Shirayunoyado Yamadaya Hakone Gora
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Shirayunoyado Yamadaya Hakone Gora is a traditional-style ryokan set on the slopes of Hakone, combining classic tatami interiors and futon bedding with practical modern amenities. The property presents a compact collection of communal and private bathing facilities fed by local hot springs: five distinct onsen include separate indoor and outdoor baths and kashikiri private baths available to reserve. Framed by mountain and valley views, public bathing areas reflect local woodcraft detailing, while several room types offer terraces or in-room bathing for added privacy. As a ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa, the emphasis is on a quiet, restorative stay rooted in Japanese bathing culture.
Guests receive multi-course Japanese meals served in-room, with menus that change seasonally and focus on regional ingredients; breakfasts follow a similarly traditional format. Rooms are Japanese-style with tatami flooring, a private toilet, and small comforts such as a refrigerator and flat-screen television. The property provides on-site services for relaxation including massage treatments, vending machines for drinks, and luggage assistance. For those seeking exclusive bathing, a limited number of rooms and time slots allow use of private baths for discrete relaxation, making this a practical choice as a ryokan with private onsen in Hakone.
Practically positioned within easy reach of local transport, the ryokan is a short walk from Sounzan Station and operates a complimentary shuttle connection with Gora Station, which makes visiting major Hakone attractions straightforward. On-site parking is available and the layout suits travelers who value traditional room service and in-room dining over on-site restaurants. Visitors should expect gender-separated public baths and the option to reserve private bathing time; the accommodation aims to balance an authentic ryokan rhythm—quiet evenings, in-room meals, and restorative soaks—with the convenience of nearby museums, ropeway access, and lakeside routes for daytime exploration.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shirayunoyado Yamadaya Hakone…
Positive Reviews
Excellent location and access to transport
Many reviewers praised the ryokan's location — a short walk from the cable car/teleféric and Sounzan station, convenient for visiting Ashi Lake and views of Mount Fuji.
Strong traditional, immersive atmosphere
Guests appreciated the authentic ryokan experience — traditional architecture, tatami rooms, yukata/futon service and an overall ‘out-of-time’ ambiance that felt genuinely Japanese.
Relaxing onsen experience with options
Multiple mentions of pleasant public onsens and the ability to reserve a private onsen. Outdoor stone baths and tattoo-friendly policies were highlighted as big pluses and a core part of the stay.
Generous, high-quality traditional meals
Dinners and breakfasts were frequently described as plentiful, varied and tasty, with many guests valuing the opportunity to try numerous traditional dishes served in-room.
Attentive, friendly staff and good service
Staff received consistent praise for being kind, attentive and helpful (setting futons, serving meals, welcoming guests), contributing strongly to guests’ positive impressions.
Negative Reviews
Aging property and maintenance issues
Numerous reviews noted the building is old and shows wear — broken or damaged fittings, areas needing renovation and overall vintage condition that can disappoint compared with photos.
Cleanliness and upkeep concerns
Some guests reported cleanliness problems in common areas or rooms (dust, signs of water damage from humidity) and that certain onsen/private baths appear poorly maintained.
Small bathrooms and limited in-room facilities
Several reviews mentioned very small room bathrooms, thin futons for some, and in a few cases no private shower (guests must use the onsen), which can be inconvenient for longer stays.
Traditional food not always suitable for all guests
While many loved the meals, a recurring note was that the very traditional breakfast/dinner can be challenging for some (strong flavors like fish for breakfast) and may feel repetitive to others.
Occasional service/language/communication problems
A few guests experienced poor communication at check-out or encountered staff who were less cooperative or had limited English, which complicated departures or specific requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has Japanese-style rooms including compact and family configurations; most rooms suit couples or small families and futons can be arranged for extra guests. Check the specific room description at booking or contact the property for exact maximum occupancy per room.
Yamadaya offers multiple hot-spring baths (several public indoor/outdoor baths) with gender-separated times and kashikiri (private) baths available for reservation at an additional fee. Some room types also feature a private bath.
A complimentary shuttle service operates between the ryokan and Gora/nearby stations by prior arrangement; guests should request pickup in advance and coordinate arrival within the posted check-in window. Walking access from Sounzan station is also possible for most guests.
Typical routes are Odakyu Romancecar or local trains to Hakone-Yumoto, then the Hakone Tozan Railway/cable car to Gora or Sounzan, followed by a short walk or the hotel shuttle. From Haneda or Narita you can connect into these services via Tokyo or Odawara stations.
Staff are known to be friendly and provide practical assistance; English is generally spoken at a basic level at reception and staff will help with directions and local arrangements. If you need detailed-language support, consider a translation app or requesting help in advance.
Dinner and breakfast are served in-room in a traditional Japanese style (kaiseki/seasonal courses), reflecting local ingredients and ryokan custom. Special dietary needs can usually be accommodated if notified before arrival.
The property is near the Hakone Ropeway/cable car and is a short drive from the Hakone Open-Air Museum; Onshi-Hakone Park, Lake Ashi, Odawara Castle and Owakudani are all reachable within about a 30-minute drive. Many guests use the ryokan as a base for Hakone sightseeing routes.
Standard check-in is in the afternoon (around 15:00–18:00) and check-out is by 10:00. If you expect to arrive after the stated check-in window, notify the ryokan in advance so they can advise or hold your reservation.
Private (kashikiri) baths can be reserved for exclusive use, typically for an extra fee and subject to availability; contact the ryokan to book a time. Pets are not permitted on the property.
There is no on-site supermarket, but vending machines are available and Gora/Sounzan areas have convenience stores and restaurants a short walk or ride away. The ryokan provides basic amenities, luggage storage and on-site parking (limited spaces).