Yamagaso

250-0311 Kanagawa, Hakone, Yumoto 592, Japan

Guest reviews: 8.6

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what really caught me off guard about Yamagaso? The moment you step inside, there’s this immediate sense that you’ve stumbled into something that’s been perfected over decades – and I mean that in the best possible way. It sits right in the heart of Yumoto, which honestly is exactly where you want to be if you’re doing Hakone properly. You’re literally a five-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station, but here’s the thing – it doesn’t feel touristy or rushed like some of those places that are just capitalizing on foot traffic.

The building itself has this understated elegance that you see in really good Japanese hotels. Not flashy, but every single detail feels intentional. The staff actually remembers your name after one interaction (which, let’s be honest, doesn’t happen everywhere), and they seem to genuinely know the area. When I asked about the best time to hit the outdoor onsen, the front desk guy didn’t just give me the standard answer – he told me that around 6 AM you’ll practically have it to yourself, and the morning mist over the mountains is something else entirely. He was absolutely right. The onsen experience here is what you came to Hakone for, by the way. The water has that perfect mineral feel, and the outdoor bath… well, you’re soaking in natural hot springs while looking out at actual mountain views, not some artificial landscaping.

What I really appreciated was how they handle the whole ryokan experience without making it feel performative. The tatami rooms are immaculate – and I mean spotless in that way that only Japanese hotels seem to master – but they’re also genuinely comfortable. The futon setup is proper, not some tourist-friendly compromise. Dinner was served in the room, which felt special but not overly formal, and the kaiseki meal was honestly better than some places I’ve paid twice as much for in Tokyo. They source a lot locally, and you can taste the difference. The only minor thing – and this is really nitpicking – is that the walls aren’t the thickest, so if you’re a light sleeper, you might hear your neighbors getting up early for the baths. But honestly, in a place like this, everyone’s pretty respectful about noise levels.

The location really is ideal if you’re planning to explore Hakone properly. You’re close enough to walk to the Hakone Open-Air Museum if you’re into that, and the ropeway station is easily accessible. But more importantly, you’re in a part of Yumoto that still feels authentic – there are local shops and small restaurants nearby that aren’t just catering to day-trippers. After a day of hitting the touristy spots, coming back to Yamagaso feels like retreating to your own little sanctuary. It’s the kind of place that makes you understand why people become obsessed with traditional Japanese hospitality.

HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS

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Reviews

Staff: 9.4

Comfort: 9.1

Location: 9.1

Free WiFi: 10

Facilities: 9.0

Cleanliness: 9.1

Value for money: 7.8

Connie from Australia (14 November 2024)

9/10

Loved the whole setup, the service and the private onset, it’s a magical experience for us.

What could be improved: I booked a night w breakfast included thinking it will be traditional Japanese breakfast as per the pictures and review photos. However, during our stay the breakfast served was not Japanese style and I was a little disappointed.

Aastika from India (30 December 2024)

9/10

Loved the serene atmosphere and the quiet surroundings. An experience of a traditional japanese home stay like no other

Iris from Australia (2 December 2024)

9/10

This was definitely the highlight of my Japan trip. It was an astounding Japanese garden and traditional house in the middle of Hakone. It was quiet and when you go outside you’re greeted by a river and astounding mountain view side. The cabin is quite large and surrounded by ponds and trees. The futon was comfy and the AC was effective driving...

Iris from Australia (2 December 2024)

9/10

This was definitely the highlight of my Japan trip. It was an astounding Japanese garden and traditional house in the middle of Hakone. It was quiet and when you go outside you’re greeted by a river and astounding mountain view side.

The cabin is quite large and surrounded by ponds and trees. The futon was comfy and the AC was effective driving the cold away. I’m very sad leaving the kotatsu behind.

The kaiseki meals are delicious and quite a bit as well I’m always full and haven’t finished the meals.

What could be improved: Nothing

Anna from United States (4 November 2024)

9/10

The staff was very helpful and friendly. We had two sets of friends, one that stayed here and another at Senki. We both LOVED the experience. We came during a downpour and the staff were so kind and carried our luggage to our rooms. They even dried the outside of them off. The futons were very comfortable and we all enjoyed our breakfasts. The hot...

