The grand Hakone Hotel is a large onsen resort located on the southern tip of Lake Ashi. Slightly away from the main cut and thrust of Hakone, this is a great place to enjoy a peaceful stay away from the crowds. Featuring a beautiful interior, two on-site restaurants serving French cuisine and Teppanyaki dishes, a bar, and a summer garden, the Hakone Hotel is ideal if you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing retreat. Children are also welcome at this family-friendly hotel, and kids’ meals are available upon request.

Lakefront rooms all enjoy magical views of Lake Ashi, while the superior and premium rooms on the hotel’s fourth floor also have views of the top of Mount Fuji. Although the hotel does not offer private hot springs, there are two public hot spring baths at the Hakone Hotel. The Spa Ashinoko on the hotel’s 4th floor has views of Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains. The open-air Spa Taikan on the 3rd floor has unrestricted views of the sky, perfect for stargazing after dark. Guests can try canoeing, fishing and other water activities, or relax with a massage at the esthetic clinic.

Guests have been impressed with the hotel's location, staff, and beautiful views. The hotel is also within walking distance of the popular Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. The Hakone Hotel does not have a shuttle service, but it can be easily reached by public transport. There are buses from both Odawara Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station that stop directly opposite the hotel (Hakone Tozan Bus to Hakone-machi; get off at the Hakone Hotel-mae stop).

Languages spoken: Japanese, English

Ryuguden is a grand ryokan with quite a backstory. The hotel was built in 1939 and originally located facing Lake Hanama in Shizuoka Prefecture. The entire hotel was relocated to its current location on the eastern edge of Lake Ashi in 1957. Next to the hotel is the Hakone-en Aquarium and the Komagatake Ropeway, which leads to panoramic views from the summit of Mount Hakone.

Rooms at Ryuguden are incredibly spacious, measuring 65 square meters in size and capable of accommodating up to four guests. All of the hotel’s rooms also feature superb views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. The location and friendly and attentive staff means that Ryuguden offers guests an incredibly comfortable and tranquil stay.

Ryuguden also has two Japanese restaurants on site. Restaurant Fuji is open to the public during the day, while Restaurant Ho-O is only open to hotel guests, located in a beautiful banquet hall. The restaurants also provide children’s menus making this a great option for families. Guests can also hire bicycles or arrange canoeing and fishing trips or enjoy a singalong at karaoke. Previous guests have loved the views of Mount Fuji, particularly from the open-air onsen.

Ryuguden can be easily reached by public transport with buses stopping directly outside the hotel. The journey by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Ryuguden-mae bus stop takes between 45 to 55 minutes depending on the route. The hotel also runs a free daily shuttle service from Odawara Station, though seats need to be reserved in advance.

Languages spoken: Japanese, English, Chinese

Hakone Yuyado Zen is a luxurious ryokan and onsen resort that is close to Ubako Station, one of the stops on the Hakone Ropeway. Situated on the banks of Lake Ashi, all rooms feature semi-open-air onsen baths and a private balcony. The rooms at Hakone Yuyado Zen are a good size at 40 square meters and also come with large, soft comfy beds.

Front-facing rooms all look out onto Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji, while the rooms at the rear of the building face out onto the surrounding forest. A lavish Japanese breakfast and dinner are also included with room bookings at Hakone Yuyado Zen. Both meals consist of traditional multi-course kaiseki cuisine made from typical Japanese ingredients, such as grilled fish, seasonal vegetables and edible wild plants.

A little cut off from the nearest public transport options, the Hakone Yuyado Zen might best suit those with a rental car. However, the hotel runs a free shuttle bus to drop guests off at the nearest bus stop (Palace Hotel Hakone-mae) or Ubako Station for the Hakone Ropeway. Previous guests have raved about the hotel’s excellent food, friendly staff and the fabulous views of Mount Fuji.

