Hakone Ryokan Guide
Traditional Japanese inns with hot springs, kaiseki cuisine, and Mt. Fuji views. Just 90 minutes from Tokyo.
The quintessential Japanese hospitality experience.
Why Hakone: Closest onsen destination to Tokyo. Perfect for a 1-2 night escape with world-class ryokan options.
Ryokan by Budget
Hakone has options from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000+ per night. All include onsen access.
Ultra-Luxury
¥80,000-200,000+/night
World-class service, private onsen, exceptional kaiseki, often with Fuji views.
Gora Kadan
Gora
Former imperial retreat, legendary service
Hakone Ginyu
Miyanoshita
All rooms with private open-air bath
Senkyoro
Yumoto
Historic 400-year-old inn
High-End
¥40,000-80,000/night
Excellent quality, great food, usually private or semi-private onsen options.
Yama no Chaya
Sengokuhara
Artful rooms, forest setting
Hakone Hatsuhana
Yumoto
Modern take on traditional
Ichinoyu Honkan
Tonosawa
Historic with good value
Mid-Range
¥20,000-40,000/night
Authentic ryokan experience without breaking the bank. Shared onsen typically.
Fukuzumiro
Tonosawa
Beautiful building, good food
Matsuzakaya Honten
Yumoto
300-year history, central location
Aura Tachibana
Yumoto
Modern ryokan, great value
Budget-Friendly
¥10,000-20,000/night
Simple but genuine. May skip kaiseki dinner but includes onsen access.
K's House Hakone
Hakone-Yumoto
Hostel with onsen
Hakone Tent
Gora
Guesthouse, social vibe
Ichinoyu Shinkan
Tonosawa
Budget branch of respected ryokan
Hakone Areas
Each area has a different character. Choose based on your priorities.
Hakone-Yumoto
Gateway to Hakone, most accessible by train. Busy but convenient.
Best for: Easy access, first-timers, transit
Vibe: Town feel, shops and restaurants
Gora
Highland area, starting point for ropeway to Owakudani.
Best for: Sightseeing base, upscale options
Vibe: Resort-like, good for exploring
Sengokuhara
Quieter plateau area with views of Fuji on clear days.
Best for: Mt. Fuji views, peaceful retreat
Vibe: Rural, nature-focused
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
Lakeside area with pirate ships and shrine views.
Best for: Lake views, scenic photos
Vibe: Tourist attractions nearby
What to Expect
First-time ryokan stay? Here's the typical flow.
Check-in Ritual
Typically 3pm. You'll be greeted at entrance, served tea and sweets in your room while staff explains the inn.
Room Setup
Tatami mat floors, low table, cushions. Futon laid out while you're at dinner. Yukata robe provided.
Onsen Protocol
Wash thoroughly before entering. Tattoos often prohibited (check ahead). Separate male/female baths usually.
Kaiseki Dinner
Multi-course traditional meal, often served in room. Expect 8-12 courses of seasonal dishes.
Breakfast
Traditional Japanese breakfast included. Fish, rice, pickles, miso soup, egg. Usually 7:30-9am.
Check-out
Usually 10-11am. Staff will see you off at the entrance with a bow.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months ahead
Popular ryokan sell out, especially weekends and holidays. Book early for the best options.
Weekday discounts
Sunday-Thursday rates can be 20-30% lower than Friday-Saturday. Significant savings.
One night is enough
The ryokan experience is intensive. Most people do one night, then continue their trip.
Call about tattoos
Many ryokan prohibit tattoos in shared onsen. Some have private baths as alternative. Always ask first.
Half-board is standard
Dinner and breakfast included (called 'two meals'). This is the traditional ryokan way.
Arrive by 5pm
Dinner is served at a set time (usually 6-7pm). Late arrivals may miss it.
Add Hakone to Your Trip
A night at a Hakone ryokan is a highlight for most Japan visitors. Let us help plan the perfect escape.