HOME Tokyo and Surroundings Kanagawa Kanagawa Suburbs 5 Best Resort Hotels in Kanagawa: Gorgeous Scenery From the Mountains of Hakone to the Shonan Coast
5 Best Resort Hotels in Kanagawa: Gorgeous Scenery From the Mountains of Hakone to the Shonan Coast

5 Best Resort Hotels in Kanagawa: Gorgeous Scenery From the Mountains of Hakone to the Shonan Coast

Last updated: 19 February 2021

When Tokyoites want to escape, many will head just south of the metropolis to Kanagawa Prefecture. Home to places like Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone, one of Kanagawa's draws is that it has a bit of everything: mountains, onsen hot springs, and coastal resorts.

Here we'll introduce five Kanagawa resort hotels easily accessible from Tokyo, which make the perfect getaways!

Each hotel has impressive facilities, making it possible to enjoy your trip simply within the hotel grounds. You'll have to remember to take a walk outside, too! They've all implemented COVID-19 countermeasures, so you can stay with peace of mind.

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Oiso Prince Hotel: A great location overlooking the Shonan seaside
  2. 2. Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora: A next-generation accommodation experience
  3. 3. Hakone / Lake Ashi Hanaori: An up-close view of beautiful Lake Ashi
  4. 4. Hakone Retreat Före: Feel the nature of Sengokuhara with your whole being
  5. 5. Kamakura Prince Hotel: Glimpse a different side of Kamakura

1. Oiso Prince Hotel: A great location overlooking the Shonan seaside

Tourists flock to Oiso Long Beach pool every summer
Tourists flock to Oiso Long Beach pool every summer

Oiso is known as Japan's first beach town and Oiso Prince Hotel boasts a great location within the Shonan region where you can see the ocean up close. The nearest station, Oiso Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line, is about an hour from Tokyo Station, and it's about a 13-minute bus ride from the station to the hotel.

In addition to English-speaking staff, hotel information is available in English. The building is fully Wi-Fi enabled, so it's also a suitable workcation destination.

An Ocean View Twin Room, where you can fully soak in the Shonan seaside
An Ocean View Twin Room, where you can fully soak in the Shonan seaside

In 2017, the interior was renovated with a seaside villa theme to make guests feel at home and any rooms overlook the shining blue ocean. In the past, Oiso was a popular destination for influential figures, with Shigeru Yoshida, former Prime Minister of Japan, and literary master Toson Shimazaki owning local residences.

Thermal Spa S.Wave's infinity pool
Thermal Spa S.Wave's infinity pool

In summer, the resort's Oiso Long Beach pool opens and guests can participate in a variety of activities. Newly developed Thermal Spa S.Wave, which has four types of saunas and hot springs, and an infinity pool, is also gaining popularity.

(*Please note that these facilities have a no-tattoo policy.)

Enjoy Chinese food with a modern twist at Chinese Cuisine So
Enjoy Chinese food with a modern twist at Chinese Cuisine So

You can eat seasonal dishes featuring seafood and mountain foods served at restaurants overlooking the Pacific Ocean, including a kaiseki (homestyle Japanese cooking) restaurant specializing in local fish and yams and a modern Chinese restaurant.

Countermeasures against Covid-19
•Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of facilities
•Hand sanitizer made available
•Plastic partitions installed
•Implementation of regular cleaning, ventilation, and disinfection
•Social distancing measures in place
•Shortening of business hours at each facility in the building
•Breakfast buffet suspended
•Staff wear masks and gloves, use hand sanitizer, and monitor temperatures
•Masks required for guests
•Guest temperature and health checks enforced

  • Oiso Prince Hotel
    大磯プリンスホテル
    • Address Kokufu Hongo 546, Oiso, Kanagawa, 259-0193
    • Nearest Station Ninomiya Station (JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line)
      39 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

2. Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora: A next-generation accommodation experience

Opened in January 2020 along Hakone's Hayakawa River
Opened in January 2020 along Hakone's Hayakawa River

Hakone is considered the best hot spring resort area in Kanagawa, and one of the newest hotels in the Gora area is Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora, opened in January 2020. There's a free shuttle bus from Odawara Station or you can get there on foot from Hakone Tozan Railway Gora Station in about 13 minutes.

The calm, woody Deluxe King Hillside Room with hot spring bath
The calm, woody Deluxe King Hillside Room with hot spring bath

The hotel's philosophy of presenting a next-generation travel experience is accomplished by introducing the one and only "Neighborhood Story" theme that incorporates nature, culture, and history that can only be found in Hakone.

