You’ll find Hakone’s finest private onsen experiences at these top five ryokans.
Gōra Kadan leads with its imperial heritage and 41 luxurious rooms, while Hakone Ginyu offers breathtaking mountain vistas from each private bath. Kinnotake Tonosawa delivers an intimate escape with just eight distinctive suites, complemented by seasonal kaiseki dining.
The art-focused Hakone Nanase provides a cultural immersion, and Laforet Club rounds out the selection with its premium rooms and exceptional service.
Each property uniquely balances traditional Japanese hospitality with modern comforts, though the true magic of these sanctuaries unfolds once you’ve chosen your perfect match.
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Ryokan Name | Key Features | Location & Views | Onsen & Amenities |
---|---|---|---|
Gōra Kadan | Former Imperial villa 41 luxury rooms | Near Gora Station National Park views | Private rock baths Steam rooms |
Kinnotake Tonosawa | 8 unique suites Suspension bridge | Forest setting Gorge views | Private onsen Sauna |
Hakone Nanase | Art galleries Live music | Mountain location Stream views | Natural springs Private baths |
Laforet Club | 66 rooms Guided hikes | Gora district Mountain vista | Private terraces Indoor/outdoor baths |
* Rates vary by season and room type
* Advance booking recommended
* All ryokans include traditional kaiseki dining
* Private onsen reservations required
⛰️ Hakone Ryokan Transportation Guide
Gōra Kadan
📍 5min from Gora Station
🚂 Hakone Tozan Railway access
🚗 Free parking available
🚌 Complimentary shuttle
Kinnotake Tonosawa
📍 Near Tonosawa Station
🚶♂️ Scenic bridge access
🚗 Valet parking
🚌 Station pickup service
Hakone Nanase
📍 10min from Kowakidani
🚶♂️ Uphill walk required
🚗 Limited parking
🚌 Luggage transfer available
Laforet Club
📍 Near Open Air Museum
🚂 Gora Station nearby
🚗 Free parking
🚌 Free station pickup
• Shinjuku to Hakone:
– Romance Car: ¥2,330 (85 mins)
– Odakyu Line: ¥1,220 (120 mins)
• Tokyo Station to Hakone:
– Shinkansen + Local: ¥3,740 (60 mins)
• Airport Access:
– Haneda: 2-2.5 hours
– Narita: 3-3.5 hours
• Hakone Free Pass (2/3 days):
– Includes all local transport
– Ropeway access
– Cable car rides
– Sightseeing cruise
– Bus services
• Prices: ¥5,700/¥6,100
• Book Romance Car in advance
• Consider luggage forwarding
• Most ryokans offer station pickup
• Some locations require uphill walking
• Check last train times (typically before 20:00)
• Weather can affect transport schedules
Gōra Kadan: Imperial Luxury
Opulence awaits at Gōra Kadan, a distinguished ryokan nestled in Hakone’s former Imperial summer retreat. The property’s rich heritage as the Kanin-no-miya Villa adds an extra layer of historical significance.
The ryokan’s placement within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park ensures stunning natural vistas from every angle.
Much like Summer Festival celebrations in Sapporo that draw millions, you’ll discover 41 meticulously crafted rooms, where traditional Japanese aesthetics blend seamlessly with modern luxuries like steam rooms and private gardens.
Situated in a region with nearly 1300 years of hot spring history, you’ll discover 41 meticulously crafted rooms, where traditional Japanese aesthetics blend seamlessly with modern luxuries like steam rooms and private gardens.
The property’s crown jewels are its bathing options – you can unwind in your private open-air rock bath, reserve the intimate family spa, or embrace the traditional public onsen experience with its mildly alkaline waters.
After your soak, you’re in for a culinary journey at Restaurant Kadan, where monthly-rotating kaiseki menus showcase the finest seasonal ingredients from the Izu region.
Getting here’s a breeze: hop on the Odakyu Express from Shinjuku, switch to the scenic Hakone Tozan Railway, and you’ll find yourself in this slice of imperial heaven just minutes from Gora Station.
Hakone Ginyu’s Mountain Views
While Gōra Kadan celebrates imperial heritage, Hakone Ginyu captivates with its dramatic mountainside perch in Miyanoshita.
