12 Best Ryokans in Hakone

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.

Still not sure?

Check out our pick of the best places to stay in nearby Atami or Izu
Looking for something with a more urban feel? Have a look at our collection of the best hotels in Shibuya, Tokyo or Shiodome
Or you could contact one of our Gurus for advice.
- KAI Sengokuhara Hakone 16 rooms from £517
  
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  Foodies  -  Foodies are spoiled for choice at this hotel, with a mouthwatering menu of contemporary kaiseki cuisine and traditional drinks
  Art Classes  -  Participate in the hotel's free nightly tenugui workshops, a traditional Japanese art of painted handkerchiefs
  Romantic Break  -  With romantic hot spring baths in every room, book this hotel for a relaxing couples' escape
  Trekking  -  Go trekking up Mount Fuji; enquire at the hotel for assistance with booking a tour package
  
  This hot spring ryokan is set near Hakone in a beautiful natural setting in the mountains. Elegant guestrooms feature private outdoor baths fed by waters from the Owakudani volcanic valley & views over Sengokuhara. Sample kaiseki meals with an emphasis on locally sourced seafood. Romantic luxury. See More
  
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- Fukuzumiro Hakone (Kanagawa) 17 rooms from £155
  
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  Great walks  -  Find numerous scenic trails along the river and through the forest, or walk 30 minutes to the Amida-ji Temple
  Groups  -  Quadruple rooms are ideal for groups travelling together; this is a restful choice for a trip with friends
  Other Activities  -  Take the Hakone Tozan Mountain train for beautiful views of the mountains and historic villages
  Local exploring  -  An authentic property, ideal as a base for exploring the region.
  
  A traditional property set within a picturesque forest. Japanese styled rooms feature tatami mats, roll-down futon beds and paper lanterns. Feast on regional dishes in the restaurant and unwind in natural spring baths. A charming rural escape. See More
  
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- Gora Kadan Hakone (Hakone-machi) 38 rooms from £346
  
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  Foodies  -  Enjoy splendid Kaiseki cuisine at the restaurant, with traditional garnishes and seasonal ingredients
  Great walks  -  Wander through the lovely Hakone Gora Park or hike along forested paths in the nearby mountains
  Total relaxation  -  Unwind in the onsen, enjoy extensive spa treatments or cool off in the swimming pool
  Museums  -  Walk to the Hakone Open Air Museum, just 10 minutes away on foot
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Relais & Chateaux
  
  The luxurious Gora Kadan is located amidst the mountainous beauty of Hakone's countryside. Formerly the holiday choice of the imperial family, it boasts chic and spacious traditional Japanese accommodation but with Western-style beds. A top-class and incredibly peaceful stay! See More
  
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- KAI Hakone Hakone (Ashigarashimo) 32 rooms from £247
  
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  Foodies  -  Gourmets will love the fabulous Japanese cuisine that you can sample on the tasting menu
  Total relaxation  -  A luxury property in a hot spring town; a destination primed for relaxation
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the Hakone Shrine set on Ashinoko Lake. It looks particularly magical at night when it is all lit up by lanterns
  Views  -  The property enjoys stunning views from all rooms and the onsen
  
  A luxurious hotel, part of the Hoshino Resorts group, designed on a traditional ryokan but with a definitively contemporary style. Spacious rooms have floor to ceiling windows to admire the forest views and guests can choose from Japanese or Western design. Featuring a large onsen and superb dining. See More
  
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- Ginyu Ryokan Hakone (Ashigarashimo-gun) 20 rooms from £373
  
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  Hideaway  -  Ponder the wilderness as you hide away on your private terrace & feast on tradtional fare in your suite
  Romantic Break  -  A quiet atmosphere, lovely accommodation & gorgeous surroundings, perfect for a romantic getaway
  Other Activities  -  Treat yourself to a massage or relax in the outdoor bath and enjoy the views
  Yoga  -  Morning yoga with a view of the ravine is very special
  
  The idyllic Ginyu Ryokan is set amidst Hakone's mountains and lush forests. It offers traditional Japanese-style accommodation with private onsens on the terrace - perfect for enjoying the dramatic views! Savour authentic kaiseki cuisine, or kick back at the spa. A peaceful & rejuvenating stay. See More
  
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- Yoshimatsu Hakone 19 rooms from £503
  
