family bath in communal space. Private-bath use is managed by the property and typically requires advance or on-site reservation; guests should expect a mix of public and bookable private options and may find extended evening and early-morning access for quieter bathing.
Dining focuses on multi-course, seasonal menus that highlight local produce and seafood, with dinner and breakfast presented as central elements of the stay and some plans offering private dining settings. Practical features include an on-site restaurant, guest treatments such as aromatherapy, parking and clear guest services, and the ryokan is a short walk from the nearby cable-car stop that links to Hakone’s main attractions. Staff provide booking guidance for bath times and meals to help guests plan their stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Kiritani Hakoneso
Positive Reviews
Excellent traditional meals
Many guests praised the kaiseki-style dinners and breakfasts as delicious, plentiful and carefully explained by staff; the team also took care with dietary needs (e.g. allergies) and food presentation.
Multiple, well-maintained onsen options
Reviewers appreciated the variety of hot springs — indoor, outdoor and a private family onsen — often available 24/7; baths were described as clean, relaxing and a highlight of the stay.
Attentive, friendly service
Staff were repeatedly described as polite, helpful and welcoming; many made extra efforts (explaining dishes, speaking some English, assisting with transport or taking guests to the onsen).
Authentic ryokan atmosphere and traditional rooms
Guests enjoyed the traditional Japanese experience: tatami rooms, yukata availability and a generally authentic, restful ambiance that many found charming and immersive.
Quiet, scenic mountain location
The ryokan’s peaceful location in the mountains was valued for relaxation and as a good base to visit Hakone/Gora, providing a sense of calm and seclusion.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and steep access
Multiple reviews warned the property is up a steep hill and a fair distance from the station — difficult with suitcases and not easy on foot; many recommend arriving by taxi or car.
Some parts of the property feel old or weathered
Several guests noted that certain buildings or installations looked dated or a little worn with age, although generally still in acceptable condition.
Futon comfort varies
A number of guests found the futons uncomfortable or not to their usual sleeping standards; some could not get the same level of comfort even after adding layers.
Heating/insulation issues and onsen access
Because the ryokan is in the mountains and traditional houses have limited insulation, some guests experienced cold rooms or heating problems; also some baths are outside the main building so you must go outdoors to use them.
Limited food options for some guests and varying tastes
A few reviewers mentioned limited vegetarian choices or dishes that might be challenging for Western palates (textures/temperatures); additionally, a couple of guests found some hot springs too hot or had concerns about the quality of certain shared baths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional tatami-style and many configurations sleep up to five guests on futons; family-room options are available. Check your chosen room type on booking for exact capacity and bedding.
Yes — the ryokan has hot-spring baths fed from the local Owakudani spring for guests to use. Public bathing hours are typically available from mid‑afternoon into the early morning, but hours can vary by day.
Yes, the property offers private family baths that usually require advance reservation; contact the ryokan before arrival to secure a time slot. Availability is limited and may be subject to scheduling.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; most guests reach the ryokan via Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto and the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station, followed by a short walk or taxi. Taxis and local buses are commonly used for the final leg.
The property provides English support and the official site includes English-language information; staff can assist in basic English. Additional language resources (Chinese/Korean) are available on the website.
Expect tatami rooms, yukata (casual kimono) for guests, communal onsen bathing, and multi-course Japanese meals served in the dining area for an authentic ryokan stay. Some rooms have shared bathrooms while others vary by room type.
The ryokan is in the Gora area, within walking distance of Hakone Gora Park and close to the Hakone Open‑Air Museum and other popular sites like Owakudani. Local bakeries and restaurants are also nearby.
The nearest station is Gora Station (about a 10‑minute walk from the property); reach Gora via the Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara or Hakone‑Yumoto, then walk, take a short taxi or local bus. Allow extra time for transfers on mountain routes.
Standard check‑in is 15:30–18:00 and check‑out is typically by around 10:00 (some listings note an 08:30–10:00 check‑out window). The front desk is usually staffed daytime and evening (the website lists contact hours in the morning and evening) and after‑hours check‑in is not provided.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan. There is an on‑site restaurant serving breakfast and dinner (meals depend on your plan), and convenience stores, bakeries and local shops are a short walk or drive away.