Tenseien
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 271 reviews
Tenseien sits in the heart of Hakone Yumoto, presenting a blend of ryokan traditions and hotel-scale services across terraced gardens and cascading waterfalls. Rooms range from Japanese-style tatami suites to twin rooms with tatami areas, and some options feature private open-air baths on the balcony for in-room soaking. The property is laid out around a landscaped garden and a small network of falls and streams, creating a quietly scenic setting within easy reach of the town’s station and local attractions, making it a practical choice for visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Hakone.
Bath facilities are a central focus: the property operates large communal thermal baths and also maintains reservable private baths for families or couples who prefer exclusive use, and several room types include their own outdoor tubs. Spa and wellness offerings extend to a sauna, massage and beauty treatments, and the venue runs day-use onsen plans alongside full-stay services, so visitors can book either public bathing or private sessions. Staff-provided yukata and a dedicated bathing etiquette policy align with traditional onsen practice, and the establishment advertises banquet and conference spaces for larger groups.
Dining emphasizes a broad buffet for breakfast and an array of seasonal Japanese menus for dinner, served in on-site restaurants that accommodate both casual and banquet-style meals. Practical amenities include a reception desk with extended hours, a small retail area, family-friendly recreation spaces and options for day trippers as well as overnight guests. For travelers prioritizing a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa, the property combines multiple bathing choices, straightforward access to Hakone sights and a garden-focused layout that frames the hot-spring experience without requiring guests to sacrifice modern conveniences.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tenseien
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen experience
Multiple reviewers praised the hot springs — both the public baths and private in-room/on-balcony onsen — as clean, well-equipped and a highlight of the stay.
Beautiful garden and waterfall setting
Guests enjoyed the hotel's grounds, park and waterfalls which create a relaxing, immersive atmosphere and nice views from some rooms and outdoor areas.
High-quality, varied food and buffets
Dinner and breakfast buffets were frequently described as delicious, extensive and offering both traditional Japanese and international options.
Authentic ryokan touches and extras
The property offers a strong ryokan experience (yukata/kimono provided, traditional ambience, futon service) that many guests appreciated.
Good service and family-friendly facilities
Staff were often described as attentive and helpful; amenities noted positively include private onsen rooms, kids' play area, souvenir shop and overall well-maintained facilities.
Negative Reviews
Limited English spoken by staff
Several guests reported communication difficulties because few staff spoke English, which made some interactions and requests challenging.
Large/impersonal scale for a ryokan
Some reviewers found the hotel very big or hotel-like (rather than intimate), describing parts as impersonal or 'factory'-like despite the ryokan elements.
Location and access can be inconvenient
The hotel requires a walk from Hakone-Yumoto station (often uphill or on a steep path), which can be awkward with heavy luggage; shuttles/taxis recommended by reviewers.
Room size, decor and view inconsistencies
A number of guests mentioned small rooms, dated decor, limited natural light, or that room views did not match online photos (some rooms face buildings rather than the garden).
Minor service/facility issues
Occasional annoyances were reported such as small in-room bathrooms, restricted breakfast time slots for families, an isolated housekeeping mistake, and a visitor noting an unpleasant smell in the fish/duck area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room occupancy varies by room type; select the number of guests when booking. Cribs and extra beds are not available, and children aged 3 and above are treated as adults for room allocation.
Tenseien offers large public baths including a rooftop open-air onsen and indoor baths, and some room types include private outdoor baths. Note that public-bath rules apply and guests with tattoos may be restricted from using shared bathing areas.
The ryokan is a 12–15 minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station and is served by a local shuttle/microbus (A-course) that stops nearby; taxis are also a short ride. For airport access, use trains or airport buses to Odawara/Hakone-Yumoto then transfer to the local bus, shuttle, or taxi.
From Tokyo take Odakyu or JR services toward Odawara then transfer to the Hakone Tozan line or local buses to Hakone-Yumoto, followed by a short walk, bus or taxi to the ryokan. Direct airport bus and train connections to Odawara/Hakone-Yumoto are common; confirm specific schedules when planning travel.
Staff at Tenseien primarily speak Japanese and can provide Chinese-language support; English-language assistance may be limited, so guests with special requests should notify the ryokan in advance.
Standard check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; guests should arrive by 18:00 if they plan to have dinner served. The property requests guests remove shoes inside the facility and follow onsen etiquette on arrival.
Some room categories include private outdoor baths; for reservable private baths or group-use options, contact the ryokan directly to inquire about availability and booking. Group banquet and private-event options are offered with advance arrangement.
Pets are not allowed at Tenseien. Families are welcome, but note the ryokan’s policies on children in bathing areas and that young children may require parental supervision; verify room suitability when booking.
Convenience stores and small shops are located near Hakone-Yumoto Station within walking distance, but the ryokan sits uphill from the station so expect a short climb with luggage. The property also provides on-site dining and basic guest amenities.
Tenseien has a landscaped garden with a notable waterfall and spring, and it’s close to Hakone-Yumoto Station for easy access to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Lake Ashi, cable cars, and local walking routes. The ryokan’s restaurant offers seasonal Japanese cuisine and buffet options for a local dining experience.