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  Local exploring  -  With the sights of Hakone close by, this hotel makes a great base for local exploring in and around the city
  Romantic Break  -  Book a luxury suite with an open-air terrace onsen for added indulgence on your romantic getaway
  Back to Nature  -  Set on a hill with beautiful lakeside views, book this hotel for a tranquil retreat to nature
  Great walks  -  Hakone has beautiful hiking trails which provide scenic walks to snowy peaks. Some of the original stone pavements remain
  
  This classic ryokan is located steps from Lake Ashi in Hakone. The spacious guestrooms feature tatami areas and outdoor hot spring baths with Mount Fuji views. Relax in the hotel's serene Japanese gardens after a traditional kaiseki ryori dinner, brought to your room. See More
  
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- Kinnotake Tonosawa Hakone (Kanagawa) 23 rooms from £459
  
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  Other Activities  -  Head to the Ōwakudani Valley to marvel at the steaming hot springs from which the Hakone region has become famous
  Total relaxation  -  Hidden away in a forest and with rooms boasting private hot spring baths, this is a very relaxing spot
  Golf  -  Play a round at one of the three scenic golf courses within 30 minutes of the hotel
  Romantic Break  -  A restful and romantic adults-only escape for nature-focused couples
  
  An architecturally stunning hotel in an enviable forest location. Rooms have a modern, organic feel with a touch of traditional Japanese style; think plenty of wood, clean lines, picture frame windows and hot spring tubs. A speciality restaurant serves up "Kyo Kaiseki" style dining. Fabulous. See More
  
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- Yama No Chaya Hakone 15 rooms from £156
  
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  Foodies  -  Enjoy a daily-rotating menu of cuisine based on the hotel's unique dashi, drawing on seasonal, local ingredients
  Romantic Break  -  With stylish suites, a charming restaurant and tranquil setting, book this hotel for a hideaway couples' break
  Spa breaks  -  Offering traditional Japanese aromatherapy treatments, book this hotel for a restorative spa holiday
  Great walks  -  Explore the walking trails in the gardens at the Choanji Temple, a temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Sengokuhara
  
  This traditional Japanese guesthouse is nestled on a suspension bridge across a mountain stream in Hakone. Guestrooms have classic tatami areas with the option of futon beds and a terrace where you can hear the murmuring of the water below. Relax and rejuvenate with a spa aromatherapy treatment. See More
  
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- Gora Hanaougi Hakone 20 rooms from £286
  
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  Romantic Break  -  With stylish suites designed by local craftsmen featuring romantic open-air baths, book this hotel for a unique couples' break
  Spa breaks  -  Experience the benefits of Japanese-style Onsen or hot baths at this hotel's spa facilities, perfect for a spa break
  Back to Nature  -  Set in the verdant, hot springs town of Gora, book this hotel for a tranquil back-to-nature retreat
  Great walks  -  Discover the town on foot with a long walk; stop at the pretty Hakonegora Koen Nettai Botanical Gardens on the way
  
  This Japanese-style luxury hotel is located in the hot springs resort town of Gora. The spacious and elegant guest suites feature native wood beams and open-air baths, with views of the Gairin Mountain and neighbouring forest. Enjoy seasonal cuisine in the hotel's traditional dining room. See More
  
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- Yushintei Hakone 12 rooms from £178
  
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  Museums  -  Admire crafts at the Okada Museum of Art or the Hakone Garasu-no-mori Glass Museum
  Country Escape  -  A contemporary property hidden in a tranquil forest.
  Sights nearby  -  Ask the team to point you in the right direction to see numerous ancient shrines in the area
  Great walks  -  Take a stroll through the Odawara Castle Park, reconstructed in the 1960s
  
  A smart rural property offering luxury accommodation in utterly tranquil surrounds. Rooms mix contemporary style with classical design and each boast private hot spring baths. Regional cuisine is lovingly prepared and served in a traditional manner. A relaxing base for exploring the region. See More
  
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- Hotel Senkei Hakone 15 rooms from £178
  
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  Country Escape  -  An authentic Japanese rural escape complete with hot spring baths in stunning surroundings
  Trekking  -  Hike to the Chisuji Falls or around Ashi Lake, admiring birdlife and the forest
  Museums  -  The contemporary sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum are a must-see
  Total relaxation  -  Private hot spring baths invite guests to unwind in absolute bliss
  
  A charming traditional property set amidst a picturesque forest. Simply dressed rooms feature polished wooden floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, sink-into beds and private hot spring baths. Japanese meals are served in-room in the customary style, at low tables. One for couples, friends or families. See More
  
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