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The Top 6 Hakone Ryokan and Hot Spring Hotels
Hakone is renowned across Japan as a premier hot spring destination, celebrated for its abundance of natural springs with distinctive therapeutic benefits. Since ancient times, ryokan—traditional Japanese inns—have flourished in these hot spring-rich areas, known as onsen. Many of these ryokan boast histories spanning centuries, maintaining cherished traditions and preserving local culture. Whether you're seeking a serene escape to unwind or an authentic experience of Japanese omotenashi (hospitality), Hakone's top-notch ryokan offer an exceptional retreat that promises to exceed your expectations.
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The Top 6 Hakone Ryokan and Hot Spring Hotels
Hoshino Resorts Kai - Sengokuhara
Part of the prestigious Hoshino Resorts Group, the Sengokuhara branch of Hoshino Resorts Kai Sengokuhara offers a luxurious onsen experience with private outdoor baths on each guestroom's terrace, providing panoramic views of the Sengokuhara Forest. This ryokan is celebrated as an "art-oriented ryokan," showcasing works from local artists throughout the lobby, public spaces, and guestrooms. Guests can indulge in communal hot springs and lounges, participate in workshops exploring local culture, take guided tours around Hakone, or savor traditional Japanese cuisine in the comfort of their rooms. Room rates start at 90,000 yen per night, including half board.
Kinnotake (Sengokuhara)
Kinnotake, a stunning upscale ryokan, seamlessly blends traditional Japanese hospitality with modern conveniences. Each guestroom features its own unique open-air hot spring, enriched with Hakone's renowned natural spring water, alongside contemporary amenities like flatscreen TVs, iPod docking stations, and complimentary WiFi. Guests can unwind in lounges designed with traditional Japanese aesthetics while enjoying views of a serene pond, indulge in a massage at the Moon Spa, or explore the chic bar and cigar lounge, offering a selection of local spirits, cocktails, and champagne. Room rates range from 60,000 to 90,000 yen per night.
Takumino Yado - Yoshimatsu
Yoshimatsu is a charming traditional ryokan located just minutes from Lake Ashi and Togendai Station, where classic merchant ships embark. The spacious suites offer picturesque views of Mount Fuji or the ryokan’s own beautifully landscaped Japanese garden, with some rooms featuring private outdoor baths. For ultimate relaxation, guests can enjoy two open-air baths and a private indoor hot spring available for booking. The garden boasts a lively koi pond, tranquil rest areas, and stunning vistas of Mount Fuji. Guests can savor a kaiseki dinner served directly in their room. Rates begin at approximately 60,000 yen per night.
Matsuzakaya Honten
Nestled in the serene forests of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Matsuzakaya Honten is a secluded hot springs hotel with a storied history dating back to 1662. The ryokan's rooms are elegantly designed, offering spacious comfort with forest views and some featuring private hot springs on their terraces. Matsuzakaya Honten is renowned for its unique hot springs, sourced directly from the spring and known for their changing colors depending on temperature and weather—an exceptional feature even in Hakone. The property also boasts a historic tea ceremony room established in 1887, a suite once occupied by the young Taisho Emperor, and even the most modest accommodations are steeped in history, situated in a villa originally built by a wealthy family in 1926. Rates begin at approximately 40,000 yen per night.
Suzuki no Hara Ichinoyu
Suzuki no Hara Ichinoyu blends modern sophistication with traditional charm, offering a stylish yet authentic ryokan experience. The rooms are simple yet comfortable, and the expansive communal bathhouse features floor-to-ceiling windows with views of a serene garden. Established in Hakone in 1630, Ichinoyu is a renowned group of ryokan hotels, and guests at Suzuki no Hara Ichinoyu enjoy access to all the baths across their properties. Half board plans at Suzuki no Hara start at a very affordable 15,000 yen per night.
Ryokan Hakone Ginyu
Ginyu, a luxurious "spa resort ryokan," is perched high in the secluded mountains of Hakone, offering breathtaking views of lush forests and Hayakawa Ravine. Each guestroom is equipped with its own private hot springs bath, while the communal bathing area features an infinity hot spring and separate saunas for each gender. Guests can indulge in exquisite kaiseki cuisine and enjoy refreshments at the chic penthouse bar and lounge. The on-site spa includes a serene water garden, private treatment rooms, weekday yoga classes, and an outdoor hot spring bath designed for optimal health benefits. Rates for overnight stays can reach up to 90,000 yen.
In Conclusion
Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, just south of Tokyo, Hakone has long been a beloved hot springs retreat for the elite, a tradition spanning centuries. Renowned for its diverse range of spring sources, each offering its own unique health benefits, Hakone invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature, rejuvenate in natural hot springs, and experience the rich tapestry of traditional Japanese culture, cuisine, and aesthetics at its premier onsen ryokan.
Thanks to Japan's Go To Travel campaign, visiting these luxurious resorts has never been more affordable. Originally high-priced, many hotels in Hakone are now offering discounts of up to 50%, making it a perfect time to enjoy a stay in one of these exquisite retreats.
