Sengokuhara Hisanoha
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 92 reviews
Sengokuhara Hisanoha sits discreetly in the Sengokuhara district of Hakone, operating as a compact, low‑rise ryokan with nine guest rooms and a total capacity for about twenty people. Set back from main roads, the property emphasises quiet, understated comfort with a small lounge and a forest terrace that frames seasonal views. Practical amenities include free on‑site parking and in‑room Wi‑Fi; guest rooms are fitted with an LCD TV, mini‑fridge, electric kettle, washlet and yukata. This compact ryokan with onsen in Hakone is geared toward travellers seeking an intimate, restive stay rather than a large resort experience.
As a ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa, the bathing facilities focus on natural, free‑flowing hot springs: separate men’s and women’s baths are provided for communal use and are supplied directly from the property’s source to preserve mineral character. Meals follow a set Japanese format with options such as domestically sourced sukiyaki and premium pork shabu served in private dining spaces by reservation; breakfast is offered in the dining room. Standard operational details include mid‑afternoon check‑in and late‑morning check‑out, making the inn a convenient base for nearby museums, gardens and walking trails.
The house rules and physical layout reflect a traditional small inn: all rooms are non‑smoking, there is no elevator and the property is not fully barrier‑free, so guests with mobility needs are advised to enquire in advance. Credit cards are accepted at reception and free parking eases travel by car. With a restrained set of shared facilities, warm attentive service and locally sourced meal options, Sengokuhara Hisanoha offers a measured, locally rooted ryokan experience for visitors to Hakone and the wider Kanagawa area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sengokuhara Hisanoha
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff and hospitality
Many guests highlight exceptionally friendly, helpful and accommodating staff — front desk and restaurant teams go out of their way to assist, offer welcome drinks, and help with transportation when needed.
Excellent onsen experiences (private and public)
Reviewers frequently praise the onsen — both private in-room baths and the public facilities — describing them as clean, relaxing and a highlight of the stay.
High-quality, memorable meals
Dinner and breakfast receive consistent praise for taste and presentation; several guests called the food outstanding and a major reason to recommend the ryokan.
Spacious, comfortable and clean rooms
Rooms (including annex/family rooms) are described as large, cozy and well equipped with comfortable bedding, private gardens or semi open-air baths in some units; overall property cleanliness is noted positively.
Peaceful, well-located property with intimate scale
Guests appreciate the tranquil setting away from crowds, proximity to a bus stop, easy access to local restaurants/attractions, and the small, intimate size of the ryokan which enhances the experience.
Negative Reviews
Menu changes, traditional breakfasts and occasional strong flavours
Some guests noted the change from previously advertised cuisine (e.g., French) to Japanese dishes like sukiyaki; a few found certain meals very salty and traditional breakfasts may not suit Western tastes.
Price, especially at peak times
Several reviewers mentioned that room rates (weekends/peak periods) are high, reflecting Hakone pricing and sometimes making the stay feel expensive.
Onsen temperature and minor cleanliness issues
A small number of guests found onsen water too hot to fully enjoy, and isolated maintenance/cleanliness issues were reported (e.g., spider webs in private onsen, garden weeding needed).
Transport access and location challenges
The ryokan sits on winding roads and is not close to the train station; some found local bus connections inconvenient and preferred taking a short taxi instead.
Information, amenities and minor service gaps
Suggestions include clearer communication in English about wearing yukata and meals, improving coffee quality, providing extra pillows on request, and clearer listing of public onsen availability after renovations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms accommodate up to four guests in set layouts (twin beds or combinations with futon); extra beds and baby cots are not provided, so check room type when booking.
The property operates an on-site hot spring bath available to guests; private in‑room baths are not listed, so contact the ryokan to ask about kashikiri (private) bath options.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; most guests arrive via train to Hakone‑Yumoto or Odawara and continue by local bus or taxi.
From Tokyo take train services to Hakone‑Yumoto or Odawara, then a local bus or taxi to Sengokuhara; the property is roughly 13 km from Hakone‑Yumoto by road.
Staff provide multilingual support including English and Chinese; if you need specific language assistance, note it before arrival.
Expect a quiet, traditional onsen ryokan atmosphere with Japanese-style rooms (tatami/futon or beds in some room types), garden views, and an emphasis on a calm retreat.
Several Hakone sites are nearby, including the Lalique Museum, the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands and the Venetian Glass Museum, all a short drive or walk from Sengokuhara.
Check-in is between 15:00 and 18:00 and check-out between 09:00 and 10:00; the ryokan requests you inform them of your expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not permitted on the property; for private-use of baths or special requests (private dining, celebrations), contact the ryokan directly to confirm availability.
An Asian breakfast is served on site; dinner availability may vary so confirm with the ryokan. There is no on-site supermarket—convenience stores and shops are available in the wider Hakone area, and staff can advise where to go.