Setsugetsuka
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 563 reviews
Setsugetsuka sits in Gora, a short walk from the station and close to several cultural sites and museums, presenting a contemporary take on a traditional ryokan. The property combines quiet, landscaped grounds with hotel-scale facilities, framing views of the surrounding hills and offering easy access to Hakone’s art venues and walking routes. As a ryokan with onsen in Hakone, it positions itself for guests who want both the convenience of town-center access and the restorative rhythm of hot-spring bathing without needing long transfers from Tokyo or nearby hubs.
Guest rooms are designed around private outdoor bathing: many suites and standard rooms feature an open-air hinoki (cypress) bath on the balcony, creating a private soak experience. The property also maintains communal indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths fed from Hakone’s spring sources, while some in-room open-air baths use heated water rather than direct spring flow; this distinction is noted by the operator so guests can choose a room type aligned with their preferences. For travelers specifically seeking a ryokan with private onsen Kanagawa, the mix of room-level baths and on-site public onsen provides flexible options.
On-site amenities include multiple dining rooms that serve seasonal Japanese menus, a small retail corner for local goods, a wellness area with additional bathing facilities and a sauna, and practical services such as luggage handling, multilingual reception and on-site parking. Free Wi‑Fi and concierge assistance help plan local excursions, from the nearby open-air museum to short hikes in the foothills. The overall experience balances traditional materials and rituals—timber baths, kaiseki-inspired dining elements—with service-oriented conveniences expected at a larger ryokan property.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Setsugetsuka
Positive Reviews
Excellent location
Very close to Gora station (2 minutes on foot), convenient for the cable car, funicular and local buses — easy access to Hakone attractions and luggage drop-off.
Extensive onsen facilities
Multiple public and private baths (indoor and outdoor) with a variety of temperatures and settings; guests praised both the communal onsen areas and the private open-air baths.
Friendly, professional staff
Staff described as welcoming, helpful and attentive; services such as a short massage and attentive restaurant service were highlighted.
Authentic Japanese experience and amenities
Strong cultural immersion with tatami spaces, yukata/geta provided, kimono availability and traditional dining — many guests enjoyed the genuine ryokan atmosphere.
Good food and free refreshment stations
Traditional Japanese dinners and breakfasts received frequent praise for quality and variety; the hotel also offers complimentary snacks/drinks (ice pops, coffee, taiyaki, beverages) at refresh stations.
Negative Reviews
Property and room ageing
Many guests noted that parts of the hotel, room furniture and public areas feel dated and would benefit from renovation or refreshing.
Small/compact rooms and balcony baths
Rooms can be small (typical for Japan) and awkward with luggage; private baths on balconies are sometimes smaller than expected, can differ from photos and decking or fixtures may show wear or slippery/mouldy spots.
Dining reservation process and language limitations
Some guests experienced confusion when booking dinner/breakfast (timing and availability) and noted limited English spoken by some staff, which made meal information and reservations harder to manage.
Noise and light disturbances in rooms
Sound carried along corridors and through pipes, disturbing light from early morning due to insufficient blackout curtains — some guests recommended earplugs.
Value and connectivity concerns
A few guests felt the price was high when meals were not included; issues reported included very slow Wi‑Fi and small extra charges or unavailable items at breakfast (e.g., juice).
Frequently Asked Questions
Room sizes vary; most rooms are designed for two guests and the property also offers family rooms. Children aged 3 and above are considered adults, and cribs or extra beds are not available.
The public hot spring baths use natural flowing spring water sourced from multiple Hakone springs, while the in-room open-air baths use regular heated water rather than direct spring water.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the ryokan is a one‑minute walk from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Line, so most guests arrive by train.
Tokyo Haneda Airport is the most convenient major airport for Hakone, with public transport options (trains/buses) taking around 1.5–2 hours to reach Gora. Plan routes via Shinagawa/Odawara or use Odakyu services from Shinjuku.
Staff can assist in English at the front desk and some team members speak English, but levels may vary. If you need specific language support, mention this when you book or at check‑in.
The property has two restaurants serving seasonal Japanese cuisine including kaiseki-style dinner options and breakfast; menus focus on local ingredients and traditional presentations. Meal times and seating may be scheduled, so check your reservation for dining times.
The ryokan provides multiple private family baths that are offered free and operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis rather than by prior reservation.
Pets are not permitted on the property. There are convenience stores and small supermarkets within a short walk of Gora Station for basic supplies and snacks.
The ryokan sits in Gora close to the Hakone Open‑Air Museum and Gora Park, with the Pola Museum, Hakone Ropeway and Lake Ashi all reachable by local transport for day trips. The hotel’s location makes it convenient for several signature Hakone sights.
Standard check‑in begins at 3:00 PM (some listings note a latest check‑in time) and check‑out is by 11:00 AM; the property operates a 24‑hour front desk and offers luggage storage.