Yamagaso
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Yamagaso is a compact, traditionally styled ryokan tucked into a quiet garden in Hakone, offering a restrained mix of sukiya architecture and thatched-roof elements that frame small private buildings. The property is designed for a short, restorative stay rather than large-group tourism: rooms emphasize tatami flooring, low furniture and futon bedding, and public spaces are intentionally calm to preserve the atmosphere. As a ryokan with onsen in Hakone, it positions guests close to the valley’s hot-spring culture while keeping an intimate, residential scale.
The bathing options are a central feature: the property provides communal thermal baths plus bathing options reserved for guests, and several room types include semi-open or outdoor onsen installations directly attached to the accommodation. A rooftop rotenburo and an on-site spa area expand the thermal offerings, and meals are prepared in a traditional style and served in-room to maintain privacy. These arrangements make Yamagaso a practical choice when seeking a ryokan with private onsen Kanagawa, combining classic Japanese room layouts with access to both shared and room-linked thermal facilities.
Practical details underline the ryokan’s convenience for short stays: it sits within an easy walk of the main local transport hub and several small museums and temples, making it a compact base for exploring Hakone’s footpaths and galleries. Guest-service practices emphasize attentive, low-key hospitality and in-room dining, and standard arrival time begins mid-afternoon with departure by late morning. The overall experience is focused on quiet relaxation, seasonal gardens and a selection of hot-spring bathing formats suited to couples and small parties seeking privacy.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yamagaso
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional ryokan and beautiful setting
Multiple guests praised the ryokan's traditional architecture and atmosphere — rooms that feel like small houses, tranquil inner gardens, scenic walk to the property and a peaceful, secluded location ideal for a relaxing stay.
Excellent onsen facilities (private and public)
Reviewers highlighted both private and public hot-spring baths as a major plus: attractive, well-maintained onsens including private baths for guests, rooftop/public baths and options that accommodated guests with tattoos.
Attentive, friendly and helpful staff
Staff were repeatedly described as kind, polite and very helpful — accompanying guests to rooms, assisting with luggage and transport, arranging shipments/taxis and ensuring guest comfort throughout the stay.
High-quality, plentiful meals (kaiseki)
Many visitors praised the food: elaborate seasonal kaiseki dinners and breakfasts that were well prepared and generous in portion; several reviews called the meals a highlight of their stay.
Spacious, comfortable rooms and thoughtful details
Guests appreciated roomy, well-equipped accommodations (some described rooms as individual cottages), the ability to wear yukata, kotatsu in winter and overall comfortable living spaces suitable for couples, families or groups.
Negative Reviews
Language/communication limitations
A number of guests noted difficulty communicating in English with staff, which sometimes made practical arrangements and information sharing more challenging.
Price and value concerns for some guests
Several reviews mentioned the ryokan can be expensive; a few guests felt certain services or amenities did not fully match the high price paid.
Breakfast and dining expectations not always met
Some visitors were disappointed by dining details — no buffet, limited breakfast menu (mainly savory), lack of in-room dining options and early-closing nearby restaurants that were not clearly communicated.
Room amenity and privacy issues
A few reviews reported shortcomings such as semi-open (not fully open) baths when full openness was expected, showers with many windows limiting privacy, and absence of basics in-room (tea/coffee/bottled water) in some cases.
Bedding comfort varies
Opinions on futons/mattresses differed: while many found them comfortable, some guests found the futon mattresses too firm or not to their liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; listings show futon counts from 3 to 5, so rooms typically accommodate between 1 and 5 guests—check the specific room description when booking.
Yes; every room features its own private hot‑spring bathroom, and the ryokan also offers larger private baths for guest use alongside public/outdoor bathing options.
Traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast are normally served in your room as part of meal plans; some rate types may exclude meals, so confirm your chosen plan.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 (3:00 PM) and the property asks that you indicate your expected arrival time; check‑out is by 11:00 AM.
Yamagaso is located in Hakone‑Yumoto and is within walking distance of Hakone‑Yumoto Station; most visitors arrive by train via Odawara/Hakone‑Yumoto from the Tokyo area—plan onward travel from major Tokyo airports accordingly.
No regular shuttle service is listed; if you need assistance with arrivals or a pick‑up, contact the property directly to request available help or guidance.
Staff provide service in Japanese and English, and third‑party listings note additional language support (such as Chinese and Vietnamese) may be available—ask the ryokan in advance for specific language needs.
In‑room onsen are private by design; the ryokan also maintains larger private baths that guests may use privately—ask the property at booking about reservation or exclusive use options.
Children’s policies depend on room type and rates, so check the room description and confirm with the ryokan; pets are not permitted at this property.
The ryokan sits in Hakone‑Yumoto with easy access to local buses and trains; nearby highlights include the Hakone Open‑Air Museum, Gora Park and the local hot‑spring area, and convenience shops and station connections are within walking distance.