Anna from United States (4 November 2024)

9/10

The staff was very helpful and friendly. We had two sets of friends, one that stayed here and another at Senki. We both LOVED the experience. We came during a downpour and the staff were so kind and carried our luggage to our rooms. They even dried the outside of them off. The futons were very comfortable and we all enjoyed our breakfasts. The hot spring options were great! We didn't get to experience the upstairs outdoor one with the view because of the heavy rain though, which was to no fault of their own. They also helped us ship our luggage and call a taxi when we were having trouble with the GO app due to it being a holiday. When we left in the taxi, they helped load our suitcases and they gave us a warm goodbye. Both sets of friends agreed that we highly recommend both here at Yamagaso and Senki.

Cameron from Australia (8 October 2024)

9/10

I loved everything about Yamagosa, It was truly a small slice of authentic japanese paradise. The inner grounds of Yamagosa were beautiful from the gorgeous pathways through the gardens to the trickling sound of water throughout the grounds.. The private onsen bath catered to my partner and I having Tattoos, and the staff went above and beyond to...

Cameron from Australia (8 October 2024)

9/10

I loved everything about Yamagosa, It was truly a small slice of authentic japanese paradise. The inner grounds of Yamagosa were beautiful from the gorgeous pathways through the gardens to the trickling sound of water throughout the grounds.. The private onsen bath catered to my partner and I having Tattoos, and the staff went above and beyond to make sure you were comfortable. The perfect place to unwind and relax..... 10 out of 10

What could be improved: There was nothing I didn't like about Yamagosa......

Dora from Mexico (8 September 2024)

9/10

The place was great, but what we most enjoyed were the meals, we asked for breakfast and dinner and they were exquisite, our best stay in Japan by far.

Stephen from United Kingdom (18 June 2024)

9/10

- Absolutely stunning gardens and buildings everywhere you looked - Your room is its own little house. Very exclusive. - The old lady who looked after us was so warm, caring and generous. - Had a private “family” hot bath for one group at a time to use, which was a nice touch. - Able to use the indoor and rooftop outdoor baths of the neighbouring...

Stephen from United Kingdom (18 June 2024)

9/10

- Absolutely stunning gardens and buildings everywhere you looked
- Your room is its own little house. Very exclusive.
- The old lady who looked after us was so warm, caring and generous.
- Had a private “family” hot bath for one group at a time to use, which was a nice touch.
- Able to use the indoor and rooftop outdoor baths of the neighbouring hotel (easily connected by a staircase)
- Very peaceful and serene

What could be improved: - Nothing. Worth the high price tag.

Lauren from United States (21 April 2024)

9/10

This place was the most special and unique experience. I agonized over where to stay in Hakone and so so glad this is what I chose. My husband and I had such a great time in our beautiful room, Chouji, which was more like a small house. The service was so sweet and attentive and the meals served were extensive and so good. The onsens were all very...

Lauren from United States (21 April 2024)

9/10

This place was the most special and unique experience. I agonized over where to stay in Hakone and so so glad this is what I chose. My husband and I had such a great time in our beautiful room, Chouji, which was more like a small house. The service was so sweet and attentive and the meals served were extensive and so good. The onsens were all very nice and relaxing. We stayed one night, which was perfect for us, but could have stayed longer.

Ramos from United Kingdom (2 April 2024)

9/10

Everything! It was a great stay, especially for one night! We loved that there was a private bath and there were no reservations needed to go! The onsen was wonderful and we would definitely come again! The inn had everything we needed and more, we wished we stayed longer in order to experience more of the area and yamagaso! What could be...

Ramos from United Kingdom (2 April 2024)

9/10

Everything! It was a great stay, especially for one night! We loved that there was a private bath and there were no reservations needed to go! The onsen was wonderful and we would definitely come again! The inn had everything we needed and more, we wished we stayed longer in order to experience more of the area and yamagaso!

What could be improved: One thing is that we didn't get any food included with the booking and wished we did as we were hungry when we got there! It would be good if we were warned a shorter stay meant no meals ;u;

Magda from Greece (31 March 2024)

9/10

Very nice ryokan made u feel like u r at home ❤️ good private onsen experience don’t miss it The dinner was traditional Japanese staff which we didn’t know but enjoyed almost all of them Very gentle staff What could be improved: I texted the property many times nobody answered we should know about check in to the next building before our...

