Ryuguden
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 781 reviews
Ryuguden sits on the shores of Lake Ashinoko in Hakone and presents a calm, traditional ryokan atmosphere spread across a main building and an annex. Rooms are predominantly Japanese-style with tatami flooring and large windows framing Lake Ashi and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. The property balances a heritage exterior with carefully maintained interiors: spacious tatami suites, a handful of larger guest rooms, and dining that follows seasonal kaiseki traditions prepared to highlight local ingredients. Public spaces include a restaurant, a lounge area and meeting facilities arranged to accommodate both small groups and private stays.
Bathing facilities are a key element of the stay. The ryokan operates a day‑use onsen complex adjacent to the lodging wing, where an open-air infinity hot spring bath visually merges with the lake and mountain backdrop; indoor baths and a sauna are also available. For greater privacy, three special annex rooms include private indoor hot spring baths directly in the guest accommodation, while other rooms and the main building share gender-separated hot spring baths. The thermal source is described by the property as calcium-sodium chloride and sulfate spring water, suited for relaxation and muscle relief.
Practical touches for visitors include multilingual staff services at the front desk, options for organized outdoor activities on Lake Ashi, and the availability of traditional yukata and basic amenities in each room. The ryokan appeals to travelers seeking an authentic ryokan with onsen Shizuoka or a ryokan with private onsen Shizuoka in search queries, offering both communal hot spring experiences and a small number of rooms with private baths for guests who prefer a more secluded onsen experience. Service and layout make it well suited to couples, families and small groups looking to combine lakeside scenery with traditional bathing culture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryuguden
Positive Reviews
Stunning views of Mount Fuji and the lake
Many guests praise the outstanding, photo‑worthy views from rooms and public areas — unforgettable sunsets and clear Fuji sightings make the location a highlight.
Excellent onsen and bathing experience
Reviewers repeatedly mention the hot baths (including private room onsens in some rooms) as relaxing and well maintained, with an especially enjoyable outdoor onsen facing the mountain.
Outstanding traditional meals
Meals are described as exceptional — carefully presented, varied and authentic Japanese cuisine; several guests called the dinners among the best they had experienced.
Authentic Japanese atmosphere and amenities
The ryokan offers a deeply traditional experience: tatami rooms, futons, kimonos for guests, and cultural touches that many visitors found immersive and memorable.
Attentive staff and spacious, comfortable rooms
Multiple reviews praise the service—polite, helpful staff (including proactive assistance and language support) — and note large, well‑equipped rooms and comfortable bedding.
Negative Reviews
Difficult access and limited signage
Several guests reported trouble finding the property, missed buses, and a tense roadside walk; reviewers advise arriving without heavy luggage or confirming directions in advance.
Limited transport information and shuttle scheduling
Guests noted unclear information about shuttle services (some received a free return shuttle but not informed about outbound options) and limited local transport, making independent sightseeing harder without planning.
Inflexible meal schedules and limited breakfast options
Many reviewers said meal times and composition are not flexible; breakfasts are typically traditional/savory (including sashimi) with few Western alternatives and little possibility to take food away or have an earlier breakfast.
Some older facilities and small maintenance issues
A number of guests mentioned that parts of the property feel slightly dated (though charmingly traditional), and a few reported minor issues like lights behaving oddly during the night.
Extra charges and strict policies
A few reviewers found some added costs or policies frustrating—examples include paid extras (coffee/juice at breakfast), late‑check‑out fees, and perceived rigidity around requests—considered excessive by some given the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Capacity depends on the room type; many traditional Japanese rooms sleep up to five guests on futons, while other room types suit couples or small families. Cribs and extra beds are not available, so specify ages and party size when booking.
Yes — the property offers public indoor and outdoor hot spring baths and several room types include a private hot spring bath. Public baths are gender-separated and some annex rooms offer private open-air onsen.
Tattoos may restrict access to public bathing areas, so guests with tattoos are advised to book a room with a private onsen or check with the hotel in advance. Private in-room baths avoid public-bath restrictions.
A free shuttle for hotel guests runs from JR Odawara Station (West Exit) by advance reservation; regular departures are published by the hotel and additional services run on weekends and holidays. Ask the hotel to reserve a seat when you book.
From either Haneda or Narita, take rail or airport transfer services to Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto, then use the hotel shuttle or local buses/taxis for the final leg. Contact the hotel if you need help planning the transfer.
The hotel provides multilingual support; staff commonly assist in English and Chinese, and signage and website information are available in multiple languages. If you need specific language support, notify the hotel ahead of arrival.
Meals are seasonal Japanese cuisine served in the dining room, often as multi-course kaiseki-style dinners; breakfast is served in the dining area. Guests are provided yukata for use around the ryokan to complete the traditional experience.
Ryuguden sits by Lake Ashi and is within easy reach of Hakone Shrine, the Hakone-En ropeway/cable car, and the Owakudani volcanic area, making it a good base for sightseeing and short walks along the lake. The hotel can advise on local routes and sightseeing options.
Standard check-in begins at 2:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM; the hotel asks guests to notify their expected arrival time in advance. Note that property access and reception hours can be restricted overnight, so confirm arrival procedures if you plan to come late.
Pets are not permitted on the property; a limited number of rooms include private hot spring baths for exclusive use but full privatization of public facilities is limited and subject to availability. There are restaurants and small shops within walking distance, but no large supermarket on site.