Tensui Saryo
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 679 reviews
Tensui Saryo is a compact hot-spring inn set in Gora, Hakone, that frames contemporary comfort within traditional Japanese detail. The property presents a focused concept of “playing with the beauty of Japan,” with a footprint of around 34 rooms including several detached suites; interiors combine tatami zones and Western beds, and guests commonly find a small public lounge and the property’s footbath café and bar where a seated foot soak is available. Located in a residential stretch of Hakone, the ryokan sits within easy reach of Gora’s main attractions while retaining a contained, low‑density feel that many visitors seek from a ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa.
The bathing program is central: spring water is delivered directly from source to the property’s open‑air baths, and multiple room types feature private outdoor hot‑spring tubs on balconies or in detached villas. In addition to a communal bathing area, the property maintains a small number of reservable private baths and complementary wellness facilities such as a bedrock sauna and treatment menus; certain rooms and detached units are explicitly marketed with in‑room open‑air baths, which positions this ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa for travelers prioritizing privacy. Bath water is commonly described in property materials as the local sulfur‑ and chloride‑rich type typical of Hakone springs.
Dining follows a kaiseki approach, with multi‑course seasonal menus prepared to highlight regional ingredients and a morning service that emphasizes rice, grilled fish and Japanese condiments. Practical amenities include multilingual reception, yukata for guest use and the possibility to reserve private facilities at check‑in; the location is a short walk from Gora Station, putting the Hakone Open‑Air Museum, Gora Park and the ropeway within convenient reach for day excursions while keeping the ryokan’s guestrooms focused on restful vistas and an intimate onsen experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tensui Saryo
Positive Reviews
Excellent location
Many guests praised the hotel's very convenient location — a short walk from the station, funiculars and local attractions, making sightseeing easy.
Private onsen and scenic views
Numerous reviews highlight the private outdoor onsen/bathtub on the room terrace and beautiful mountain views, calling the experience relaxing and unique.
Delicious traditional Japanese meals
Several reviewers praised the food — elaborate Japanese dinners and hearty breakfasts were frequently described as excellent, included, and memorable.
Attentive staff and authentic ryokan atmosphere
Guests appreciated warm, attentive service and the authentic ryokan touches (yukata, tatami, traditional accessories) that enhanced the stay.
Clean, comfortable rooms and good amenities
Many comments note clean rooms, comfortable beds, spacious layouts in some rooms, extras like coffee equipment, baby-friendly items and helpful small amenities.
Negative Reviews
Maintenance and humidity issues
Some guests reported signs of wear and tear and problems with humidity or mildew odor in parts of the property, suggesting certain areas need refurbishment.
Noise and equipment problems
A few reviews mentioned disruptive noises — nearby construction or elevator repairs, and in-room equipment noise (noisy fridge, loud or leaking air-conditioning) that affected comfort.
Onsen temperature/size and tattoo restrictions
Occasional complaints noted very hot onsen temperatures or small outdoor baths; some guests also mentioned tattoo restrictions preventing access to communal baths.
Communication, booking and unexpected charges
Visitors experienced unclear booking information (access details, spa reservation limitations, mandatory breakfast reservations), limited English from staff causing minor misunderstandings, and in rare cases unexpected billing issues.
Limited nearby dining and occasional impersonal feel
Several reviewers warned there are few restaurants open late nearby, so evening dining can be difficult; others felt the hotel’s larger scale and high guest numbers made the experience less intimate than a traditional small ryokan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; many rooms are designed for two guests while larger family-style rooms are available—check the room description for exact maximum occupancy as extra beds are generally not provided.
Some rooms and detached annex units include private open-air hot spring baths, and the property also offers gender-segregated public baths plus bookable private baths for guests who want exclusive use.
Tattoos may restrict use of the property’s public bathing areas; guests with visible tattoos can use in-room private baths (if booked) or rent a private bath to avoid restrictions.
There is no regularly advertised airport shuttle; the usual route is Odakyu Limited Express from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto then the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station, and the ryokan is a short walk from Gora Station (nearest major airport: Haneda).
Staff at Tensui Saryo speak Japanese and English to assist international guests.
The ryokan serves seasonal kaiseki-style dinner and a Japanese breakfast on-site, and there is a footbath café and bar in the lobby; if you plan to eat at the property, choose a meal-inclusive plan when booking.
Private rental baths are available for exclusive use, but pets are not permitted on the premises.
Gora Park and the Hakone Open-Air Museum are within a short walk, and Owakudani, Lake Ashinoko, the Pola and Okada museums are all easily reached from Gora by cable car, ropeway or sightseeing bus.
Gora Station (Hakone Tozan Railway) is a few minutes’ walk; from there you can take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Ropeway, and the local sightseeing bus to major attractions.
Standard check-in starts at 15:00 with check-in closing in the evening and check-out is typically in the morning (check the booking confirmation for exact times); the ryokan asks guests to inform them of arrival time in advance and offers luggage storage before check-in and after check-out.