If you want a slower pace, Hakone is one of the best places to visit in Japan. The mountain air, the hot spring mist, and the sight of Mt. Fuji on a clear morning—it all adds up to something that a regular hotel just can't replicate. That's where a luxury ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Hakone comes in.
Enjoy tatami-floored rooms, yukata robes laid out for you, multi-course kaiseki (Japanese tasting menu) dinners served in your room, and access to onsen (natural hot spring baths) that draw from Hakone's volcanic geothermal waters. It's a full sensory experience, not just a place to sleep.
We’ll cover the best luxury ryokans across Hakone, plus a practical section on how to choose the right one. Start planning your trip in the Kanagawa Prefecture to get a feel for the wider region.
Getting to Hakone from Tokyo
Odakyu Romance Car | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Most luxury ryokans in Hakone are easy to reach from Tokyo, with the most popular route being the Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku Station, which runs directly to Hakone-Yumoto in around 85 minutes. It's comfortable, scenic, and a nice way to ease into the trip.
You can also take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara (about 35 minutes), then connect via the Hakone Tozan Railway into the mountains. Explore more about Hakone to plan your transport before you arrive.
If you're planning to do some sightseeing in addition to your ryokan stay, the Hakone Free Pass is worth considering. It covers unlimited rides on most of Hakone's transport network—the Tozan Railway, the ropeway, the sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi, and more!
Most ryokans will arrange luggage forwarding (called takuhaibin) if you're coming from Tokyo. You can ship your larger bags directly to the property the day before check-in through convenience stores or hotel concierge services, which lets you travel light on the day.
Klook Tip: If you're arriving in Hakone by car, note that parking at ryokans is usually available but limited. Confirm with your property in advance, especially during busy seasons.
What to expect from a luxury ryokan stay
Before going into specific properties, it helps to know what sets a ryokan apart from a standard hotel stay. Most luxury ryokans in Hakone include two meals in the room rate: a kaiseki dinner and a traditional Japanese breakfast. Both are often served in your room or a private dining area, which makes the whole experience feel incredibly personal.
Onsen (Japanese hot springs) access is the other big draw. Some properties give you a private in-room bath fed directly by hot spring water, while others have large communal baths for soaking alongside fellow guests.
1. Ajisai Onsen Ryokan
Ajisai Onsen Ryokan in Hakone-Yumoto
Address: 320-653 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
Check-in/Check-out: 4:00 PM | 10:30 AM
Hakone-Yumoto is the gateway area to Hakone and one of the most accessible from Tokyo. Ajisai Onsen Ryokan sits close to the station but still manages to feel hidden from the busier stretches of town. It's a solid choice if you’re visiting the area for the first time and want the full ryokan experience without straying too far.
What makes it stand out is the award-winning private open-air onsen; each guest room comes with its own outdoor bath, so you can soak at any hour without sharing the space. The setting is calm, the service attentive, and the kaiseki meals are prepared with seasonal ingredients.
Must-visit places near Ajisai Onsen Ryokan
- Hakone-Yumoto Station: 5-minute walk
- Yumoto Bridge: 5-minute walk
- Amazake Chaya teahouse: 20-minute walk along the old Tokaido trail
2. Hakone Gora Onsen Tonoyu Setsugekka
Rotenburo in Hakone Gora Onsen Tonoyu Setsugekka
Address: 1300-681 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408
Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 PM | 11:00 AM
Gora is one of Hakone's most popular areas, sitting at a higher elevation with cooler air and easy access to the Hakone Open Air Museum. The ryokan scene here is strong, and Tonoyu Setsugekka is one of the standout options in the area. The name itself, Setsugekka, meaning "snow, moon, flowers,"gives a hint at the level of poetry built into the guest experience.
Rooms here are spacious and traditionally styled, with natural wood finishes and private hot spring baths. The communal baths are also impressive, with rotenburo (outdoor baths) surrounded by greenery that shifts with the seasons. Nightly rates are mid- to high-range for the area, but the quality of service and meals justifies the spend.
Must-visit places near Hakone Gora Onsen Tonoyu Setsugekka
- Hakone Open Air Museum: 10-minute walk
- Gora Park: 10-minute walk
- Hakone Ropeway (via Sounzan Station): 15-minute walk
3. Gora Kadan
Luxury ryokan in Gora Kadan
Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408
Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 PM | 11:00 AM
Few properties in Hakone carry the reputation of Gora Kadan. Originally built as a detached palace for the imperial family, it was converted into a luxury ryokan in 1952 and has been regarded as one of Japan's finest ever since. The grounds alone are worth seeing, a formal Japanese garden designed around seasonal blooms.
The kaiseki dining at Gora Kadan is exceptional, drawing on produce from local Kanagawa farms and focusing heavily on seasonality. Private onsen suites are available, and the communal baths are fed by Gora's natural hot springs.
