Best Ryokan in Hakone, Japan (with Private Onsen & best location!)

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If you’re planning a trip to Hakone and looking for the best ryokan in Hakone, look no further! During my first trip to Japan, I spent three weeks there, and staying in a ryokan with a private onsen in Hakone was among my top priorities.

Hakone is often visited as a day trip from Tokyo, but staying overnight allows you to experience a quieter side of the region – early mornings by Lake Ashi, peaceful forest surroundings, and the chance to fully enjoy traditional Japanese hot spring (onsen) culture.

👉 Plus check out this 2 day Hakone itinerary

During my stay, I chose a ryokan near Lake Ashi with a private in-room onsen. It ended up being one of my favorite accommodations in Japan, and I would absolutely recommend building an overnight stay into your itinerary if your schedule allows.

This guide shares my real experience staying at Hananoyado Fukuya, along with other highly rated ryokan in Hakone with private onsen that are worth considering.

The best ryokan in Hakone

Hananoyado Fukuya is a traditional ryokan located near Lake Ashi in a quiet, forested part of Hakone. Compared to areas like Gora or Hakone-Yumoto, this area feels noticeably more peaceful and secluded.

We stored our luggage upon arrival and were greeted by the most welcoming staff. Upon check-in, we were given welcome drinks, kimonos, and a tour of the facility.

The room was stocked with different types of fresh green tea (my love language), and was also surprisingly spacious. In many accommodations across Japan, space can feel limited – but here we had plenty of room to relax, unpack, and settle in comfortably. The futon bedding was extremely comfortable, and we also had two different tables to lounge at. Overall, the atmosphere felt authentic without being overly formal or intimidating.

One of the highlights of our stay was having a private onsen bath in the room backed up to a small patch of forest.

After a full day of travel and sightseeing, soaking in the nature (and in the hot onsen water) felt incredibly restorative. It was quiet, calming, and very different from the fast pace of Tokyo.

Not all rooms in the ryokan have private onsens, but there are plenty of onsens for private (or semi-private) booking within the facility.

*Note: this was not a sponsored trip*

Kaiseki Meals: Worth the Splurge

If your budget allows, I highly recommend booking kaiseki meals during your ryokan stay.

We chose to book the kaiseki breakfast, which was beautifully presented and felt like a full cultural experience.

My only regret is that we didn’t also book the dinner kaiseki. At the time, we were stretching our travel budget, but if you’re an adventurous eater or want a complete ryokan experience, I would absolutely recommend doing both.

Another detail I loved was our personal room hostess (Nakai-san). Instead of having breakfast in a dining hall, it is served in your room. Our hostess was friendly, and having her come in and out of the room didn’t feel intrusive. Living in an era where (at times) it seems like good service is dead, this was a pleasant touch.

Kaiseki dining is very different from typical restaurant meals. It’s very traditional and is based on seasonally available items. Kaiseki may include many different things – but rice, soup, and grilled fish are common components.

This was the only time I had kaiseki in my 3-week Japan trip, and it was one of the most memorable parts of staying in a ryokan! *Keep scrolling see the full tour!*

Posing at Hakone Shrine on Lake Ashi — Hakone Shrine

Is lake ashi the best location for your hakone stay?

One of the biggest benefits of staying at Hananoyado Fukuya was the location!

We were able to walk to many of the main sights in the Lake Ashi area, including visiting Hakone Shrine early in the morning before the crowds and long photo lines formed. This alone made staying overnight worthwhile.

We also walked into the nearby town and hiked the historic Old Tokaido Road directly from the ryokan. Being able to explore at a slower pace without worrying about train schedules or rushing back to Tokyo made the experience feel much more relaxed.

There are relatively few accommodations right around Lake Ashi, which keeps the area quiet – especially at sunrise and sunset! On clear days, you can SEE MOUNT FUJI! So why miss out on this?!

Most travelers stay in other parts of Hakone, so overnight guests here get a more peaceful atmosphere.

Honestly, many of the things travelers want to do (and are worthwhile) in Hakone are accessible from this area.