Magda from Greece (31 March 2024)

9/10

Very nice ryokan made u feel like u r at home ❤️ good private onsen experience don’t miss it

The dinner was traditional Japanese staff which we didn’t know but enjoyed almost all of them

Very gentle staff

What could be improved: I texted the property many times nobody answered we should know about check in to the next building before our arrival.

Extremely high priced for what is offered. I think half it should be priced about 30% lower so that it’s attractive. Now, while we enjoyed our stay, I believe it was a waste of money.

SURROUNDINGS

What's nearby:

  • Hotoku Museum: 6 km
  • Odawara Castle: 6 km
  • Odawara Kokian: 5 km
  • Taiko no Iwaburo: 6 km
  • Kei Hiraga Museum: 500 m
  • Chokozan Shoutaiji: 3.1 km
  • Hatajuku Ichirizuka: 4.6 km
  • Forest Adventure Hakone: 1.4 km
  • Honma Yosegi Art Museum: 2.2 km
  • Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum: 3.6 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Cafe/bar茶のちもと: 450 m
  • Cafe/bar豆腐処 萩野: 350 m
  • Cafe/bar画廊喫茶ユトリロ: 550 m

Top attractions:

  • Pola Museum: 11 km
  • Hakone Gora Park: 8 km
  • Hakone Checkpoint: 10 km
  • Okada Museum of Art: 6 km
  • Hakone Museum of Art: 8 km
  • Hakone Lalique Museum: 12 km
  • Venetian Glass Museum: 11 km
  • Hakone Open-Air Museum: 7 km
  • Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands: 13 km

Natural beauty:

  • Waterfall Chisuji Falls: 6 km

Ski lifts:

  • Yeti 1: 44 km
  • Yeti 2: 44 km
  • Yeti 3: 44 km

Beaches in the neighbourhood:

  • Miyukinohama Beach: 6 km

Public transport:

  • Train Tonosawa Station: 1.4 km
  • Train Hakone-Yumoto Station: 800 m

Closest airports:

  • Oshima Airport: 80 km
  • Tokyo Haneda Airport: 97 km

ROOMS

  • Estimated price from: $556. AOI-Japanese-Style Room with Hotspring Semi-Open Air Bath with 4 futon beds for 1 - 2 guests
  • Estimated price from: $585. CHOUJI -Japanese-Style Room with Hotspring Semi-Open Air Bath with 4 futon beds for 1 - 2 guests
  • Estimated price from: $629. TSUKUSHI -Japanese-Style Room with Hotspring Semi-Open Air Bath with 4 futon beds for 1 - 2 guests
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FACILITIES

View:

  • Inner courtyard view
  • Garden view
  • View

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet

General:

  • Shuttle service
  • Shared lounge/T V area
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Private entrance
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service

Kitchen:

  • Refrigerator

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bidet
  • Bath or shower
  • Shared toilet
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath
  • Shower

Outdoors:

  • Terrace
  • Patio
  • Garden

Wellness:

  • Spa lounge/relaxation area
  • Public Bath
  • Open-air bath
  • Hot spring bath
  • Massage Additional charge
  • Spa and wellness centre

Living Area:

  • Seating Area
  • Desk

Food & Drink:

  • Coffee house on site
  • Wine/champagne Additional charge
  • Kid meals Additional charge
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Breakfast in the room

Accessibility:

  • Entire unit located on ground floor

Room Amenities:

  • Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
  • Drying rack for clothing

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Japanese
  • Vietnamese
  • Chinese

Cleaning services:

  • Daily housekeeping

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Key access
  • 24-hour security
  • Safety deposit box

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Telephone
  • TV

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Concierge service
  • Luggage storage
  • 24-hour front desk

Business facilities:

  • Fax/photocopying Additional charge
  • Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge

Most popular facilities:

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free parking
  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Room service
  • Free WiFi
  • Family rooms
  • Hot spring bath
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Breakfast
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HOUSE RULES

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00 to 19:00
  • You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.

Check-out:

  • Until 11:00

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.

HOTEL ADDRESS

250-0311 Kanagawa, Hakone, Yumoto 592, Japan

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