For example, the halls and rooms feature parquet flooring, one of Hakone's traditional crafts. All the guest rooms have hot springs so you can relax in privacy while watching the Hayakawa River flowing below your window.

A large communal bath that's different from conventional hot springs
A large communal bath that's different from conventional hot springs

Another of the hotel's features is the opportunity to reap the healing benefits of Hakone's famous hot springs in a completely new way. International guests unaccustomed to hot springs can relax as swimsuits are worn in the large communal bath, making it possible for couples and families to bathe together regardless of gender.

There's also a digital art show projected on a huge screen to add to the extraordinary experience, and tattooed guest may enter if their body art is covered.

The impressive design of Riverside Kitchen & Bar incorporates traditional Japanese art
The impressive design of Riverside Kitchen & Bar incorporates traditional Japanese art
Ashigara Wagyu beef sirloin aged 30 days
Ashigara Wagyu beef sirloin aged 30 days

The restaurant has an attractive interior design inspired by the nature and culture of Hakone Gora. In the large oven at the center of the dining room, the chef grills dishes while skillfully tending the flames.

Abundant local ingredients are used, including Ashigara beef from local vendors, fresh seafood delivered from the Odawara market, fresh eggs produced in the suburbs, and locally grown vegetables.

Guests have a choice of Japanese or Western breakfast, and menus in English and Japanese are available on the hotel's homepage (free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel).

Countermeasures against Covid-19
•Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of facilities
•Hand sanitizer made available
•Plastic partitions installed
•Implementation of regular cleaning, ventilation, and disinfection
•Restriction on the number of people using communal baths and spa facilities
•Social distancing measures in place
•Spacious seating arrangement
•Staff wear masks, disinfect hands, and monitor temperatures
•Guests requested to wear masks
•Guest temperatures measured

3. Hakone / Lake Ashi Hanaori: An up-close view of beautiful Lake Ashi

Adjacent to Lake Ashi
Adjacent to Lake Ashi

Hakone / Lake Ashi Hanaori is situated right next to the lake and this prime location is just a 2-minute walk from the Hakone Ropeway and the Togendai pirate ship dock. Front desk staff speak English and free Wi-Fi is available anywhere in the hotel.

The panoramic view of Lake Ashi from the lobby's windows
The panoramic view of Lake Ashi from the lobby's windows
The hotel offers excellent access to sightseeing spots in the area
The hotel offers excellent access to sightseeing spots in the area

Most impressively, you're treated to a screen-like view of Lake Ashi from the lobby, terrace, footbath, and more.

The guest rooms combine Western modernity with the relaxed style of a Japanese ryokan inn. There are room types to suit different tastes, with open-air baths on the terrace or views of Lake Ashi.

Tanayu Four Seasons Open-air Bath where you can feel closer to nature with a view Hakone's mountains
Tanayu Four Seasons Open-air Bath where you can feel closer to nature with a view Hakone's mountains

Two large communal baths offer an up-close view of Lake Ashi and a garden view that changes with the seasons. The open-air bath provides further enjoyment of Hakone's famous hot springs. Tattoo-covering stickers are sold at the front desk, so even tattooed guests can use the communal hot springs without hesitation.

Fifteen kinds of small appetizers served in a basket
Fifteen kinds of small appetizers served in a basket

At the dining room overlooking Lake Ashi, guests are treated to a colorful Japanese and Western buffet of seasonal dishes. Dinner includes appetizers, meat and fish dishes, carefully prepared salads, and sweets. Breakfast features a wide offering of healthy food to satisfy your appetite.

Countermeasures against Covid-19
•Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of facilities
•Hand sanitizer made available
•Implementation of regular cleaning, ventilation, and disinfection
•Frequent replacement of tongs, ladles, and other serving utensils
•Staff wear masks, disinfect hands, and monitor temperatures
•Guests requested to have temperatures measured, wear masks, disinfect hands, and wear gloves at restaurants

4. Hakone Retreat Före: Feel the nature of Sengokuhara with your whole being

Surrounded by lush greenery
Surrounded by lush greenery

A convenient base for exploring Hakone, Hakone Retreat Före is in the mountains of Sengokuhara, about 30 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station via the Hakone Tozan Bus. "Före" is a Swedish word that means "forward" and, along with the beautiful green scenery, Hakone Retreat Före is reminiscent of a Scandinavian resort.

Located about a 3-minute walk from the Tawaraishi Glass Forest bus stop, the retreat has English and Chinese speaking staff, and multilingual signs posted throughout. Further information is available in English and free Wi-Fi is available anywhere in the facility.

