Hakone’s most exclusive ryokans offer you an unparalleled blend of imperial luxury and natural serenity.
The former Kaninnomiya summer residence, now transformed into Gora Kadan, leads the pack with its aristocratic heritage and private onsen baths overlooking pristine mountain vistas.
You’ll find ethereal romance at Hakone-Ginyu, where 20 intimate rooms feature personal outdoor baths suspended over misty ravines.
For Mount Fuji views and authentic kaiseki dining, Yoshimatsu presents a perfect marriage of traditional aesthetics and modern comfort.
Each property promises a distinct journey into Japan’s refined hospitality traditions, where centuries-old customs await your discovery.
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue creating free content. Thank you for your support! For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.
Ryokan Name | Price Range | Location & Features | Amenities |
---|---|---|---|
Gora Kadan | Luxury Imperial heritage | Former imperial residence Private onsen baths | Spa and gym Personalized butler service |
Hakone Ginyu | Luxury Intimate experience | 20 intimate rooms Outdoor baths | Kaiseki dinner service Stunning valley views |
Yoshimatsu | Luxury Mount Fuji views | Forest hillside setting Teppanyaki dinners | Private onsen Traditional aesthetics |
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu | Luxury Panoramic views | Private baths with views Idyllic mountain backdrop | Kaiseki dining Wellness facilities |
* Rates vary by season and availability
* All ryokans offer private onsen access
* Early booking recommended during peak seasons
* Each property provides unique dining experiences
π― Top 6 Luxury Ryokan Experiences in Hakone
Gora Kadan
π° Former imperial residence
β¨οΈ Private onsen baths
π Scenic mountain views
π Luxury amenities
Hakone Ginyu
π Intimate experience
π Outdoor baths
π½οΈ Kaiseki dinner service
π Stunning valley views
Yoshimatsu
ποΈ Mount Fuji views
π³ Forest hillside setting
π½οΈ Teppanyaki dinners
β¨οΈ Private onsen
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
π Panoramic views
ποΈ Idyllic mountain backdrop
π½οΈ Kaiseki dining
π Wellness facilities
β’ **From Tokyo Station:**
– Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Odawara Station (approx. 35 minutes).
– Transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station (approx. 40 minutes).
β’ **From Narita Airport:**
– Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station (approx. 60 minutes).
– Follow the above directions from Tokyo Station.
β’ **From Haneda Airport:**
– Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station.
– Follow the above directions from Tokyo Station.
β’ **Hakone Open-Air Museum** (15 min by car)
β’ **Owakudani Valley** (20 min by car)
β’ **Lake Ashi** (30 min by car)
β’ **Hakone Shrine** (30 min by car)
β’ **Gora Park** (10 min by car)
β’ Best time to visit: Spring (cherry blossoms) and Autumn (fall foliage).
β’ Book ryokans in advance, especially during peak seasons.
β’ Consider purchasing a Hakone Free Pass for unlimited travel on local transport.
β’ Donβt miss the onsen experience; itβs a highlight of staying in a ryokan!
The Imperial Legacy
Nestled in Hakone’s verdant landscape, this distinguished ryokan stands on the former grounds of an imperial summer residence that once belonged to the Kaninnomiya family.
You’ll step into a world where royal heritage meets contemporary luxury, as the property masterfully preserves its aristocratic roots while catering to modern sensibilities.
A dedicated spa and gym facility ensures complete rejuvenation during your stay. Ultimate luxury service defines every moment of your experience, from personalized butler assistance to exclusive cultural activities.
The rich imperial legacy unfolds in every corner, from the traditional Japanese architecture to the meticulous attention to cultural authenticity.
The natural hot springs flow directly into private guest room baths, offering therapeutic relaxation in the comfort of your suite. Guests can enjoy mineral-rich waters known for their healing properties.
You’re not just booking a stay; you’re experiencing a piece of Japan’s royal history.
While today’s amenities include Western-style beds and chic furnishings, you’ll find the essence of imperial sophistication preserved in the native wood beams, traditional aesthetic elements, and the unmistakable atmosphere of a high-class ryokan that once welcomed Japan’s most distinguished guests.
Private Onsen Paradise
Hakone’s most exclusive ryokans elevate the private onsen experience to an art form, with each property offering intimate hot spring sanctuaries within individual guest rooms. Like the historic inns of Kamakura, these properties preserve centuries-old hospitality traditions.
You’ll find this sublime privacy at renowned properties like Hakone-Ginyu, where 20 exquisite rooms feature personal outdoor baths overlooking a dramatic ravine. A dedicated kaiseki dinner service offers seasonal delicacies served directly in your room, enhancing the intimate atmosphere.
At Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu, you’re treated to panoramic vistas from your private bath, particularly magical during sunrise when the landscape awakens in golden hues. The mountainous surroundings create an idyllic backdrop for ultimate relaxation.
For those seeking the pinnacle of traditional aesthetics, Hakone Gora Byakudan’s 16 rooms deliver open-air baths flowing directly from the source, complemented by sophisticated kaiseki cuisine and an impressive sake selection.
These sanctuaries seamlessly blend modern luxury with time-honored Japanese bathing traditions, creating an experience that’s both indulgent and authentically cultural.
Mountain Views and Romance

From up above the Hakone valley, these prestigious ryokans command some of Japan’s most spectacular mountain vistas.
Authentic Japanese hospitality shines through in every aspect of these traditional inns. For the ultimate romantic getaway, you’ll find these mountaintop sanctuaries offer both breathtaking views and intimate experiences that’ll create lasting memories. The Haya-Kawa River flows serenely below, adding to the natural splendor of the setting.
- Gora Kadan, a former imperial retreat, pairs its regal heritage with luxurious private onsen baths and sweeping natural panoramas.
- Hakone Ginyu’s mountainside perch delivers stunning valley views from private terraces, where you can savor traditional seafood cuisine in serene seclusion.
- At Yoshimatsu, you’ll wake up to Mount Fuji’s majestic silhouette while enjoying the forested hillside setting and intimate teppanyaki dinners.
You won’t find more enchanting locations for a romantic escape, as each property masterfully balances traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts and unparalleled mountain scenery.