Sengokuhara Shinanoki Ichinoyu
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 767 reviews
Sengokuhara Shinanoki Ichinoyu sits in the Sengokuhara valley of Hakone and was refreshed in 2023 as part of a ryokan group. The property pairs clean wooden-lined interiors with traditional tatami layouts suited to couples and families. Located within short walking distance of the Venetian Glass Museum and the nearby pampas grass, it positions guests for easy sightseeing while offering the hallmarks of a ryokan experience, including on-site bathing facilities. It functions as a ryokan with private onsen in Hakone for guests who prefer in-room open-air baths.
Guest accommodation ranges from standard Japanese-style rooms to suites and loft configurations, several of which include private outdoor tubs or balcony baths filled from the natural spring used in the communal facilities. Public bathing areas include separated indoor baths and a rotenburo (open-air bath), and the property has a barrel sauna. Rooms are furnished with wooden décor and modern basics, with family-friendly layouts. Meals are served in a ground-floor restaurant offering Japanese set dinners and seasonal breakfasts.
Practical conveniences include complimentary parking, Wi‑Fi and luggage storage, plus vending machines and multilingual staff at peak times. The ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa sits about a 15‑minute drive from the Sounzan ropeway and roughly 25 minutes from JR Gotemba station, making it accessible by car or regional bus links. The layout and mix of private-bath rooms make it a suitable choice for travelers seeking a balanced stay that combines private soaking options with the social rhythm of communal hot-spring bathing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sengokuhara Shinanoki Ichinoyu
Positive Reviews
Private in‑room onsen
Many guests highlight the private onsen/bath in the room as a major perk — relaxing, hot and very enjoyable for couples and families.
Excellent traditional meals (kaiseki)
Reviews repeatedly praise the dinner and breakfast: high quality, abundant and varied multi‑course meals with local ingredients, described as a highlight of the stay.
Spacious, authentic rooms and cleanliness
Rooms are noted as larger than expected with traditional tatami/futon layouts, cosy design and very clean accommodations throughout the property.
Friendly, attentive staff and good service
Staff are described as welcoming, warm and helpful; service at meals is professional and contributes to a very positive experience.
Calm setting and convenient transport access
Guests appreciate the tranquil ryokan atmosphere and convenient location close to a well‑served bus stop; complimentary drinks and traditional touches (kimonos/slippers) are also valued.
Negative Reviews
Limited nearby dining after early evening
Several guests note there are few restaurants open late; dinner service is typically early (around 18:00–19:00) and external dining options after 19:00 are limited.
Meals must be reserved / early dinner schedule
Visitors are advised to book dinner (and sometimes breakfast) in advance — meal times are fixed and can be restrictive if you arrive late or prefer flexible hours.
Firm futons / bedding comfort issues
Some guests find the futons or mattresses quite firm (often placed on the floor), which may not suit Western preferences and affected sleep quality for a few reviewers.
Breakfast lacks vegetarian/Western options
The Japanese style breakfast is plentiful but centered on traditional dishes (including fish); several guests wished for vegetarian/vegan or Western alternatives.
Limited English at reception and onsen tattoo rules
A few guests reported reception staff have limited English and gave insufficient local sightseeing guidance; also there is a restriction preventing guests with tattoos from using public baths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room sizes vary; most rooms are designed for 2 guests while some family or Japanese-style rooms can accommodate 3–4. Check the specific room’s maximum occupancy on the booking page before you reserve.
Yes, the property offers natural hot spring facilities including public indoor baths and open-air baths; many room types also include a private open-air bath. A sauna and additional spa facilities are available at the property.
There is no regular airport shuttle advertised; common access is by train or airport/highway bus to Hakone-Yumoto then a Hakone Tozan Bus to Sengokuhara. Contact the ryokan in advance if you need assistance arranging pick-up or private transfer.
Japanese is the primary language; staff can assist in English and other East Asian languages to varying degrees. If you need specific language support, please notify the ryokan before arrival.
Rooms commonly feature tatami flooring and yukata are provided for guests, and meals are served in the ryokan restaurant as seasonal Japanese cuisine. The atmosphere emphasizes a classic Japanese ryokan experience with local hospitality.
Sengokuhara’s pampas-grass fields, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani and Lake Ashi are all nearby and reachable by short drive or local bus. The area is well suited for museum visits, scenic walks and seasonal nature viewing.
Travel to Hakone-Yumoto by train or express bus, then take the Hakone Tozan Bus toward Sengokuhara and alight at the closest stop within walking distance of the ryokan. Some routes from Gotemba and Togendai also connect to local buses serving Sengokuhara.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is usually 10:00. If you plan to arrive late, inform the ryokan ahead of time to confirm front-desk hours.
Many rooms have private in‑room open-air baths that guests can use privately; public baths at Japanese onsen sometimes restrict visible tattoos. If you have tattoos and prefer privacy, choose a room with a private bath or ask about reservable private bathing options.
Pets are generally not permitted at this property. The ryokan has an on-site restaurant serving Japanese meals, and convenience stores or a small supermarket are a short drive away for basic supplies.