13 Best Hakone Ryokan in Japan To Book
Nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture lies Hakone, a popular hot spring town just a short trip from Tokyo. With its picturesque views of Mt. Fuji, abundance of onsen, and traditional ryokan inns, Hakone is the ideal weekend getaway for relaxation and rejuvenation.
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Staying at a ryokan is a quintessential part of the Hakone experience.
These traditional accommodations offer not just a place to sleep at night but a tranquil escape – with hot spring baths, multi-course kaiseki dinners made from seasonal ingredients, and Japanese omotenashi hospitality.
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To help you find the right Hakone ryokan for your needs, we’ve curated a list of the 13 best ryokan in Hakone loved by travelers.
The 13 Best Hakone Ryokan in Japan To Book
No time to read it all right now? Book this #1 Top Ryokan in Hakone
Hakone Kowakien Tenyu Ryokan: Open Air bath Hakone ryokan private onsen -Hakone Best Ryokan
Price: $$$ | 4.9/5 (Booking) Book Now
- Modern and spacious ryokan mixes traditional tatami floors with modern amenities
- private open air onsen baths in room
- several outdoor shared onsens with beautiful outdoor waterfalls
- wonderful keiseki meal and buffet style breakfast
This is the Hakone Hotel Ryokan we stayed at I had a wonderful time and we all loved it. They have two onsens with the most beautiful view of the sunrise. As well as an outdoor onsen with a waterfall. The kaiseki meal was one of the best I’ve had in Japan. Definitely loved the modern vibes and wonderful food and amenities.
We stayed in an Superior room with an open air bath and a shabu shabu dinner.
Gora Kodan: Hakone japan ryokan
Price: $$$ | 4.9/5 (Booking) Book Now
- Trendy ryokan blending modern comfort with traditional touches
- Spacious rooms with open-air bath overlooking the valley
- High-end multi-course meals using seasonal ingredients
- Free shuttle service around Hakone
“Gora Hanaougi strikes the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary. The rooms are so thoughtfully appointed with both comforts and Japanese elements.” – Sarah B.
Nestled on a mountain slope, Gora Kodan charms with its sleek and spacious rooms equipped with open-air hot spring baths and modern amenities like WiFi, TVs, and tablet computers. Despite the contemporary conveniences, traditional touches like tatami flooring, yukatas, and Japanese artwork keep the authentic ryokan vibe. Guests particularly rave about the Presidential Suite, which spans two floors and sleeps up to 6.
Best for: Luxury travelers, design enthusiasts
HIGHLIGHTS
- Large suites perfect for families/groups
- Trendy interiors and amenities
- Amazing meals with seasonal ingredients
Gyokutei: Hakone best ryokan
Yumoto Fujiya : Ryokan private onsen hakone
Hotel Price: $$ | 4.8/5 (Booking)Book Now
- Historic ryokan with classic Japanese architecture
- Indoor and outdoor hot spring baths
- In-room dining with multi-course kaiseki
“It was like stepping back in time – the architecture, the gardens, the onsen were just gorgeous. An incredible cultural experience.” – Erin T.
As the oldest hotel in Hakone, Yumoto Fujiya charms guests with its 140 years of history reflected in the traditional architecture and artifacts.
Despite its age, the facilities have been impeccably maintained and updated with modern amenities. Guest rooms exude old-world charm with intricate woodwork, ikebana flower arrangements, antique furnishings, and open-air hot spring baths.
Best for: Cultural experience, history buffs
HIGHLIGHTS
- Historic ambiance and architecture
- Indoor & outdoor onsen
- In-room dining kaiseki
hananoyado Fukuya : Onsen ryokan hakone
- Award-winning luxury ryokan on a hillside
- Regal interiors and gorgeous Japanese gardens
- Outdoor onsen overlooking the valley
- Free pickup from stations
“exceeded expectations – the food, the rooms, the onsen…everything was just incredible. Elegant luxury at its finest.” – Matt S.