Languages spoken: Japanese, English

HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS SENGOKUHARA HAKONE is a fabulous modern ryokan spread across two buildings that offers a range of different sized rooms. Located near the Sengokuhara Susuki Grass Fields, the entire hotel is designed to an exceptionally high standard, featuring a stylish and modern interior decor.

All of the rooms at HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS SENGOKUHARA HAKONE come with a hot spring bath which can be made into a semi-outdoor onsen by sliding open the balcony doors. Rooms either have views of the hotel’s garden or of the surrounding forest, though from some rooms you can also see the peak of Mount Fuji.

A continental breakfast and dinner are included with the room, which consist of European inspired haute-cuisine dishes made from the finest ingredients. Evening meals can also be paired with a wide choice of fine wines or Japanese sake. The hotel also has a children’s menu and is child friendly - strollers are also available to hire for those traveling with babies or toddlers. Guests have praised the hotel’s beautiful interiors, the in-room outdoor onsen and the levels of service provided by the staff.

Although the hotel does not offer a shuttle service, HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS SENGOKUHARA HAKONE is easily reached by public transport. Direct buses from both Hakone-Yumoto Station and Gora Station stop at Hakone Country Entrance bus stop, which is only a three-minute walk from the hotel.

Languages spoken: Japanese, English

Hakone Hoshi no Akari is a ryokan resort located just to the north of Lake Ashi in the Sengokubara region of Hakone. All rooms at Hakone Hoshi no Akari feature balconies with large private hot spring baths. Almost all rooms also come with views over the lush greenery of Hakone and the volcanic summit of Mount Hakone.

A typically sumptuous breakfast and a kaiseki dinner are both included with each room booking. All courses are made from locally sourced ingredients, including fresh fish from nearby Sagami Bay, and fresh vegetables produced on nearby farms. Previous guests at Hakone Hoshi no Akari have praised the hotel’s glorious views, friendly service and lovely relaxed atmosphere.

Hakone Hoshi no Akari has many other appealing features, including a large sky terrace with a hot-spring footbath where you can gaze at the stars at night. There is also a beauty salon on site where you can enjoy aromatherapy treatments or a massage. The nearest bus stop is Hakone Country Entrance bus stop which is a ten-minute walk, though the hotel does also run a free shuttle bus to it for guests.

Languages spoken: Japanese

Hotel Kyuan is a smart and stylish hotel with gorgeous rooms that blend traditional Japanese interiors with elegant touches of Art-Deco inspiration. Each of the beautifully presented guest rooms mixes classic elements such as tatami mats and sliding doors with statement furniture pieces to create a truly relaxing atmosphere.

As well as the beautiful decor, all guest rooms also feature a private semi-open-air hot spring bath and a balcony, many of which have views of Mount Myojogatake. On clear days some rooms have views as far as Sagami Bay.

As is customary, breakfast and dinner are included, both of which are beautifully prepared and presented multicourse meals made from the very finest quality ingredients. Childrens meals can also be arranged at an additional cost. Many previous guests have praised the hotel’s chic and luxurious interiors as well as the attentive and dedicated staff.

The Hotel Kyuan is a six-minute walk along a narrow sidewalk from the nearest bus stop (Verde Nomori bus stop), so this may be a better option for those with their own transport. However, there is a shuttle bus service provided that runs to Sounzan Station for the Hakone Ropeway.

Languages spoken: Japanese

Matsuzakaya Honten is a stylish ryokan in Hakone set in one of the area's most peaceful settings. Fusing traditional design with sleek, modern touches, Matsuzakaya Honten offers a luxurious stay amongst the calming nature of the surrounding forest.

The spacious guest rooms at Matsuzakaya Honten are delightfully arranged and styled. The majority of rooms have their own hot spring baths as well as wonderful views of Mount Hakone. The ryokan also has a private open-air bath and a public indoor onsen that guests can book and use free of charge.