Practical Tips & Things to Know

There are a few practical considerations when staying near Hananoyado Fukuya

There is a 20 – 40 meter (65 – 130 feet) hill you’ll need to walk up and down if you plan to explore on foot rather than using the ryokan shuttle (like after hours). It’s notably short but steep. This may be more challenging for travelers with mobility limitations. Personally, I didn’t mind the extra movement – especially since we were eating so much incredible food throughout Japan.

Dining options in the nearby town can also close early in the evening. To balance this, we stopped at 7-Eleven (5 min walk) for snacks.

I know convenience store meals might not sound exciting, but Japanese konbinis are genuinely part of the travel experience. The egg salad sandwiches and karaage chicken were surprisingly perfect for late-night cravings! I wouldn’t rely on them for every meal, but they’re a great backup option.

Side note: I loved Bakery & Table, right by the dock. We stopped here for lunch when we arrived!

Other Highly Rated Ryokan in Hakone with Private Onsen

While I personally stayed at Hananoyado Fukuya, there are several other ryokan in Hakone known for private onsen experiences. These may be better options depending on your travel style, location preferences, or budget.

Gora Kadan

Often considered one of the most luxurious ryokan in Hakone, Gora Kadan offers spacious suites, private open-air baths, and a high level of service. The property blends traditional architecture with modern design and includes spa facilities and landscaped gardens.

This is a strong choice for honeymooners or travelers planning a special occasion stay.

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu

Ten-yu offers a more modern ryokan experience while still providing access to private baths and scenic mountain views. It tends to be easier to book than smaller traditional inns and can be a good option for travelers who want comfort and dramatic onsen scenery.

Taking the Lake Ashi boat to Hakone to the best ryokan in Hakone — Taking the boat over Lake Ashi

How to Get to Hananoyado Fukuya

Hananoyado Fukuya is located near Lake Ashi in one of the quieter areas of Hakone. While it feels peaceful and somewhat tucked away, getting there is very manageable, whether you’re traveling by public transportation or car.

Getting There by Train and Bus (Most Common Option)

If you’re coming from Tokyo, the easiest route is:

Take the Odakyu Romancecar or JR train toward Hakone
Continue via the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, or ropeway, depending on your route
Take a local bus toward the Lake Ashi / Moto-Hakone area

From the nearest bus stop, the ryokan is within walking distance, though there is a noticeable hill leading up to the property.

If you’re traveling with luggage or prefer not to walk uphill, the ryokan can arrange a pickup shuttle with advance notice.

This is a good option if you plan to explore Hakone using public transportation and scenic routes like the ropeway or pirate ship cruise.

Getting There by Car (quickest Option)

Driving to Hakone is very straightforward and can be a great choice if you’re including other destinations like Mount Fuji or Kawaguchiko in your itinerary.

Hananoyado Fukuya offers private on-site parking for guests, which makes arrival simple and stress-free.

Arrival Tips

Plan to arrive around check-in time (typically mid-afternoon) so you can fully enjoy your private onsen and relax before dinner.
Many restaurants near Lake Ashi close early, so arriving earlier in the day allows more time to explore the area.
If you want to visit Hakone Shrine without crowds, staying overnight makes it easy to go early the next morning before tour groups arrive.

… So, should you stay at a ryokan in hakone & is this the best choice?

I wouldn’t have planned our trip differently. I highly recommend staying overnight at Lake Ashi and experiencing a traditional ryokan – and Hananoyado Fukuya is a great choice.

For me, spending just one night here made the experience feel slower. Soaking in a private forest-backed onsen after hiking and exploring was one of the most restorative experiences of my Japan trip.

If you’re building a Japan itinerary and debating whether to book a ryokan in Hakone, I would absolutely recommend it- with Hananoyado Fukuya being my first choice.

👉 Looking for more Hakone? Check out this full 2 day Hakone itinerary

Hi, I’m Amber —

A Michigan native now living in Washington with a deep love for travel and the outdoors. What started with church mission trips and traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring the world through hiking, food, culture, and the beauty of God’s creation. Sometimes I’m joined by my goldendoodle, Millie, but I’m always traveling with my camera. My goal is to help you feel inspired and confident that travel is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.