Situated on a sprawling hillside property, multiple award-winning Hakone Ginyu stuns with its palatial architecture, ornate interior design, and regal Japanese gardens. Guest rooms feature intricate woodwork, calligraphy scrolls, tea ceremony sets for an elevated cultural experience. The outdoor hot spring baths provide sweeping valley views for ultimate relaxation.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Palatial architecture and interiors
- Award-winning service
- Hillside outdoor hot spring
Matsuzakaya Honten: Hakone traditional ryokan
Hotel | Kyoto, Japan
9/10 rating
Set across a restored traditional neighborhood by the river, the minimalist luxury Hyatt Regency Kyoto mixes modern amenities with Japanese craft details and art.
Price luxury
Price: $$ | 4.9/5 (Booking) Book Now
- Charming hot spring ryokan surrounded by nature
- Spacious rooms with hinoki cypress baths
- Multi-course kaiseki made from local ingredients
- Traditional tatami accommodations
“We loved soaking in the cypress bath watching the trees sway in the wind. Truly a magical place where we felt at one with nature.” – Naomi T.
Tucked away in Hakone’s forest, this Hakone Ryokan whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Guest rooms retain an old-world ryokan charm with tatami floors and touches like tokonoma alcoves, calligraphy scrolls, and flower arrangements. The highlight is relaxing out in the open-air hinoki cypress baths tucked into the forest, available in all rooms.
Best for: Nature & hot spring lovers
HIGHLIGHTS
- Secluded forest location
- Hinoki cypress baths
- Tatami rooms with traditional touches
Onsen Guest House Tsutaya : hakone best ryokan
Hotel | Kyoto, Japan
9/10 rating
Onsen Guest House Tsutaya is a recently renovated ryokan in Hakone near Kowakudani Station.
Price luxury
- Contemporary hot spring resort with modern luxuries
- Open-air baths with views of the forest
- Creative kaiseki cuisine incorporating French elements
- Extensive wellness facilities – yoga, massages
“an incredible blend of Japanese hospitality and contemporary design/cuisine. My husband loved the modern suites while I adored soaking in the outdoor onsen!” – Akiko M.
a balance is struck between modern comforts and traditional escapism. The resort features contemporary suites with soaking tubs and panoramic windows alongside classic tatami rooms for an elevated cultural experience.
Best for: Design & foodies, wellness seekers
HIGHLIGHTS
- Contemporary architecture and interiors
- French-Japanese fusion cuisine
- Extensive wellness facilities
Kinnotake Tonosawa: Hakone private onsen ryokan
Price: $$ | 4.7/5 (Booking) Book Now
- Newly-built ryokan with modern amenities
- Riverview open-air baths
- Beautiful wooden architecture framed by nature
- Free shuttle service around town
“The river was right outside our room’s floor-to-ceiling windows. We had such an amazing time lounging in the open-air bath watching leaves float down the stream.” – Tom W.
One of Hakone’s newer ryokans, Kinnotake Tonosawa charms with its beautiful wooden architecture harmoniously set amongst verdant forests and trickling streams. The spacious guest rooms feature modern amenities like WiFi, TVs, and soaking tubs alongside open-air riverside hot spring baths – the best of both worlds. Guests particularly love the luxury suites with private terraces overlooking the river.
Best for: Contemporary comfort & nature
HIGHLIGHTS
- Floor-to-ceiling windows framing nature
- Riverside open-air hot spring baths
- Luxury suites with riverview terraces
Gora Tensui : Best ryokans in hakone
Price: $$$ | 4.6/5 (Booking) Book Now
- Small, exclusive ryokan with 11 rooms
- Exquisite multi-course kaiseki dinners
- Intimate, quiet atmosphere
“We loved the exclusive feel of Gora Tensui. With only 11 rooms, it felt like we had a private retreat all to ourselves. The staff knew our names and catered to our every need.” – Naoko S.
Evoking the feeling of an Edo period summer villa, Gora Tensui sweeps you into old-world Japan with its traditional architecture and intimate atmosphere. As a small ryokan with only 11 rooms, each guest receives personalized service and attention here. Guests rave about the elaborate multi-course dinners made from seasonal ingredients and local Hakone specialties. It’s the ultimate place to unwind away from crowds.