Meals at breakfast and dinner are included, both of which are a multi-course feast of traditional Japanese cuisine. Many previous guests have praised the hotel’s opulent interiors and the extremely high quality of the food. The hotel doesn’t offer a shuttle service, though Azumaashinoyu bus stop is a five-minute walk from the hotel, making it easy to get to Hakone’s main sights. The journey by bus from Matsuzakaya Honten to Hakone-Yumoto Station is only 30 minutes.

Languages spoken: Japanese, English, Chinese

Yoshimatsu is tucked away on a quiet street on the southern shore of Lake Ashi, just a 5-minute walk from the cruise ship dock at Motohakone Port. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, many of the rooms at Yoshimatsu have views of Lake Ashi and the summit of Mount Fuji in the distance, while others have splendid views of the complex’s picturesque grounds and gardens.

All of Yoshimatsu’s guest rooms are a generous size, with the larger suites capable of accommodating up to five guests. All of the hotel’s front-facing rooms come with a view of Mount Fuji, while others look out over the impressive garden. Superior rooms also have their own outdoor space with an open-air onsen.

A traditional Japanese breakfast and delicious kaiseki dinner are included as part of the room booking. Meals are prepared and beautifully presented using the freshest local ingredients of the season. Previous guests have praised the quality of the hotel’s food, as well as the exceptional standard of customer service.

Yoshimatsu is a five-minute walk to Hakone Hotel-mae bus stop, giving easy access to all of the main sightseeing spots in Hakone. There is also a free shuttle service to and from Hakone Machi Bus Station.

Languages spoken: Japanese

The Centurion Hakone Bettei is a beautiful modern ryokan situated near the Sengokuhara region of Hakone. Though only a ten-minute walk from the POLA Museum of Art, the Centurion Hakone Bettei is slightly hidden away from the busier parts of Hakone, making it the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a relaxing break from the city.

The hotel is immaculately presented throughout, decorated with colorful touches and comfortable furniture in communal areas and in the guest rooms. All rooms and suites have their own open-air hot spring baths on private balconies and can sleep up to four guests. As well as the in-room baths, the hotel also has two private open-air onsen and a public bath which can be used free of charge by hotel guests.

The Centurion Hakone Bettei also includes breakfast and a lavish traditional Japanese dinner with the room booking. Guests have a choice between kaiseki, sukiyaki or shabu shabu for their evening meal.

Many of the Centurion Hakone Bettei’s previous guests have spoken positively about the high standard of service, the comfortable rooms and the hotel’s peaceful location. The nearest bus stop is a ten-minute walk, so this might suit those with their own vehicle. The hotel does run a free shuttle bus service to the nearest bus stop.

Languages spoken: Japanese, English

Only a two-minute walk from Gora Station, KARAKU is one of the most luxurious modern ryokans in Hakone. Featuring ultra-modern and supremely stylish architecture and interior design, Hakone Gora KARAKU is both perfectly located for exploring Hakone or a heavenly place to kick back and relax.

There is a choice of Japanese or Western-style rooms, all of which have open-air baths on their own private balcony. The Hakone Gora KARAKU also has two public open-air baths, both of which are beautifully designed and boast stunning views of Hakone. There are also three private onsen that can be booked for 5,000 yen per hour.

A wonderful Western breakfast and Japanese evening meal are included with the room. Both are served in the hotel’s restaurant which enjoys magnificent views of nearby Mount Myojogatake. Children’s meals are also available at an additional cost making this a good option for families visiting Hakone.

Being so close to Gora Station means that access to the hotel is easy from all over Hakone, though the hotel does also run a shuttle bus service twice a day to Odawara Station. If you wish to use the shuttle service you will need to reserve seats in advance. Previous guests are full of praise for this hotel’s stunning architecture, magnificent views as well as its perfect location.

Languages spoken: Japanese, English

We compiled our list of the best ryokans in Hakone by making sure each hotel satisfied a number of requirements. All of the ryokans in this guide have an average rating of at least 8 out of 10 from reviews left by previous guests on Booking.com based on their facilities, their levels of customer service and the overall experience. We also selected hotels that either had excellent views of Mount Fuji or offered rooms with their own private onsen.