Hakone is one of Japan’s top onsen destinations, known for its relaxing hot springs and beautiful scenery. The area is made up of 5 distinct regions, including Yumoto and Gora, each with its own unique onsen water and atmosphere.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked the best ryokan with private onsen in Hakone－perfect for anyone looking for a quiet, relaxing soak. For an extra special experience, we’ve also included an exquisite hotel with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. If you’re planning a trip to Hakone, don’t miss these exceptional stays.
8 Ryokans with Private Hot Springs in Hakone
Gōra Kadan
Gōra Kadan, one of Japan’s most esteemed ryokan, preserves the spirit of traditional Japanese hospitality while embracing the beauty of modern refinement. In April 2024, it became the first establishment in Japan to receive three Michelin Keys, recognizing its heartfelt service and exceptional accommodations.
Established in 1948 on the former estate of the Kan’in-no-miya family—a noble branch of the imperial household—the ryokan continues to honor its origins. Drawn to Gōra’s serene setting and healing hot springs, the family created a retreat that embodied tranquility and elegance. Today, Gōra Kadan carries forward this legacy through wagokoro: a spirit of hospitality grounded in harmony, sincerity, and deep respect for nature.
With 41 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, many featuring private open-air baths, the ryokan offers a deeply personal experience. Each guest is attentively served through a unique system where one staff member is responsible for only two rooms, ensuring meticulous care and discretion.
Beyond its refined accommodations, Gōra Kadan features seasonal kaiseki dining, a spa, stone sauna, swimming pool, and fitness gym—all nestled in the gentle beauty of Hakone. It is a place where tradition and nature exist in quiet harmony, inviting guests to reconnect and restore.
Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan
Established in 1883, Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan is one of Hakone’s most historic inns, welcoming guests for generations. Known as the birthplace of Kowakudani Onsen, it has preserved its Meiji-era charm while seamlessly integrating modern comforts, making it a favorite among travelers over the years.
The ryokan features 25 guest rooms spread across the Main Building, Annex, and Detached Villas, each offering its own distinct atmosphere.
For those seeking a private onsen experience, Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan offers more than just a spacious open-air bath with natural hot spring water. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary private bath, ensuring a tranquil and secluded soak, even without a personal open-air bath in their room. The combination of fresh mountain air and soothing thermal waters makes for a truly refreshing and rejuvenating escape.
Dining at Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan is equally impressive. The signature Mikawaya Nabe, a specialty hot pot, is served alongside a seasonal kaiseki meal featuring locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is carefully crafted, not just to satisfy the palate but to enhance the overall experience.
Hakone Kowakien Tenyu
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu provides the perfect balance of Japanese tradition and modern luxury, making it an ideal destination for a refined onsen retreat. Opened in 2017, this prestigious resort features 150 guest rooms, each with its own private open-air onsen. Guests can enjoy soaking in the natural hot spring waters of their in-room baths, while taking in Hakone’s beautiful scenery. The resort also offers exclusive private onsen facilities, ensuring a tranquil and indulgent soak.
Dining at Ten-yu is a true feast for the senses. The on-site restaurant, Dining Hakone, primarily features a buffet-style offering, complemented by an open kitchen, where guests can watch chefs prepare each meal firsthand. The menu offers innovative fusion cuisine that blends Japanese and Western flavors. Crafted with carefully selected seasonal ingredients, each dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making for a memorable and engaging dining experience.
For anyone seeking a fine drink, Ten-yu’s bar is a hidden gem in Hakone. Guests can savor expertly mixed cocktails, premium wines, and a curated selection of whiskeys. A standout on the menu is the Hakone-inspired original cocktails, exclusive to the resort－capturing the essence of the region in every sip.
Adding to the sophisticated atmosphere, the resort regularly hosts live music events, including instrumental performances and vocal showcases, creating an elegant and relaxing ambiance. With soothing hot springs, gourmet dining, and live music, Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu offers a lavish and unforgettable resort stay.
