The Hotel Guru
Hakone
14 Best Hakone Ryokans with a Private Onsen

14 Best Hakone Ryokans with a Private Onsen

Hakone is the favourite holiday retreat of Tokyo's citizens, and for good reason: a region of glorious mountains, thick forests, meadows of cherry trees giving shade to ancient Shintu shrines - it's an otherworld of relaxation, romance and rejuvenation. The best ryokans in Hakone with a private onsen come in many forms - from chic, minimalist affairs to luxurious, classically Japanese stays, and all the best Hakone ryokans have private onsens fed from the nearby geothermal valley. The waters are medicinal, the views are magical, and the rooms are divine.

For a spa break

Hotel Okada stands at the source of a natural hot spring. It's a smart, contemporary hotel with simple rooms adorned with flourishes of classical Japan. The hotel boasts 5 fountainheads fed from the waters of Mount Yusaka, making it a wonderful stay for those seeking the best of the Japanese onsen experience. Guests can book 3 types of guestroom with a private onsen; there's also a pampering spa, communal onsens scattered throughout, and of course, the evening karaoke club.
You can expect luxury as standard from Gora Kadan; after all, it was once the holiday home of the Imperial family. With spacious, uncluttered rooms - designed, seemingly, to maximise a sense of serenity - adorned with western-style beds and splashes of chic decor, and all boasting its own private outdoor onsen looking out towards the mountains. For those seeking a spa holiday, they'll enjoy the spoiling spa, gym and swimming pool. A real treat!

For a chic hotel

On the quirkier side, Yushintei is a chic, cosy, riverside ryokan offering simple, minimalist rooms blending classic Japanese style with modern Western touches. Each room has its own hot spring bath, and for those wanting a slice of Japan, the restaurant serves up delightful regional cuisine.

For a romantic break

The enchanting views of Mount Fuji, as seen from the private outdoor hot spring baths of the guestrooms of Yoshimatsu, are one-in-a-million. Couples love it here. This is a hotel of intimacy and relaxation, on a forested hill far from anywhere. The rooms are airy, stripped-back and spacious, in classic Japanese style. For ultimate relaxation, book a luxury suite with an open-air onsen.
A blend of Japanese and Western designs, Hakone Kowakien Ten Yu offers private, terraced onsens with incredibly romantic, near-magical views of Mount Fuji. The rooms themselves are contemporary and stripped-back in that classically Japanese style, while the restaurant is a sumptous focal point: serving up all sorts of food, from Japanese specialities to pizzas and burgers. Delightful, romantic - couples will love this.

For an authentic feel

If you want a historic ryokan, look no further than Furuya Ryokan. Boasting spacious, traditional onsens, as well as light, airy, classically Japanese rooms with their own private hot springs baths, this charming, plush hotel gives you a lot of choices. Set in tranquil, leafy surroundings, the rooms breathe new life into Old Japan: tatami mats, plenty of wood and paper shutters, all with gorgeous views.
Serene, picturesque and intimate, it's easy to see why the site of Atami Sekitei was favoured by one of Japan's great unifiers, Shogun Tokugawa Leyasu. The beautiful, classically Japanese cottages are centred around the ancient, spacious onsens. But for those who don't like "getting traditional", (meaning: relaxing with naked strangers in the bubbles of a hot spring bath), guests can book a room with a private onsen.
KAI Hakone is all about choices. Set amid leafy woodland, the focal point is the traditional, communal onsens - in truly mesmerising surroundings - but for the anti-nudists among you, you can book a room with a private outdoor onsen, or book a session in one of the hotel's many private baths. The rooms are so spacious you might as well be staying in a traditional Japanese house, and there's a choice of Western or Japanese rooms. Spoiling.

Alpine-chic

Hakone Retreat Villa 1/F is only 2 hours from Tokyo, but it looks like the refurbished cabin of an Alpine mountaineer who's hit the big time. With its totally unique Alpine-esque rustic take on the traditional Japanese ryokan, each wood-panelled, rustic-chic guestroom opens out to its own private hot spring bath, staring out over the canopy of the forest. Choose from Japanese or French-style cuisine - your move.

On a budget

Ginyu Ryokan is incredible value for money. Sitting in the picturesque Hakone mountains and forests, this charming hotel offers traditional Japanese guestrooms with their own private terraces centred around a hot spring bath. You'll be served Kaiseki cuisine in the restaurant, and can stroll around this utterly romantic and tranquil property at your leisure.
Yama No Chaya prides itself as a centre of wellness and relaxation, and it lives up to that vision while also remaining fairly inexpensive (by Hakone standards), considering the pampering luxury awaiting you. The rooms are full of light, with traditional Japanese flourishes like tatami flooring and the option of futon beds; the private guestroom onsens are a godsend, and there's a spa offering aromatherapy and in-room massages. A pure, pampering stay.
Whilst it may be good value, Gora Hanaougi is also an elegant and luxurious stay. With the atmosphere of a temple deep in the mountains, it offers spacious and serene suites adorned in native wood beams and with their own private open-air baths looking out over the mountains. It's a wonderful stay.

