Wakamatsu HakoneYugawara
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 88 reviews
Wakamatsu HakoneYugawara is a traditional kappo-ryokan set on a wooded hillside above the town of Yugawara, framed as a castle‑style lodging with sukya‑style interiors and tatami corridors. Founded in 1922 and operated as a sister house to the historic Wakamatsu in Hakodate, the property has a compact programme of accommodation with fourteen Japanese‑style rooms named after painters; rooms are furnished for authentic stays with futons, suites or two‑room layouts, air conditioning, private bath/shower and in‑room toiletries. This quietly positioned ryokan with onsen in Hakone combines classical architecture with practical amenities such as lift access, free Wi‑Fi and private parking.
The ryokan draws on its own natural spring, reported at about 52.2°C at source, and describes the water as slightly salty and mildly alkaline; that hot water feeds communal bathing facilities including an indoor public bath and an open‑air rotenburo set to make the most of the surrounding views. Baths are maintained as traditional shared onsen rather than private in‑room hot tubs; guests should note customary public‑bath etiquette and that visible tattoos may limit access to some bathing areas. The bathing programme and the building’s elevated terraces emphasise restful soaking and seasonal sightlines over commercial spa features.
Culinary service centres on multi‑course kaiseki using seafood and produce from Sagami Bay and the nearby Manazuru peninsula, with dishes presented one course at a time and breakfast offered in the room; the property asks guests to request dinner in advance. Practical details for planning include a typical check‑in window from mid‑afternoon and a morning check‑out, ease of access by car from Haneda (about an hour) or by train plus taxi from Tokyo (roughly 90 minutes), and on‑site conveniences such as housekeeping and meal service that suit travellers seeking a measured, traditional ryokan with onsen Kanagawa experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Wakamatsu HakoneYugawara
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, friendly staff and service
Many guests praised the staff as extremely kind, helpful and professional — attentive from check‑in to check‑out, able to assist non‑Japanese speakers and wearing traditional kimonos which enhanced the experience.
Outstanding kaiseki dinners and food presentation
Numerous reviews highlighted the dinner as a standout — beautifully presented multi‑course (kaiseki) meals with a good variety and a carefully paced service; several guests called the chef 'magical'.
Beautiful and well‑maintained onsen (hot springs)
The public baths and hot springs were repeatedly described as excellent, relaxing and a highlight of the stay, with both indoor and outdoor options available late into the evening.
Authentic traditional ryokan rooms and comfortable futons
Guests appreciated the traditional Japanese rooms, spacious tatami areas and comfortable futons; rooms were described as cozy, well equipped and contributing to a calm, restorative atmosphere.
Calm, restorative rural setting
Many reviewers said the property transmits calm and relaxation — a quiet, wooded/rural location ideal for a restful getaway and a memorable cultural experience.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport complexity
Several guests noted the ryokan is a bit far from central stations and that reaching it can require multiple transfers, a bus and a short walk; the location feels remote which may not suit those seeking easy access.
Meals must be booked in advance / limited flexibility
Multiple reviews mentioned that dinner (and breakfast) often need to be reserved several days in advance or at booking — guests could not add meals on arrival and were advised to pre‑book to avoid disappointment.
Few nearby dining options
Reviewers reported limited food choices in the immediate area, sometimes requiring a hike or advance planning; one guest was even refused entry at a local izakaya despite available seats.
Some rooms/facilities show age
A number of guests observed that parts of the ryokan show their age (worn fixtures, occasional cobwebs), although most said these issues did not significantly detract from the overall experience.
Occasional food complaints
While food was largely praised, a few guests had specific issues — for example, a cooked fish dish with many bones and one comment about perceived high dinner price before recognizing its value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types are traditional Japanese-style; standard rooms sleep up to 4 on futons, a superior room fits 5, and suites can accommodate up to 6 guests using a mix of beds and futons.
Yes — the property has hot spring facilities including an indoor public bath and an open-air (rotenburo) onsen for guests to use.
The property primarily offers public indoor and outdoor baths; private/reserved onsen use is not listed as standard — please contact the ryokan directly to request private-use options.
No scheduled airport or station shuttle is listed; the ryokan is reachable by taxi from Yugawara Station and is about a one-hour drive from Haneda Airport or roughly 1.5 hours by train plus taxi from central Tokyo.
Yugawara Station is the nearest rail access point and is about a 30–35 minute walk or a short taxi ride to the ryokan; expect a train plus local transfer when coming from Tokyo.
Staff can assist in both Japanese and English.
Standard check-in is 15:00–18:00 and check-out is 08:00–10:00; you should inform the ryokan of your arrival time in advance, and access may be restricted overnight (property notes limited access around midnight to early morning).
The ryokan serves an Asian breakfast and offers dinner service; dinner must be reserved in advance (usually by noon the day before arrival).
Children are welcome but no extra beds or baby cots are provided; pets are not allowed on the premises.
The ryokan is a good base for Hakone and Atami excursions (Hakone ~40 minutes by car, Atami ~20 minutes), near Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine; the town is relatively quiet with limited dining options, so booking meals at the ryokan or planning ahead is recommended.