Discover the Best Onsen Ryokans in Hakone
Introduction
For luxury travelers seeking a serene escape into nature, Hakone, Japan, is a premier destination known for its stunning views of Mount Fuji and rejuvenating hot springs, or onsens. Onsen ryokans, traditional Japanese inns, offer an immersive experience that combines exquisite hospitality, authentic cuisine, and therapeutic thermal baths. With options ranging from modern minimalist designs to classic Japanese aesthetics, these properties provide a unique blend of comfort and cultural enrichment. Here, we explore the top ten luxury onsen ryokans in Hakone, where each stay promises tranquility, indulgence, and a deep connection to Japanese tradition.
TOP 10 LUXURY ONSEN RYOKANS IN HAKONE
1. Gora Kadan
– Price: €800/night
– Once a cherished summer retreat for the Imperial family, Gora Kadan seamlessly blends traditional ryokan elegance with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy spacious tatami-floored rooms, many with private open-air baths fed by volcanic hot springs. The ryokan’s exquisite kaiseki dining showcases seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding mountains, and its beautiful garden and serene spa offer a perfect retreat for relaxation.
– Best season: Spring for cherry blossoms, Autumn for foliage
– Insider tip: Reserve a room with a private onsen for the ultimate relaxation experience, and don’t miss the heated floors during winter months.
– Book Now: Official Website | Booking.com
– Price: €650/night
– This luxurious ryokan features a fusion of traditional Japanese design and modern amenities, centered around a historic Taisho-era building that was once the country home of the aristocratic Mitsui family and is now a registered cultural asset. All 23 rooms feature private open-air onsen baths, and the culinary experience at the Momiji restaurant focuses on seasonal kaiseki and teppanyaki, crafted with precision and artistry. The property also boasts an exceptional Sisley spa.
– Best season: Year-round for its endless charm; Autumn for the 300-year-old maple trees
– Insider tip: Schedule a treatment at the Spa by Sisley that incorporates local herbal elements, and enjoy a nightcap at the Ito Bar with its collection of over 80 shochu brands.
– Book Now: Official Website | Booking.com | Expedia
3. Hakone Ginyu
– Price: €900/night
– Nestled 420 meters above sea level in the Hakone mountains overlooking the Hayakawa River gorge, Hakone Ginyu offers a spa resort experience with breathtaking views. Every room features a private open-air onsen on the terrace with stunning valley views, and the infinity baths provide spectacular panoramas of the surrounding mountain range. The contemporary Japanese design incorporates Asian-fusion elements, and kaiseki meals are served in-room for ultimate privacy.
– Best season: Autumn for spectacular koyo (fall colors), Winter for misty mountain views
– Insider tip: Book a treatment at the Ginyu Spa, surrounded by tranquil forest, and enjoy the infinity bath at sunset for a magical experience.
– Book Now: Official Website | Booking.com | Expedia
– Price: €700/night
– Surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of the Hakone mountains, Gora Hanaougi offers 20 guest rooms, all featuring private open-air onsen baths with stunning mountain views. The ryokan combines traditional Japanese beauty with exceptional hospitality, and guests can enjoy the magnificent view of the Daimonji-yaki bonfires from select rooms. The kaiseki cuisine is prepared by Head Chef Nakamura and served in private dining rooms.
– Best season: August for Daimonji-yaki festival views, Spring for cherry blossoms
– Insider tip: Request one of the corner suite rooms (Tenninsou or Sasayuri) for the most spacious accommodations and best views.
– Book Now: Official Website | Booking.com | Expedia
– Price: €850/night
– Kinnotake Tonosawa is a modern adults-only ryokan with sleek design and luxurious amenities, built on a concept inspired by the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. Each of the nine distinctive rooms comes with a private onsen featuring either Mikage stone or Aomori cypress, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to scenic forest views. Cross a suspension bridge over a gorge to enter this unparalleled retreat where nature’s harmonious melodies wash away the daily hustle.
– Best season: Winter for a cozy retreat, Autumn for vibrant foliage
– Insider tip: Upgrade to the teppanyaki dinner with locally sourced A5-grade Japanese black wagyu for an unforgettable culinary experience.
– Book Now: Official Website | Booking.com | Expedia
– Price: €500/night
– This luxurious property is known for its stunning “infinity onsen” that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, creating the sensation of floating in the sky. All 150 rooms are designed with a harmonious blend of traditional and modern elements, featuring private open-air baths and spacious balconies. The culinary experience is exceptional, with kaiseki meals crafted from fresh seasonal ingredients at multiple restaurants including a teppanyaki venue in a registered cultural property building.
– Best season: Spring for cherry blossoms, Year-round for mountain views
– Insider tip: Take advantage of the connecting passage to Hakone Kowakien Yunessun for a unique swimsuit-friendly hot spring amusement park experience.
– Book Now: Official Website | Booking.com | Expedia
– Price: €550/night
– Perched on a small hill near Lake Ashi, Yoshimatsu is renowned for its stunning views of Mount Fuji and its luxurious atmosphere. Built in traditional Sukiya style with beautiful Japanese gardens, bamboo groves, and koi ponds, this ryokan offers 18 rooms, seven of which feature private outdoor onsen baths. The kaiseki cuisine highlights the best of Kyoto-style seasonal cooking, and meals are served in-room for complete privacy.
– Best season: Winter for clear Mount Fuji views, Autumn for vibrant foliage
– Insider tip: Opt for a Mount Fuji view room with private onsen for breathtaking sunrises over the sacred mountain; book well in advance as these rooms fill quickly.
– Book Now: Booking.com | Expedia
8. The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
– Price: €400/night
– This elegant lakeside resort designed by master architect Togo Murano offers a unique blend of Western comfort and Japanese tradition. Set on the shores of Lake Ashinoko with stunning views of Mount Fuji, the property features hot-spring baths overlooking the lake and spacious rooms with serene views. Multiple dining options include the French restaurant Le Trianon, and the Spa La Paix offers a variety of rejuvenating treatments.
– Best season: Autumn for picturesque lake and mountain views, Summer for water activities
– Insider tip: Take the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway directly from the hotel grounds for panoramic views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
9. Yamanochaya (Yama no Chaya)
– Price: €600/night
– Nestled in a deep bamboo forest at the end of the Hayakawa suspension bridge, Yamanochaya has been welcoming guests for over 50 years. This intimate 15-room wooden inn was built in 1960 and features 11 rooms with private open-air onsen baths fed by private spring water from 300 meters below ground. The monthly kaiseki cuisine, prepared under guidance from a Michelin-starred culinary advisor, is acclaimed for its artistry and use of seasonal ingredients.
– Best season: Autumn for vibrant foliage, Year-round for bamboo forest tranquility
– Insider tip: Book the Special Asebi room on the 4th floor for the best views, and take the time to explore the four different communal baths each with unique atmospheres.
– Book Now: Official Website | Booking.com
– Price: €750/night
– Set in the Sengokuhara area famous for its milky white sulfur springs, Kinnotake Sengokuhara offers a modern ryokan experience based on the story of Princess Kaguya from the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. The property features private open-air baths in every room with the distinctive cloudy water of this hot spring area. Authentic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine is prepared by Head Chef Iwai, who trained at renowned Ryoutei restaurants in Kyoto, using rice selected by a 5-star rice master.
– Best season: Late September to early November for the famous Sengokuhara pampas grass fields
– Insider tip: Book the “Hime” (Princess) room created in 2023 with 131 square meters of space including a 41 square meter terrace for the ultimate luxury experience.
– Book Now: Official Website | Booking.com
Expert Travel Tips
1. Book Early: Luxury ryokans in Hakone can be booked out months in advance, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (mid-November). Planning and booking your stay early ensures you secure your preferred dates and room types.
2. Understand Onsen Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with onsen etiquette, such as washing thoroughly before entering the bath and avoiding swimsuits in traditional onsens. This will enhance your experience and show respect for Japanese customs.
3. Consider Multi-Night Stays: Spending multiple nights allows you to fully immerse yourself in the ryokan experience, take advantage of the on-site amenities, and explore the picturesque surroundings at a leisurely pace. The Hakone area has numerous attractions including Lake Ashi, Owakudani volcanic valley, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
4. Use the Hakone Free Pass: This all-inclusive transportation pass offers unlimited rides on trains, buses, boats, and ropeways throughout the Hakone area, making it easy to explore the region’s many attractions.
5. Tattoo Considerations: Many traditional onsens do not permit guests with visible tattoos in communal bathing areas. If you have tattoos, look for ryokans with private in-room onsen baths or inquire about their policies in advance. Properties like Hakone Ginyu with private onsen in every room are ideal choices.
6. Dietary Requirements: Luxury ryokans are well-equipped to cater to various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, pescatarian, and allergies. It is best to inform the ryokan of any dietary restrictions at least 5 days in advance.
FAQs
1. Q: What is an onsen ryokan?
A: An onsen ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that features natural hot springs, known as onsens. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations, authentic Japanese cuisine (kaiseki), and a unique cultural experience, making it a perfect getaway for relaxation and rejuvenation.
2. Q: Are onsens co-ed?
A: Most onsens are gender-segregated, with separate bathing areas for men and women. However, many luxury ryokans offer private onsens in-room or for private rental that couples and families can enjoy together.
3. Q: What should I wear at an onsen ryokan?
A: Guests typically wear yukatas (casual cotton kimonos) provided by the ryokan around the property. When using the onsen, it is customary to bathe nude, as swimsuits are generally not allowed in traditional baths.
4. Q: How do I book these exclusive ryokans?
A: Most luxury ryokans can be booked directly through their official websites or through major booking platforms like Booking.com and Expedia. Some exclusive properties may also work with specialist travel agents. Direct booking often provides the best rates and allows you to communicate special requests.
5. Q: Is a ryokan suitable for families with children?
A: Some luxury ryokans welcome families, while others are adults-only (such as Kinnotake properties which have a minimum age of 12). It’s advisable to check the property’s policy in advance. Ryokans with private in-room onsens are particularly suitable for families as they offer more flexibility.
Conclusion
Hakone’s onsen ryokans offer an unparalleled blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty, making them an ideal choice for discerning travelers seeking a unique Japanese experience. From stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi to exquisite kaiseki dining and rejuvenating hot spring baths, each property promises a memorable stay. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Hakone and book your luxurious onsen retreat today to experience the finest in traditional Japanese hospitality.