For a family holiday

Offering private, outdoor onsens fed with water from the volcanic valley of Owakudani, KAI Sengokuhara looks out over the valley from a hilltop setting. The rooms are cool-yet-traditional. Think futon-style beds and washi paper screens and walls adorned with chic splashes of abstract art. The restaurant serves up kaiseki meals, with an emphasis on locally-sourced seafood, and in the evenings, the hotel puts on Tenugui towel art workshops that are a favourite of children.

For a contemporary feel

The emphasis on architectural purity at Kinnotake Tonosawa is not everyone's cup-of-tea, but for those who like stripped-back, minimalist, highly modern design, you'll love it. With floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the forest, each suite has its own private hot spring bath. The "purity" of the design is an attempt to allow serenity to blossom, and the spacious rooms certainly do that.

Still not sure?

Looking for something cheaper? See our collection of the 12 best ryokans in Hakone
Fancy a bit of luxury? Try our list of the best luxury ryokans in Hakone
Check out our pick of the best places to stay in nearby Atami or Izu
Or you could contact one of our Gurus for advice.
- Hotel Okada Hakone (Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa) 117 rooms from $196
  
  See more photos
  
  Hotel Entertainment  -  Spend an evening belting your your favourite tunes at the Karaoke Club, or listening to live music in the lobby
  Families  -  Families will appreciate the flexible room arrangements, with the option of multile futon beds in one space
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the Hakone Shrine, 30 minutes from the hotel, for an insight into the region's culture and history
  Spa breaks  -  The property boasts five fountainheads, providing hot spring water directly from Mt. Yusaka.
  
  A grand hotel set in stunning rural surrounds. Situated at the source of a natural hot spring, to hotel features numerous baths, aiding healing and relaxation. Contemporary rooms are inspired by Japanese design and boast large terraces and epic views. A spoiling rural escape. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Gora Kadan Hakone (Hakone-machi) 38 rooms from $443
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- Yushintei Hakone 12 rooms from $228
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- Yoshimatsu Hakone 19 rooms from $645
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- Hakone Kowakien Ten Yu Hakone 150 rooms from $399
  
  See more photos
  
  Romantic Break  -  With charming guestrooms and an acclaimed restaurant serving Japanese and Western cuisine, book this hotel for a romantic break
  Local exploring  -  Set on the edge of Hakone, within easy distance of the city's attractions, book this hotel for a relaxing base for sightseeing
  City Style  -  With Japanese-style rooms featuring traditional onsen or open-air baths, book this hotel for local city style
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the Chisuji Falls, less than 15 minutes' walk from the hotel; the waterfall is located in a beautiful natural setting
  
  This traditional Japanese ryokan is an oasis of calm on the edge of Hakone with spectacular Mount Asama views. Soak in an open-air bath or 'onsen' in the comfort of your room after a teppanyaki dinner at the hotel's fifth-floor restaurant; an ideal spot for a romantic getaway. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Furuya Ryokan Atami (Atami-shi) 26 rooms from $602
  
  See more photos
  
  Foodies  -  Food-focused travellers will adore the chance to savour seasonal Japanese gourmet cuisine: "kaiseki-ryori"
  Other Activities  -  During the summer months, Atami's sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, long strolls or people watching
  Museums  -  View the expansive collection at the MOA Art Museum, one of Atami's cultural hotspots
  Total relaxation  -  Located in a region famed for its onsens this is the ideal place to come and unwind.
  
  A historic ryokan in the Atami hot-springs area. Tranquil rooms are styled in the traditional manner; light and airy with plenty of wood, tatami mats and paper shutters. Seasonal dishes, known as "kaiseki-ryori", are served in the restaurant. The perfect base for exploring the region or relaxing. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Atami Sekitei Atami (Shizuoka) 27 rooms from $728
  
  See more photos
  
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the Atami Castle, just a five minute drive from the property, for some fascinating cultural insights
  Hotel Entertainment  -  The ryokan's karaoke space is great for momeorable group singalongs - all part of the Japanese experience
  Hideaway  -  A tranquil choice for a restful and rejuvenating trip as a couple, individual or with friends
  Total relaxation  -  The centuries-old hot spring baths will ensure a relaxing stay.
  
  A picture-perfect ryokan set in pretty gardens. Individual cottages are neatly put together with an ornamental tokonoma alcove, paper sliding fusuma doors, a low zataku table and fabulous garden views. Feast on regional dishes in the restaurant and unwind in the ancient onsens. See More
  
  Check Availability
- KAI Hakone Hakone (Ashigarashimo) 32 rooms from $317
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- Ginyu Ryokan Hakone (Ashigarashimo-gun) 20 rooms from $478
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- Yama No Chaya Hakone 15 rooms from $200
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- Gora Hanaougi Hakone 20 rooms from $367
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- KAI Sengokuhara Hakone 16 rooms from $662
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- Kinnotake Tonosawa Hakone (Kanagawa) 23 rooms from $588
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability