The Hotel Guru
The 10 Best Luxury Ryokans in Hakone

The 10 Best Luxury Ryokans in Hakone

Hakone is an otherwordly Mecca of relaxation, where the citizens of Tokyo - weary of the fast-paced demands of modern life - come to unwind and breathe in the clean mountain air. Scattered with ancient Shintu shrines, glorious tree-clad mountain ranges and dotted with meadows, it's most renowned for its geothermal hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. Perfect for a spa break, you can hike Mount Fuji, swim in Lake Ashi and walk through the Owakudani geothermal valley. The ryokan - the traditional Japanese hotel focused on wellness - comes in all shapes and sizes these days, from Swedish-styled, Alpine-esque affairs to traditional Japanese accomodation with paper slider doors and futon beds, and in our collection of the 12 best luxury ryokans in Hakone, we've covered all the bases. Check them out!

For families

Families love KAI Sengokuhara. Offering contemporary rooms full of light seamlessly mixing Western decor with a traditional Japanese style. Abstract art hangs on the walls above futon-style beds and washi paper screens. Each room comes with a private, outdoor onsen, and the restaurant serves kaiseki meals made from locally-sourced seafood. Kids will enjoy the evening art workshops and their own complimentary pyjamas.

For a spa break

The luscious, revitalising spa of Gora Kadan will relax even the most neurotic: with a pampering spa, swimming pool and gym, it ticks all the boxes. This should be expected, of course, because it was once the holiday home of the imperial family! Offering clean-cut, stripped-back contemporary rooms with Western beds and chic furnishings, the rooms are spacious and minimalist, and each boasts an outdoor onsen with views of the green mountains. One of the best luxury ryokans with a pool in Hakone.
If Sweden and Japan had a lovechild, then Hakone Retreat Fore would look something like it. Designed for physical and mental restoration, the spoiling Swedish-style spa sits alongside the traditional hot-spring-fed onsen. The minimalist rooms have a contemporary feel: with creamwhite walls, they’re filled with light, adorned with with chic furnishings and modern takes on Japanese art. Plus, the two restaurants – French and Japanese respectively – have something for everyone.

For a traditional stay

Nestling in a green sea of trees and shrubbery, the KAI Hakone is a vision of Japanese bathing traditions. The rooms strike a modern feel with touches of Japanese aesthetic, and it’s a truly unique experience.
Hakone Kowakien Ten Yu blends Western design with flourishes of traditional Japan. The plush, contemporary rooms have that low-lying, stripped-back, Japanese style, as well as private, terraced onsens with glorious, romantic views of Mount Fuji. The restaurant is a great highlight for most travellers: located on the fifth floor (with the accompanying views), it serves a range of cuisine – from Western favourites to Japanese specialties. A great stay for couples.

For romance

Yoshimatsu sits on a forested hill by a lake, offering striking, traditional Japanese rooms with a stripped-back, spacious design, complete with tatami mats and outdoor hot spring baths, and enchanting views of Mount Fuji. Couples will enjoy the intimacy that abounds here: luxury suites promise the ultimate relaxation – not forgetting their private outdoor onsens.
An Alpine-rustic take on the traditional ryokan, Hakone Retreat Villa 1/F offers spacious, designer, wood-panelled rooms opening out onto a terrace with a private hot spring bath, and views of the leafy forest. Offering both Japanese and French cuisine in the restaurant, it’s a smart and spoiling stay. Not to be missed!
Kinnotake Tonosawa has the architecture of serenity, outside and in. The minimalist, contemporary rooms have low-watt lighting promising tranquility after bathing in the private onsen, and the floor-to-ceiling windows boast beautiful views of the forest stretching out before you. The Kyo Kaiseki dining in the restaurant completes this mesmerising experience. Unforgettable.

For great value

Ginyu Ryokan is a traditional ryokan in the idyllic Hakone mountains and forests. Offering classic Japanese rooms with private terraces and outdoor hot spring baths, it promises relaxation and tranquility, and the tradition of a fine Kaiseki meal in the restaurant. Utterly romantic, it’s a stunning getaway for couples on a budget.
Gora Hanaougi sprawls like a temple of peace deep in the mountains. With spacious and elegant suites adorned with native wood beams and open-air baths, it’s a luxurious ryokan that won't break te bank. The hotel’s onsen boasts some spectacular views of the cherry blossom, creating a sense of otherworldly tranquility that merely adds to the hot spring waters bubbling all around you.

Still not sure?

Looking for something cheaper? See our collection of the 12 best ryokans in Hakone
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
Alternatively, 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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- 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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- Hakone Retreat Fore Hakone (Ashigarashimo Districts) 37 rooms from £215
  
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  Architectural  -  Simple modern design lies somewhere between Japanese and Swedish styles and plenty of glass allows guests to enjoy the surrounds
  Spa breaks  -  A spoiling spa set within the forest has a wide range of treatments and there's an onsen too
  Groups  -  With suites sleeping up to four this is a great choice for small groups or families
  Great walks  -  Head out from the property on long walks through the forest
  Recommended by  -  Design Hotels
  
  A contemporary hotel set within the forest in Hakone. Perfectly designed for a restorative stay; there's a large onsen, spa and the spaces are open, bright and minimalist. Gourmet cuisine is served in the two restaurants (one French and one Japanese). Ideally suited for both families and couples. 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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- Hakone Kowakien Ten Yu Hakone 150 rooms from £311
  
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  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
  
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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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- 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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- 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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