Fufu Hakone
Fufu Hakone offers an unparalleled retreat, combining intimacy, luxury, and relaxation. Opened in 2022, this boutique resort has already earned a Michelin Key, recognized for its outstanding hospitality and refined elegance. Set within the lush Hakone mountains, it is surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views, making for a tranquil escape immersed in nature
The resort has only 39 all-suite rooms, each with its own private open-air onsen, creating an exclusive and tranquil atmosphere. The interiors beautifully blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design, making the space stylish yet deeply relaxing.
Dining at Fufu Hakone is a remarkable experience in its own right, with two high-end restaurants to choose from. At Yama no Emi, guests can enjoy refined Japanese dining through a customizable prix fixe menu featuring a wide selection of seasonal dishes. For a more interactive dining experience, Ishizue, the resort’s teppanyaki restaurant, delivers an exciting live-cooking performance, where premium steak and seafood are grilled to perfection right before guests’ eyes.
Those looking to unwind further can relax in Fufu Hakone’s bar lounge, an elegant spot for sipping handcrafted cocktails, premium wines, and fine sake while enjoying Hakone’s peaceful evenings. Additionally, guests can experience spa treatments rooted in traditional Japanese fermentation techniques, including a unique “fermented hinoki powder bath,” where the body is gently enveloped in warm cypress powder for a deeply relaxing.
With its exquisite accommodations, private hot springs, gourmet dining options, and relaxing amenities, Fufu Hakone promises a refined and unforgettable stay.
Hakone Suimeiso
Hakone Suimeisou is an ideal destination for those seeking convenience and scenic beauty. Established in 1951, this traditional onsen ryokan is just a three-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station, making it easily accessible. Each of the 42 guest rooms offers picturesque views of the Hayakawa River, allowing guests to enjoy the breathtaking scenery directly from their accommodations.
The ryokan’s main building has traditional Japanese-style rooms and Japanese-Western style rooms, catering to a variety of preferences. Guests can unwind in spacious public baths, open-air onsen, or private baths, surrounded by Hakone’s lush natural landscape.
Dining at Hakone Suimeisou offers the best seasonal flavors of the region, with kaiseki-style courses featuring fresh seafood from Sagami Bay and locally sourced vegetables. The blend of exquisite cuisine and soothing hot springs create a truly authentic and relaxing Hakone experience.
Meanwhile, the annex offers rooms specifically designed for solo guests.Annex guests also have full access to the main building’s baths, giving them the flexibility to enjoy the hot springs whenever they like.
Hoshi no Akari
Hakone Hoshi no Akari offers a peaceful and luxurious escape surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Opened in 2014, this boutique ryokan features guest rooms with private open-air baths, each filled with hot spring water sourced directly from Gōra. From the sky terrace, guests can enjoy sweeping views of Hakone’s majestic mountains during the day and a spectacular star-filled sky at night, creating a truly memorable experience.
A standout feature of the ryokan is “Seigen,” an indoor private bath with a ceiling that displays a mesmerizing projection of a starry night sky. Its highly concentrated carbonated spring water enhances relaxation for guests, making them feel as if they are bathing beneath the stars. This immersive, magical experience sets Hoshi no Akari apart from other ryokan.
Dining at Hoshi no Akari is equally remarkable, featuring a seasonal kaiseki course made with premium local ingredients. The signature dish is a choice between Hakone Seiroku beef or Ashigara beef, both renowned regional delicacies. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared, ensuring a visually impressive and flavorful dining experience.
With its private hot springs, enchanting celestial bath, and exquisite Japanese cuisine, Hakone Hoshi no Akari is the perfect retreat for anyone seeking a serene and romantic getaway.
Hakone Nanase
Hakone Nanase offers a one-of-a-kind retreat, combining soothing hot springs with live musical performances. Opened in 2012, this boutique ryokan regularly hosts live piano performances, jazz, and light music, creating a relaxing yet sophisticated atmosphere. Music lovers will find this an especially charming place to stay.
The ryokan provides three private onsen baths, available free of charge to guests. Each spacious bath comfortably accommodates three to four people, allowing for a tranquil, intimate hot spring experience. Surrounded by nature, guests can fully immerse themselves in Hakone’s healing waters while enjoying the peaceful setting.
