WPÜ HOTEL HAKONE
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 3700 reviews
WPÜ HAKONE sits on the slopes of Gora in Hakone, a brief walk from the local train terminus, and presents a compact, design-forward alternative to traditional ryokan stays. The property was rebranded from its previous identity and now foregrounds communal spaces where guests can gather: a casual bar and lounge, an open dining counter, rotating events and art displays. Public areas are designed to encourage socialising without sacrificing privacy, and the warm, contemporary finishes pair with clear, practical service aimed at both independent travellers and families.
The accommodation draws on Hakone’s geothermal resources, offering milky-white hot spring bathing in a large communal onsen alongside secondary bathing facilities; hair and body amenities are provided in guest areas. Dining centres on a single in-house restaurant that serves a mix of Japanese and Western-inflected dishes with a full buffet breakfast, while evenings bring a chef-led dinner menu and an informal drinks programme that includes locally inspired craft beer collaborations. Service notes emphasise guest comfort, straightforward breakfast service and an approachable bar scene for winding down after outdoor excursions.
Rooms range from compact doubles and twins—some with private baths—to larger family suites and even shared dormitory-style rooms, making the property versatile for different party sizes. Practical conveniences include free Wi‑Fi, on-site parking and elevator access, and the building’s proximity to local attractions makes it a convenient base for museum visits, park walks and cable-car rides. For travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Hakone, Kanagawa, WPÜ offers a contemporary, sociable interpretation of hot-spring hospitality with clear attention to amenities and guest flow.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: WPÜ HOTEL HAKONE
Positive Reviews
Excellent location near station and transport
Many reviewers highlighted the ryokan's proximity to Gora station and easy access to local transport, making it convenient for sightseeing and starting tours of Hakone (often described as 1–2 minutes' walk).
Relaxing onsen facilities
The onsen was repeatedly praised as very pleasant and convenient (ground-floor onsen, separate pools for men and women, tattoo-friendly mentioned), a welcome way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Some guests appreciated little touches like free soda after the onsen.
Friendly, helpful staff and reception
Staff were described as welcoming, efficient and often speaking good English; several reviews singled out reception staff for exceptional service, including storing or placing luggage in rooms before check-in.
Clean, modern and comfortable rooms
Guests found the property modern, spacious and very clean, with comfortable beds and good-quality bedding. Many rooms include useful amenities such as a small fridge and access to a shared kitchen or seating area. Rooms were generally quiet despite being close to the station.
Good food and breakfast offering
The food received praise across multiple reviews — the restaurant and dinner were described as very good and surprising in quality, and the breakfast buffet was noted as complete and excellent.
Negative Reviews
Restaurant availability and cost
Several guests noted the on-site restaurant is not always open in the evening (closed some nights, e.g. Monday/Tuesday) and that dining options nearby can be limited and somewhat expensive.
Some rooms feel less authentic/too western
A few reviewers mentioned the ryokan leans toward a more Western, contemporary style and lacks some traditional ryokan authenticity that they expected.
Limited or shared bathroom/toilet facilities in some room types
Groups in shared or dorm-style rooms reported a shortage of toilets or the inconvenience of toilets and bathrooms being separate or shared, which was noted as a downside for some guests.
Room size and minor cleanliness issues in some cases
A small number of guests found certain rooms a bit small; one review mentioned stained carpet in a room, indicating occasional minor housekeeping issues.
Noisy air conditioning in some rooms
At least one reviewer reported a very noisy air conditioning unit, though it could be switched off if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin, double, family and suites suitable for couples, families or groups; children of all ages are welcome but cribs and extra beds are not offered, so check each room’s listed occupancy when booking.
Yes — an indoor hot spring sourced from Owakudani that often shows the characteristic milky-white water; onsen use is for registered guests only.
Typical onsen hours are morning and evening (the property lists roughly 06:30–09:30 and 15:00–23:00); tattoos are accepted, and outside guests are not permitted.
The property advertises a shared indoor hot spring and does not advertise private onsen reservations as a standard offering; ask reception on arrival if a private time is possible.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the hotel is a one-minute walk from Gora Station, so reach the property by train and local buses or taxis from Odawara/Hakone-Yumoto.
Common routes are Odakyu Romancecar or JR Shinkansen to Odawara, then the Hakone Tozan Train to Gora Station; the Hakone Freepass covers most local transport and simplifies transfers around Hakone.
Yes — the property provides English-language information on its website and reviews note English-speaking staff who can assist with directions and local recommendations.
Guests can wear yukata provided by the hotel, soak in Hakone’s milky onsen, and enjoy locally influenced dishes in the on-site dining and bar for a modern yet authentic Hakone stay.
From Gora Station (a one-minute walk) you can reach Gora Park, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the Hakone Ropeway and other major Hakone sights using the local train, cable car and buses.
Pets are not permitted; there are small convenience stores and local shops near Gora Station for basic groceries and supplies, and rooms include a small kitchenette for light use.