Best for: Exclusivity & quiet seekers
HIGHLIGHTS
- Intimate ryokan with 11 rooms
- Personalized service
- Elaborate seasonal kaiseki
Gora Kansuiro: Best ryokan hakone
Price: $$ | 4.8/5 (Booking) Book Now
- Historic hot spring inn frequented by literary legends
- Traditional tatami rooms with heritage décor
- Indoor & outdoor healing mineral baths
- In-house traditional entertainment
“Stepping into Gora Kansuiro was like being transported back to the Meiji era. Besides the gorgeous hot spring baths, seeing the traditional performances was a major highlight.” – Stephen G.
Hakone Suimeisou : Ryokan in hakone with private onsen
- Traditional ryokan beside the forested Haya River
- Riverside open-air hot spring baths with a waterfall
- Tatami rooms with antique touches
“It felt like we journeyed back in time as we soaked in the waterfall-fed baths along the gentle river. Such a peaceful place I didn’t want to leave.” – Jessica L.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Historic riverside ryokan architecture
- Open-air onsen beside a waterfall
- Cultural authenticity
What to know when booking your Hakone Ryokan
Rooms in Ryoakans
Hakone ryokans feature a range of traditional to modern room types. For an authentic experience, book a Japanese-style room with tatami mat flooring and futon beds laid out at night. These spacious quarters feature elements like tokonoma alcoves, ikebana floral displays, calligraphy scrolls, and low tables for taking tea. For more comfort, some ryokans offer rooms with raised platforms containing Western-style beds along with amenities like Wi-Fi, TVs and soaking tubs. Larger suites are great for families and groups. Request a room with windows facing Hakone’s calming vistas.
Meals at a Ryokan
Dining is a highlight at Hakone ryokans. Most serve traditional kaiseki – a series of small, artistically plated courses capturing seasonal essences. Expect dishes like sashimi, grilled fish, simmered vegetables, rice, miso soup showcasing local ingredients. Blowfish and mountain vegetables are Hakone specialties. Request vegetarian and halal options in advance if required. Some places allow casual yukatas during meals while others require formalwear. In-room dining provides ultimate privacy but is generally only in higher end ryokans.
Onsen at Hakone Ryokan
Hakone owes its hot spring fame to its location within a volcanic zone enriching waters with healing minerals. Many ryokans boast their own natural hot spring source supplying the baths. Standards range from shared indoor and outdoor facilities to luxury en-suite baths allowing private soaks any time. Most open-air options are made of aromatic hinoki cypress or stones amidst tranquil nature. If wanting to avoid bathing with strangers, request rooms with attached or private use rotenburo.
Room Types
Hakone ryokans offer four main room types. “Japanese-style” rooms have tatami flooring and futons. “Western-style” rooms contain regular beds. “Combination” rooms blend both Japanese and Western elements. “Suite” rooms are largest, made for families and groups. Suites may consist of two connecting rooms. When booking, clarify if rooms have open-air or private indoor hot spring baths. If wanting a bath on your balcony, request rooms with “Riverside Rotenburo” or “Terrace Rotenburo”.
Policies
Check ryokan policies before booking, especially around: check-in/checkout times, cancellation deadlines, inclusion of taxes/fees, smoking rules, curfews, wearing tattoos in baths, having visitors etc. Many ryokans are small so book well in advance. Deposits are required at booking. Payment is generally settled upon checkout. Know cancellation policies – some places charge even for last-minute cancellations. Check if amenities like Wi-Fi, parking, transfers are free or paid.
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Escape the Ordinary at a Hakone Ryokan
A ryokan stay provides the perfect antidote to modern life – simplistic rooms bereft of gadgetry, gourmet meals focused on quality over quantity, and open-air baths providing a calming return to nature.
We hope our roundup helps you discover an extraordinary Hakone ryokan to match your travel style. From contemporary comfort at Gora Hanaougi to 400+ years of heritage at Ichinoyu Honkan, a rejuvenating hot spring escape awaits.
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