Dining at Restaurant Hayakawa brings out the best in seasonal Japanese cuisine. Each dish is carefully crafted using local ingredients, offering a visually impressive and flavorful kaiseki experience.
With soothing music, relaxing hot springs, and exceptional cuisine, Hakone Nanase is the perfect hideaway for anyone seeking a refined, intimate getaway.
Ryuguden
Ryuguden offers a luxurious and tranquil escape, where timeless architecture harmonizes with the natural beauty of Hakone. The Main Hall, established in 1957, was inspired by the iconic Byodoin Phoenix Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto.
Today, it operates as a day-use hot spring facility, also available to overnight guests. The Annex features only three exclusive guest rooms, each with a private open-air hot spring bath. From the rooms, guests can enjoy breathtaking views that embody the essence of Japan’s natural beauty.
At the main dining hall, Hōō-no-Ma (“Hall of the Phoenix”), we serve authentic kaiseki cuisine crafted with seasonal ingredients, offering a refined dining experience in an elegant setting—sure to become a lasting memory. With its timeless architecture, private hot springs, and exquisite cuisine, Ryuguden invites you to immerse yourself in the profound charm of Japan through all five senses.
2 Traditional Hotels with Private Hot Springs in Hakone
FUJIYA HOTEL
FUJIYA HOTEL offers a luxurious stay with a rich history and timeless charm. Established in 1878, it is Japan’s first authentic resort hotel, having welcomed foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and distinguished guests for over 140 years. The hotel honors traditional Japanese hospitality while providing modern comforts, ensuring a refined yet relaxing stay.
The hotel has four distinct accommodation wings, each featuring classic architecture alongside contemporary amenities. Every one of the 120 guest rooms features a private bath with 100% natural hot spring water drawn straight from the source, offering guests to unwind peacefully amid Hakone’s beautiful natural scenery.
Dining at FUJIYA HOTELl is an outstanding experience, with three unique restaurants to suit every palate. MAIN DINING ROOM ”THE FUJIYA” serves French cuisine perfected over generations. At KIKKA-SO, a historic dining venue that was once a former imperial villa, guests can savor authentic Japanese cuisine in a royal setting. For a more casual dining experience, RESTAURANT CASCADE offers a variety of Western dishes, ensuring there is something for everyone.
In addition to its elegant accommodations and superb dining, FUJIYA HOTEL features a classic bar offering a curated selection of international spirits, an exclusive guest lounge, a fitness gym, a swimming pool, and a spa, ensuring a comfortable and enriching stay.
Setsugetsuka Bettei Suiun
Setsugetsuka Bettei Suiun, opened in 2017 as an annex to the renowned Setsugetsuka ryokan designed for relaxation. By only welcoming guests middle school age and older, it maintains a quiet and sophisticated environment for mature guests.
The ryokan has 43 guest rooms with private open-air baths made of fragrant hinoki cypress, allowing guests to enjoy a hot spring soak in the comfort of their own room. Additionally, Suiun offers three types of private baths－Hinoki, Rock, and Ceramic－available without reservations, giving guests the flexibility to choose their own experience.
Dining at Suiun is just as refined, with seasonal kaiseki cuisine served in semi-private. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the fresh, delicate flavors of local ingredients.
Adding to its charm, the ryokan’s 24-hour lounge, “Aoyama”, serves complimentary drinks, creating a cozy space for guests to unwind at any time. In the evenings, guests can enjoy a special “Yonaki Soba” service , providing a comforting bowl of light ramen before bedtime, adding a warm touch to the experience. With soothing hot springs, exceptional cuisine, and a peaceful atmosphere, Suiun is a perfect retreat for adults seeking a tranquil, rejuvenating stay in Hakone.
Summary
Hakone offers a diverse range of accommodations, from traditional ryokan steeped in history to luxurious resorts recognized with Michelin Keys. Whether you’re looking to relax in an open-air onsen with natural spring water or prefer a private hot spring bath for a more secluded experience, Hakone provides countless ways to unwind in its renowned thermal waters. If you’re planning a trip to Hakone, let ENJYU JAPAN help you find the ideal place to stay. We’ll curate the best accommodations based on your preferences, ensuring a memorable and personalized onsen getaway.
