Yoshiike Ryokan
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 1686 reviews
Yoshiike Ryokan sits in the Hakone Yumoto area of Kanagawa and presents as a traditional, garden-centred ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa. The property is organized around a large strolling garden called SANGETHUEN that spans roughly 30,000 square metres and includes seasonal plantings and a central pond. Rooms follow a Japanese style with tatami flooring and futon bedding; in-room amenities commonly listed include air conditioning, LCD TV, refrigerator, electric kettle and complimentary Wi‑Fi. The ryokan is within an easy walk of the local rail station, making it a practical base for short visits to nearby Hakone attractions.
Thermal water at the ryokan is drawn from its own natural source and is described on-site as abundant — the property reports a flow capacity (noted as up to 720 litres per minute) — and is used in both large public baths and open-air bathtubs with free-flowing water. In addition to communal bathing areas, the property offers reservable private or family baths and a number of room types provide direct access to an in-room hot-spring bath, which supports its positioning as a ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa for travellers seeking greater privacy. Bathing etiquette and some restrictions (for example on visible tattoos) are applied to shared facilities.
Dining is structured around seasonal Japanese menus served in the ryokan’s dining room, with supplementary à la carte options and an on-site steak/teppanyaki outlet available for those preferring a different format; meal times and service style are specified by the property and advance reservation for dinner is commonly required. Practical details such as check-in windows, non-smoking room policy and luggage storage are standard; the combination of accessible transport links, garden walks and a layered onsen provision makes the ryokan suitable for visitors wanting a conventional Hakone onsen experience with options for private bathing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yoshiike Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Magnificent Japanese garden
Multiple guests highlight the hotel’s beautiful, tranquil garden as a standout feature — visible from many rooms and providing ponds, bridges and a calm, restorative atmosphere that guests repeatedly praise.
Excellent onsen facilities (indoor, outdoor and private)
Reviews frequently praise the quality of the baths: large, well-maintained indoor and outdoor onsen (some open overnight) and private in-room baths that guests found very relaxing and memorable.
Spacious traditional rooms with garden views
Many reviewers appreciated the roomy, traditional tatami-style rooms with attractive views of the garden; several mention cleanliness and authentic, comfortable room layouts.
Attentive and friendly staff
Staff and service are repeatedly described as warm, attentive and helpful; reviewers also note available services such as massages and overall polite service that enhances the stay.
High-quality traditional meals
Numerous guests enjoyed the gastronomic Japanese dinners and breakfasts — well presented, refined and generous — and considered the food a highlight of the experience.
Negative Reviews
High price
A common comment is that rates are expensive and sometimes feel high for the stay (several guests noted the cost as above expectations or only justifiable within ryokan pricing standards).
Aging facilities and decor
Several reviewers mention that parts of the property (some rooms, private onsen or building interiors) feel dated and could benefit from renovation; a few described the decor as uninspired.
Language and communication issues
Guests reported limited English ability among some reception staff and instances where explanations (for example about meals or property rules) were not clearly provided, causing confusion for non-Japanese speakers.
Food can be unfamiliar or not well explained
While many loved the meals, several guests found the traditional menus unfamiliar, strongly flavored (very salty/iodized) or unsuitable for young Western children, and said staff did not always explain dishes or offer alternatives.
Operational limitations and policies
A number of practical issues were raised: pool hours that close early for some guests, shuttle requests not fulfilled, occasional unavailability of yukata/amenities, strict tattoo policies for public baths, thin walls/noise between rooms and occasional guest misuse affecting onsen cleanliness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from small two-person twin or double layouts to traditional Japanese rooms with up to eight futon beds; connecting and family suites are available for larger groups. Cribs and extra beds are not provided, so children aged 2 and older must be included in the guest count.
The ryokan offers multiple hot-spring baths including large indoor and open-air baths fed directly from natural sources, and some rooms include private open-air or in-room hot-spring baths. Water is supplied from the ryokan's own springs and some private-bath rooms can be booked.
Visible tattoos are not allowed in shared bathing areas; depending on size you may be refused entry. Guests with tattoos should book a room with a private onsen or ask staff about private-bath options.
Yoshiike is a short walk (about 5–7 minutes) from Hakone-Yumoto Station; public shuttle buses also serve the ryokan but may charge a small fare. From Tokyo-area airports you can use public transport or the Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto.
Standard check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you booked a meal plan you should arrive by 17:00 to be served dinner; late arrivals may miss the meal service.
Dinner and breakfast are traditional Japanese set meals served in the dining room and must be reserved in advance. The property states it cannot accept changes to set menus and may not be able to accommodate strict vegetarian or allergy-sensitive requests.
The ryokan provides English-language information and reception staff can handle common guest needs in English, but English fluency may be limited; carry a translation app for complex requests. The official website and booking information are available in multiple languages.
Pets are not allowed on the property. Several room types include private hot-spring baths or private open-air-bath rooms that can be booked for exclusive use.
The ryokan offers free on-site parking with capacity for many cars. Hakone-Yumoto station area has convenience stores, shops and eateries within a short walk for basic supplies and snacks.
The ryokan is well placed for Hakone sights such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine and Gora Park; many are reachable by local buses and the Hakone Tozan Railway. Staff can advise on routes and schedules, and Hakone-Yumoto Station is the primary transport hub for the area.