The Deluxe Double Room (with wood stove) has a separate living room and bedroom
The Deluxe Double Room (with wood stove) has a separate living room and bedroom

The cafe lounge serves coffee made with beans from Unir Coffee in Nagaoka, Kyoto, and a terrace where you can feel close to nature. The guest rooms have a modern atmosphere and views of Sengokuhara's natural beauty. Some rooms are equipped with wood-burning stoves, so you can delight your senses with the sound of burning wood and the sight of flickering flames.

Semi-open-air Onsen F lined with dark greenery
Semi-open-air Onsen F lined with dark greenery

A large communal bath surrounded by lush greenery rests along a forest-facing 200-meter-long wooden deck. As you soak in the hot water, the scent and near-silence of the woods along with the echoing chirps of small birds will make you feel like part of the forest.

Originally intended as a COVID-19 countermeasure to increase airflow, changing the bath to a semi-open-air style by removing the former indoor bath's windows has resulted in an increased the sense of unity with nature. Free tattoo-covering stickers are available at the front desk.

The Woodside Dining restaurant serves French cuisine made with ingredients from the local Suruga area
The Woodside Dining restaurant serves French cuisine made with ingredients from the local Suruga area

For meals, guests can choose from a restaurant offering wood-fired French cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients or a kaiseki restaurant tailored to elaborate tastes.

Guests are invited to a gastronomic journey featuring some of Japan's finest fresh meat, vegetables, and fish from the Suruga area.

Countermeasures against Covid-19
•Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of facilities
•Hand sanitizer made available
•Implementation of regular cleaning, ventilation, and disinfection
•Private check-in/check-out
•Providing disposable gloves at the restaurant
•Staff wear masks, wash hands, gargle and disinfect
•Guests requested wear masks and disinfect hands

  • Hakone Retreat Före
    • Address Sengokuhara 1286-116, Hakone, Kanagawa, 250-0631
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Sounzan Station (Hakone Tozan Cable Car)

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

5. Kamakura Prince Hotel: Glimpse a different side of Kamakura

Located on a gently sloping hill overlooking the ocean at Shichirigahama
Located on a gently sloping hill overlooking the ocean at Shichirigahama

Kamakura, about an hour from Tokyo by train, is a popular day-trip destination. The Kamakura Prince Hotel, located about an 8-minute walk from Enoshima Electric Railway's Shichirigahama Station, is surrounded by the sea and mountains and boasts a unique view of Kamakura. Staff members can speak English and hotel information is also available in English.

A Hollywood Twin Room, overlooking Sagami Bay and Enoshima, with a view of Mt. Fuji on a clear day
A Hollywood Twin Room, overlooking Sagami Bay and Enoshima, with a view of Mt. Fuji on a clear day

All the rooms overlook Sagami Bay, and some offer views of Enoshima and Mt. Fuji. In summer, you can also enjoy looking at the ocean from the outdoor pool. In contrast, vibrant greenery fills the large windows of the lounge.

(*All rooms have free Wi-Fi. Pool has a no-tattoo policy.)

Restaurant Le Trianon with a wide view of the ocean
Restaurant Le Trianon with a wide view of the ocean

Restaurant choices include a French restaurant overlooking the ocean or a restaurant in the annex where you can enjoy teppanyaki, kaiseki meals, and soba noodles. Dishes are seasonal and made with local ingredients.

Countermeasures against Covid-19
•Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of facilities
•Hand sanitizer made available
•Plastic partitions installed
•Implementation of regular cleaning, ventilation, and disinfection
•Social distancing measures in place
•Shortening of business hours at each facility in the building
•Breakfast buffet suspended
•Staff wear masks and gloves, use hand sanitizer, and monitor temperatures
•Masks required for guests
•Guest temperature and health checks enforced

  • Kamakura Prince Hotel
    • Address 1-2-18 Shichirigahama Higashi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa, 248-0025
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Shichirigahama Station (Enoshima Electric Railway Line)
      11 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

Kanagawa has many popular tourist destinations like Kamakura and Hakone and has traditionally attracted a high volume of micro-tourism. Easily accessible from Tokyo, it's a great place to experience a resort-like getaway. Why not take the opportunity to rediscover the charms of Kanagawa!

* Due to the influence of COVID-19, business hours may be changed and temporary closures or changes in services may occur.

English translation: Gabriel Wilkinson

Written by:
Mae Kakizaki
Mae Kakizaki

Active as a freelance writer and editor since 2019. Utilizing her background as a monthly magazine and portal site editor, she currently contributes walk-around-town articles to websites.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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