Senkei
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 1138 reviews
Senkei is a compact, modern-Japanese inn set beside the river in Hakone Yumoto, positioned as a convenient base for exploring the hot-spring town and nearby attractions. The property presents a deliberately traditional aesthetic with tatami-floored guest rooms, yukata provided for use on site, and a small number of well-appointed rooms that focus on privacy and local character. Located within an easy walk of the station, Senkei blends a ryokan atmosphere with practical amenities such as a reception area with internet access and an on-site shop.
The accommodation centres on its hot-spring facilities: large communal indoor baths for men and women, and an open-air onsen that alternates between genders so guests can enjoy mountain views in the open-air setting, making it a recognised ryokan with onsen in Hakone. Several room types include their own en suite hot-spring baths or private open-air tubs on terraces, and the nearby annex offers kashikiri (private-rental) baths available around the clock; the house spring supplies mineral-rich water claimed to come directly from the local source. A small spa on the premises provides additional treatments in a Balinese-influenced salon, while towels and basic amenities are supplied for guests who wish to take the onsen experience in greater privacy, marking the property as a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa for travellers seeking that option.
Rooms are arranged to accommodate pairs or families with Japanese-style bedding and modest living areas; some room plans include an attendant service for table-side meals. Seasonal multi-course kaiseki dinners and breakfasts are prepared on site and may be served in-room, emphasising local ingredients and traditional presentation. With straightforward access to Hakone’s museums, lake and mountain trails, Senkei functions as a calm, service-focused ryokan that balances public bathing, optional private bathing and simple, locally rooted cuisine for visitors to the region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Senkei
Positive Reviews
Beautiful onsen facilities (rooftop, public and private)
Guests repeatedly praised the hot spring baths, highlighting a scenic rooftop open-air onsen, public indoor/outdoor onsens and private in-room baths that provided excellent relaxation.
Authentic ryokan experience
Many reviewers appreciated the traditional Japanese-style rooms, tatami atmosphere and the immersive ryokan ambience, calling it a memorable cultural stay.
Warm, attentive staff and hospitality
Numerous comments mention friendly, helpful and attentive personnel who enhanced the stay, assisted with luggage and served meals with care.
Spacious, comfortable and clean rooms
Rooms were described as roomy, comfortable and well arranged — futons and traditional bedding were noted as comfortable and the properties were generally very clean.
High-quality kaiseki dinners and good meals
Several guests enjoyed the in-room kaiseki dinners and found the meals delicious, with breakfasts often described as plentiful or satisfying.
Negative Reviews
Breakfast options/quality inconsistent
Some guests found the breakfast offering lacking or not as expected (continental vs. traditional); others suggested more variety (e.g., local specialties, cereals) or a fuller buffet would improve the experience.
Children's meals and menu suitability
Traditional meals included strong-flavored fish that were difficult for children to enjoy, and children's meals were not automatically provided — parents needed to request them in advance.
Pricey for some guests
A number of reviews noted the stay can be expensive, with some guests feeling the cost was high despite enjoying the experience.
Onsen tattoo policy
The establishment does not allow visible tattoos in the onsen, which was called out as a limitation by some visitors.
Allergy/older furnishings concern and lack of private reservable onsen
One guest mentioned potential issues for people with dust mite allergies due to older furniture/curtains; another noted there was no reservable private onsen option available at the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Senkei is a traditional Japanese ryokan-style hotel in Hakone-Yumoto offering tatami rooms, seasonal multi-course meals and on-site spa services.
Room capacities vary by room type, with Japanese-style rooms offering between about 3 and 6 futons; family and multi-person rooms are available.
Yes — the property has communal hot-spring baths including an indoor bath and an open-air onsen with mountain views.
Some room types include a private open-air hot-spring bath; otherwise communal onsen are available for guests (tattoos are not permitted in shared bathing areas).
Hakone-Yumoto Station is about a 10-minute walk; Haneda Airport is reachable by train in roughly 90 minutes. Local buses and taxis also serve the Hakone-Yumoto area.
There is no regular hotel airport shuttle listed; the ryokan is within walking distance of Hakone-Yumoto Station, which is the usual arrival point for visitors.
Standard check-in starts from 15:00 (guests in the Senkei Plaza section may be able to check in later) and check-out is by 11:00; guests wishing to dine on site should plan to arrive by about 19:00 to ensure dinner service.
Staff are accustomed to international guests and can assist in English for common needs such as directions, dining arrangements and local information.
Senkei is close to central Hakone-Yumoto and within about a 20-minute drive of attractions like the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Lake Ashi; explore by foot, local bus, or taxi from the station.
Pets are not permitted on the property; there are small shops and convenience stores within walking distance in Hakone-Yumoto and the hotel offers on-site dining plus traditional in-room meal options.