You’ll find yourself mesmerized by panoramic views of Hakone’s valleys and peaks from this sought-after sanctuary, where traditional Japanese aesthetics blend seamlessly with modern comforts.
The ryokan offers both Japanese-style and Western-style guest rooms to accommodate diverse preferences. Guests can enjoy evening karaoke in the club area for entertainment after a day of relaxation.
Each guest room features its own private open-air bath, allowing you to soak while contemplating the mountainous horizon. The onsen’s therapeutic waters offer natural healing properties that have drawn visitors to Hakone for centuries.
This luxury retreat stands among the finest accommodations near Japan’s iconic peak.
You’ll rest on tatami floors in Japanese-style rooms, with the option of traditional futon bedding for an authentic ryokan experience.
The property’s popularity means you’ll need to book well in advance, but the reward is worth the wait.
In the evening, you can savor meticulously crafted kaiseki meals featuring seasonal ingredients, either in your room or the dining area.
Kinnotake Tonosawa Traditional Experience

The intimate Kinnotake Tonosawa offers a refined sanctuary where traditional Japanese hospitality meets modern luxury.
You’ll find yourself immersed in a world where eight distinctive rooms, each adorned with polished Mikage stone or fragrant Aomori cypress, feature private outdoor onsen baths that blend seamlessly into the forested surroundings.
The property is accessible via a scenic suspension bridge that crosses over a dramatic gorge. The resort exemplifies Japanese omotenashi culture with its meticulous attention to every guest’s needs.
The experience extends beyond accommodation with seasonal Kaiseki dining that’ll delight your palate. The menu artfully adapts to eight solar terms, showcasing the finest local ingredients.
You’re treated to expertly prepared dishes featuring Five-Star Rice Master selections and premium Kuroge-Wagyu beef, paired with an impressive selection of wines and sake.
After dinner, you can retreat to the newly renovated pool and sauna facilities for a private 60-minute session, or indulge in the “ZEN TOJI” therapeutic package. A revitalizing cold plunge experience awaits between the shower booth and sauna.
Nature’s spectacles await throughout the year, from spring’s cherry blossoms to summer’s enchanting firefly displays.
Hakone Nanase formerly known as Manatei Hakone
Walking into Hakone Nanase feels like discovering a hidden gem in the mountains. The property, which used to be Manatei Hakone, sits beautifully among the trees with a peaceful stream providing natural background music. The steep walk from Kowakidani station might leave you a bit breathless, but trust me – it’s worth it!
Think traditional Japanese elegance meets artistic sanctuary. The hotel has this wonderful way of blending art galleries and live music with the calm of a mountain retreat. It’s not trying to be ultra-modern, and that’s part of its charm.
The rooms are like your favorite comfy sweater – maybe not the newest in your closet, but definitely the most comfortable. Some have private onsen (hot spring baths), which is basically heaven on Earth. Everything’s clean and well-maintained, even if some areas show their age.
The hot springs here are the real deal – natural spring water that makes your skin feel amazing. You can choose between public baths or book private ones (for free!). Perfect for onsen first-timers or those wanting privacy.
Consider planning your visit 3-6 months in advance, as advance reservations are recommended for popular attractions in the Tokyo region.
Laforet Club Premium Escape

Nestled in Hakone’s Gora district, Laforet Club Premium Escape offers a luxurious retreat with 66 well-appointed rooms just minutes from the Hakone Open Air Museum.
You’ll find both Japanese and Japanese-Western style accommodations, complete with tatami areas and modern amenities like LCD TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.
For the ultimate indulgence, book one of the premium rooms featuring private open-air baths and terraces where you can soak while enjoying mountain views.
The property’s location puts you within easy reach of major attractions – you’re just 3.3 miles from Hakone Ropeway and 6.2 miles from the iconic Hakone Shrine. For a cultural day trip, consider visiting Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s most celebrated UNESCO sites.
Don’t miss the hotel’s complimentary station pickup service, and take advantage of the expert botanist-guided hikes through the surrounding forests.
After a day of exploration, unwind in the indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. The property has earned an impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating for its exceptional cleanliness standards.
The on-site restaurant delights guests with Japanese breakfast specialties while offering international cuisine for dinner. With over 1,009 guest reviews, the property maintains a stellar reputation for its exceptional service and amenities.