Hakone is a haven of tranquility and hot springs, a Mecca of spa breaks and kaiseki cuisine. Whether you're hiking Mount Fuji, contemplating the placid waters of Lake Ashi, exploring the Owakudani geothermal valley, checking out ancient Shintu shrines or simply bathing in the infamous hot springs, you'll find yourself lost in an other world. The ryokan - the traditional Japanese hotel focused on wellness - comes in all shapes and sizes these days, from chic, contemporary accomodation with Western beds and French cuisine, to the classic Japanese variety, with tatami mats and futon beds. We've covered them all in this collection of the best ryokans in Hakone.
For families
- High on a hill overlooking the valley, rooms at KAI Sengokuhara have a simple, light-filled, contemporary design which seamlessly blends with classic Japanese decor: walls adorned with splashes of abstract art, futon-style beds and washi paper screens. The private, outdoor onsens are filled with water from the volcanic valley of Owakudani, and the restaurant serves up simple kaiseki meals with an emphasis on locally-sourced seafood. The Tenugui towel art workshops every evening make it a great choice for families!
- Getting to the heart of tradition, Fukuzumiro offers spacious, stripped-back rooms with tatami mats, futon beds and paper lanterns. A beautiful, rural, riverside escape ideal for families due to the spacious suites, it’s a simple and elegant affair without the trappings of 21st century life. The narrow, winding corridor windows show the river gushing right below your feet, and the hot spring baths are the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Spa break
- Formerly the holiday home of the imperial family, you can expect luxury as standard at Gora Kadan. The rooms cut a clean, contemporary feel, stripped-back, with western-style beds and flourishes of chic décor – spacious and uncluttered – like the mind after bathing in the outdoor onsen looking out over the lush, green mountains. There’s a swimming pool, gym and spa, making it perfect for the spa holiday of your dreams.
For a traditional stay
- Part of the wider Hoshino Resorts group, KAI Hakone is a modern building perched amidst a green tangle of trees and shrubbery. With traditional Japanese-style communal bathing, a choice of either Western contemporary-style rooms or those of a more Japanese aesthetic, it’s a delightful experience.
- Ginyu Ryokan may be cheaper than others, but that isn’t a commentary on its quality – far from it. In an idyllic setting of Hakone’s mountains and forests, it offers traditional Japanese guestrooms with private terraces centred around hot spring baths, and the restaurant serves Kaiseki cuisine. Stunning and utterly romantic, it’s ideal for couples looking for a not-too-pricey getaway!
For couples
- Set away on a forested hill surrounded by waters, stands Yoshimatsu. Offering spacious, stripped-back, classic Japanese rooms – complete with tatami areas and outdoor hot spring baths, not to mention the enchanting views of Mount Fuji. Promising intimacy, romance and relaxation, the hotel sprawls in a leafy garden. For ultimate relaxation, book a luxury suite with an open-air onsen.
- A retreat hidden deep in the forest, but only 2 hours from Tokyo, Hakone Retreat Villa 1/F is an Alpine-esque rustic take on the traditional Japanese ryokan: offering spacious, designer-rustic, wood-panelled guestrooms looking out over the leafy forest, each opening out to its own private hot spring bath. With Japanese and French cuisine to choose from, it’s a delectably pampering affair, ideal for couples.
- Kinnotake Tonosawa offers minimalist, contemporary rooms. With floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the forest, it’s a building of architectural purity, a reflection of the clean serenity promised inside: each suite boasts its own private hot spring bath, and guests can enjoy speciality Kyo Kaiseki style dining in the restaurant.
On a budget
- Situated by a bridge overlooking a mountain stream, Yama No Chaya is a centre of wellness and relaxation, offering tradition Japanese rooms, complete with tatami flooring and the option of futon beds. The light-filled terraces, guest room onsens, aromatherapy, in-room massages, and the seasonal food in the restaurant, make it a delightful stay and comparatively cheap by Hakone standards
- A temple of relaxation nestling in the depths of the mountains, Gora Hanaougi offers spacious and elegant suites adorned with native wood beams and boasting private open-air baths. Cheaper than the others, it’s just as fine; the hotel’s own onsen looks out over the forest and mountains, promising serenity and romance.
Chic
- Cheap, chic and cosy, Yushintei offers simple, minimalist rooms blending classic Japanese and contemporary Western styles. Each room boasts a hot spring bath, and in the riverside setting, tranquility comes guaranteed. For those wanting to sample a slice of Japan, the restaurant serves traditional, regional cuisine.
- For an authentic Japanese experience with a chic and zesty twist, try Hotel Senkei. Situated in the heart of a forest, the rooms are a mix of traditional Japanese layout and furnishings with a flourish of artsy colour. Relax in your en-suite hot spring bath, unwind in the Gespa salon spa, or eat your heart out with the multicourse, traditional meal served in your own room. Great for couples.
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