The 7 Most Beautiful Ryokans In Hakone You Should Book In 2024

Hotel Green Plaza Hakone Ryokan Japon Hotel 1

Less than two hours away from Tokyo, Hakone is the perfect destination to try something new, to sort of get off the beaten track of capital-style tourist attractions and catch some fresh air in a sublime natural environment. Tourists love to visit Hakone and even Japanese people go there to relax on weekends.

Hakone is a mountainous region so you’ll bump into hot water springs (called onsen) almost everywhere you go and they’re all located in absolutely delightful and quiet settings. There’s no doubt you should at least once soak in those exquisitely warm onsen during your stay in Hakone.

If you’re still hesitating, let me make it easier for you by suggesting my top 5 of the region’s best ryokan inns, a selection based primarily on the “quality” of the onsen. Brace yourself !

1. Kinnotake Tonosawa

Kinnotake Tonosawa Ryokan Hakone Japon Hotel 1

Let’s start this list with a really good one. The magnificent Kinnotake Tonosawa Ryokan is located near the Tonosawa train station so it should be easily accessible. Once you’re there, be sure to jump in the open air private bath in your room to relax and enjoy Hakone’s beautiful scenery.

Kinnotake Tonosawa Hakone Ryokan Japon Hotel 2

The Kinnotake Tonosawa Ryokan has been built fairly recently so it has a more modern design and is luxuriously furnished, with Western style beds instead of futon on tatami mats for example. So if you’re not into sleeping on the ground, give this ryokan a try!

Kinnotake Tonosawa Ryokan Hakone Japon Hotel 3

How cool does that look?

Book It Here: Kinnotake Tonosawa Ryokan

2. Fukuzumiro

Fukuzumiro Ryokan Hakone Japon Hotel 2

The Fukuzumiro is a more traditional kind of ryokan. It’s also not far from the Tonosawa train station and so is easily accessible. The Haya river is right next to it and you’ll have access to an individual wooden bath to give your experience a more rustic authenticity.

Fukuzumiro Hakone Ryokan Japon Hotel 1

You will not resist the urge to paddle in the hot water!

Fukuzumiro Ryokan Hakone Japon Hotel 3

Book It Here: Fukuzumiro Ryokan

3. Yoshimatsu

Yoshimatsu Ryokan Hakone Japon Hotel 1

The Yoshimatsu Hakone is the third ryokan on this list. If you check out the pictures, you’ll see it has a beautiful Japanese-style garden and is right next to lake Ashi. Since it is located a little bit far from the city, you will be offered a free ride there from the Hakone Machi station.

Just like all the ryokan of this list, there are open air, hot spring water baths for customers to enjoy along with beautiful views of the surrounding nature.

Yoshimatsu Hakone Ryokan Japon Hotel 2

The Yoshimatsu is also popular for its exquisitely fine cuisine. Here’s an example of what you’ll be served for breakfast. If you are a foodie, you will love it! 🙂

Yoshimatsu Ryokan Hakone Japon Hotel 3

How about that for a change ?

Book It Here: Yoshimatsu Ryokan

4. Kijitei Hoeiso

Kijitei Hoeiso Ryokan Hakone 1

Imagine the soft lull of the water running from the natural spring nearby; the leaves rustling in the gentle wind; the soft voices of other guests around you, mellow enough to almost be white noise.

Kijitei Hoeiso promises an experience like this, and much, much more. This ryokan is one of the top-rated accommodation options in Hakone, and it’s clear to see why.

Kijitei Hoeiso Ryokan Hakone 2

Set in amongst the mountain ranges and the river, its secluded location is an absolute delight. Leave all the noise, crowds, and worries behind as you embark on a stay that may as well be a therapeutic getaway.

All rooms are fitted with stunning tatami flooring and shoji sliding doors, with traditional futon bedding. The in-house restaurant is known for its amazing kaiseki cuisine as well as its specialty: pheasant!

Kijitei Hoeiso Ryokan Hakone 2

The best thing about this ryokan though would be the hot spring baths. Kijitei Hoeiso boasts a gorgeous rotenburo down by the river, as well as an indoor public onsen. There is also a private hot spring option, available for bookings upon arrival by guests.

Book It Now: Kijitei Hoeiso

5. Shiunso

Shiunso Ryokan Hakone Japon Hotel 1

Let’s not end this Hakone top 5 best ryokan too fast and enjoy the beauty of the Shiunso open-air onsen you can see in the picture below. Lost in wild nature and surrounded by greenery, morning coffee will not taste the same in this exceptional setting.

Shiunso Hakone Ryokan Japon Hotel 2

It’s also beautiful to stay in during autumn season and you’ll be surrounded with the notorious momiji, those maple tree leaves that go red in autumn.

Shiunso Ryokan Hakone Japon Hotel 3

Book It Here: Shiunso Ryokan

6. The Green Plaza

Hotel Green Plaza Ryokan Hakone Japon Hotel 1

Let’s crown this list with the splendid Green Plaza Hakone, a ryokan that has a unique onsen with a view of Mount Fuji ! This setting reminds me a little bit of Kawaguchiko actually. It’s a village in the North of Mount Fuji that also has many beautiful ryokan by the way.

So what makes the Green Plaza Hakone so special is the fact that it is high up the mountains and offers breathtaking views. Just like the first ryokan of this list, the Green Plaza is also modernly designed so no tatami involved. It is nonetheless very warm and welcoming with its colors and wood furniture.

Hotel Green Plaza Hakone Ryokan Japon Hotel 2

And if you prefer to stay inside, you’ll also find indoors public baths.

Hotel Green Plaza Hakone Ryokan Japon Hotel 3

Book It Here: Green Plaza Hakone

7. Onsen Guest House Tsutaya

Onsen Guest House Tsutaya 1

Onsen Guest House Tsutaya is a homely, no-frills ryokan accommodation that offers nostalgic vibes and an authentic ambiance for a fraction of the price you’d imagine paying.

It’s nestled in the middle of the forest, surrounded by nature and greenery. You’ll get to witness panoramic views from the lounge and experience a Zen atmosphere throughout.

Onsen Guest House Tsutaya 1

Onsen Guest House Tsutaya features a 24-hour front desk, private bathrooms with bidets, a well-appointed shared kitchen, and an absolutely stunning onsen bath.

It’s located within a geothermal area, and you can access several hot springs nearby.

Onsen Guest House Tsutaya

Guests Tips: There is a sushi restaurant nearby that is amazing – give it a try if you’re looking for a restaurant option! The view from the lounge is simply superb, do not miss out.

Book It Now: Onsen Guest House Tsutaya

For more traditional inns with a Mt Fuji view, check out this blog post: Mount Fuji Ryokan.

Our list of the best ryokan in Hakone is now over but I’d like to tell you about an unusual onsen that is also in Hakone and that not many tourists nor Japanese people themselves know about although it’s definitely crazy!

I’m talking about the Yunessun ryokan, located exactly here. I thought I’d tell you how peculiar it is but I found this video that could communicate it much better.

Ever dreamed of soaking in wine or sake-filled swimming pools? Your wishes will be granted in Yunessun. Just so you know, full access to the resort will cost you 2 900 yen or about $25 to spend the day there. Honestly, I think it’s worth it, and you can even have lunch there. To save money, get your tickets in advance here!

That’s it for this Hakone Ryokan blog post, friends! Thank you for reading along and please share it around or comment below if you liked it!

If you are looking for Ryokan in Tokyo or Kyoto, feel free to check out these blog posts too:

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Talk to you all very soon,

MF

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