Must-visit places near Gora Kadan
- Hakone Open Air Museum: 10-minute drive
- Gora Park: 5-minute walk
- Hakone Ropeway (via Sounzan Station): 15-minute walk
4. Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone
Lounge area in Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone
Address: 1320-401 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0406
Check-in/Check-out: 2:30 PM | 11:00 AM
The KAI brand by Hoshino Resorts has built a strong following among travelers who want a ryokan experience that feels modern and accessible without losing its cultural roots. Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone is in the Kowakidani area, a quieter part of Hakone that's great if you prefer a calmer setting away from the main tourist flow.
The rooms mix classic Japanese design with modern features. The onsen facility is communal-style and well-maintained, and the local craft element—KAI properties often feature region-specific cultural programming, from yuzen dyeing to sake tasting—adds real depth to the stay.
Plus, rates are more accessible than some competitors, making this a great entry point for the best ryokan in Hakone experience.
5. Sanso Murata
Traditional ryokan in Sanso Murata
Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631
Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 PM | 11:00 AM
Sengokuhara is the plateau area of Hakone, famous for its pampas grass fields and the Hakone Glass Forest Museum. It's more spread out and rural-feeling than Gora, which suits the atmosphere at Sanso Murata perfectly. This is a ryokan built around quiet, understated rooms, a serene garden, and a mindset of slowing down.
The in-room private onsen here draws from Hakone's natural hot springs and is set up to maximize the view of the surrounding greenery. Meals lean heavily toward Kyoto-influenced kaiseki, delicate and seasonal. It's a smaller property, which means a more intimate experience and a higher likelihood of sold-out dates—book at least two to three months out.
Must-visit places near Sanso Murata
- Yunessun Spa Park: 5-minute drive
- Hakone Ropeway: 10-minute drive
- Kowakidani forest trails: 5-minute walk
6. Sengokubara COCON
Modern-looking ryokan in Sengokubara COCON
Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631
Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 PM | 11:00 AM
Sengokubara COCON takes a different approach to the luxury ryokan in Hakone formula. Set at 800 meters above sea level on a garden estate, it was completely renovated from a former company facility into a five-suite boutique property. The interiors mix contemporary design pieces with Japanese sensibility, and para-art installations run throughout the public spaces.
Each of the five suites comes with a private onsen bath fed by Owakudani's mineral-rich geothermal water, a personal sauna, and adjustable-temperature water baths you can use any time. Dining leans toward modern French with Japanese influences—a departure from the traditional kaiseki format, but done at a high level using local Hakone produce.
Spots worth adding to your Hakone itinerary
Beyond the ryokan itself, Hakone has a lot to fill a two- or three-day stay. Owakudani, the volcanic valley reached via ropeway, is one of the most dramatic spots in the region, with active sulfur vents and the famous kuro-tamago (black eggs boiled in the volcanic springs). On clear days, the Mt. Fuji view from here is hard to beat.
Lake Ashi is another highlight, a caldera lake with views of Mt. Fuji on clear mornings and sightseeing cruises that cross the water between Hakone-machi and Togendai. The Hakone Open Air Museum in Chokoku-no-Mori is also well worth a few hours, especially for contemporary sculpture fans.
If you want to see these Hakone highlights in one day, this Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, Owakudani & Hakone tour is an easy way to experience them all without planning the transport yourself.
FAQs about luxury ryokan in Hakone
What is included in a ryokan stay in Hakone?
Most luxury ryokans in Hakone include the room, two meals (kaiseki dinner and a traditional Japanese breakfast), yukata robes, toiletries, and full access to the property's onsen facilities. Some higher-end properties also include welcome drinks, seasonal amenity gifts, and in-room amenities like private hot spring baths.
What is the difference between a private onsen and a communal onsen?
A private onsen (kashikiri-buro) is reserved exclusively for you or your group—usually bookable in 45-minute to one-hour slots, or included with certain room types. A communal bath (rotenburo) is shared with other guests and tends to be larger and more scenic. Both draw from Hakone's natural geothermal water.
Many travelers prefer private onsen for the convenience and intimacy, but the shared bath is the more traditional experience.
Which area of Hakone is best for a luxury ryokan stay?
Gora is the top pick for most travelers, it's well-connected by the mountain railway, close to major attractions like the Open Air Museum and Gora Park, and home to some of the best ryokans in Hakone. Hakone-Yumoto works well if you want easy train access from Tokyo or are on a tighter schedule. Sengokuhara is best if you prioritize quiet and scenery over convenience.
Check the Hakone hot springs guide for more detail on each area's onsen character.
How far in advance should you book a ryokan in Hakone?
For a standard visit, aim to book two to three months ahead. During cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage season (mid-November), popular ryokans can sell out four to six months in advance. Weekends and national holidays fill up faster than weekdays.
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