Hakoneonsen Sanso Nakamura

Location: 1283-97 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Kanagawa-ken, 250-0631, Hakone, JP

Star Rating: 2 Stars

Property Type: Hotels

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 03:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Free WiFi
• 24-hour front desk
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Wheelchair accessible
• Breakfast available (surcharge)
• Safe-deposit box at front desk
• Smoke-free property
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Free self parking
• Ballroom
• Banquet hall
• Coin laundry on site

Rooms Available

• Japanese Style Room Triple (Max 3 adults)

  3 Twin Futons

  129-sq-foot room with garden views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shared bathroom, slippers, and towels

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Slippers
  • Electric kettle
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Spring water bathtub
  • Bedsheets provided

• Japanese Style Room

  5 Twin Futons

  161-sq-foot room with garden views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shared bathroom, slippers, and towels

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Slippers
  • Electric kettle
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Spring water bathtub
  • Bedsheets provided

• Japanese Style Room (Max 4 adults)

  4 Twin Futons

  129-sq-foot room with garden views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shared bathroom, slippers, and towels

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Slippers
  • Electric kettle
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Spring water bathtub
  • Bedsheets provided

• Japanese Style Room

  6 Twin Futons

  161-sq-foot room with garden views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shared bathroom, slippers, and towels

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Slippers
  • Electric kettle
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Spring water bathtub
  • Bedsheets provided

• Japanese Style Room Twin (Max 2 adults)

  2 Twin Futons

  129-sq-foot room with garden views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shared bathroom, slippers, and towels

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Slippers
  • Electric kettle
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Spring water bathtub
  • Bedsheets provided

• Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

  2 Twin Beds

  129-sq-foot room with garden views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shared bathroom, slippers, and towels

  Practical - Safe

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Slippers
  • Electric kettle
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Spring water bathtub
  • Bedsheets provided

Guest Reviews

• Martin Max (8/5): - Ist ein altes Haus, man darf kein Neubau erwarten, man sieht dem Haus und der Einrichtung an, das es älter ist. Jedoch finde ich, ist es ein Haus mit Charakter. Definitiv hervorzuheben ist der Hauseigene Onsen, der ist toll! Frühstück haben wir nicht genutzt. Zu beachten ist das die Facilities (Toilette, Waschbecken) shared sind und das es keine separaten Duschen gibt. Diese befinden sich traditionell nur im Onsen. Uns hat es dennoch gefallen. Die Zeit war gut um mal richtig zu entschleunigen.
• Lan (6/5): - If we have to share the toilet and bathroom, the property can at least do some renovation, it felt like a bathroom of 30 years old with all the rush . There was a strong smell of smoke in the hallway. I will not come back.
• Yong Joon (10/5): - お風呂のお湯が良かったです。スタッフの対応も親切でした。
• Paola (10/5): - El onsen de damas es pequeño y viejo, pero lo intercambian a diario por momentos con el de hombres que grande y con ventanas panorámicas, ese está muy bien
• Christopher (10/5): - Felt very intimate. However, please be weary of travel to this location through bus because it is on a hill. Otherwise, the hotel was very peaceful and lovely.
• マコト (6/5): - 温泉は良かったと思う。
• Evelyn S (8/5): - We had a full onsen hotel experience.
• hiroshi (8/5): - 7月の暑い日でしたのでエアコンが入っていましたが古いのか？音がすごかった。 駐車場が坂でしたので出来ましたら車の歯止が有れば安心！ お風呂は最高でした♪ありがとうございました。
• Verified traveler (10/5): - It is very nice. They don’t speak English very well but they tried their best. It’s best if you can speak Japanese. The dinner and breakfast was amazing. And there is also an onsen which is great. It is a traditional ryokan so be prepared to take off your shoes. It was a bit annoying to have to wear 2 different slippers for the hallway and the bathroom which was only a few feet from my room. Also since it’s in the forest there were a few bugs but nothing that disturbed my stay. If you want a traditional ryokan experience this was a great place to stay.
• マリ (10/5): - スタッフの方もとても素敵でナイスホスピタリティでした。 なんと言っても温泉の泉質が最高すぎます。 身体が芯からスーッと休まりました。 またリピートします❤️
• Michelle (10/5): - Beautiful onsen experience. Authentic and peaceful.
• Jordan (8/5): - The property is tucked away in a quiet, and peaceful area. We love the design of the ryokan and the room was one of the most comfortable we experienced although my wife did wake me up in the middle of the night because there were two GIANT but harmless spiders that appeared. The onsen was very enjoyable but also was very hot, the hottest we have experienced. If you're getting to this place by public transportation, I will warn that you will have to walk a little while along the side of a winding highway. I definitely recommend having your luggage sent to this location. The service was good but not the most welcoming. It was a great value and we would definitely go back.
• Jarrad (4/5): - This property was in a nice area, quiet, walkable to eating establishments, albeit via a road with no sidewalk, public transport is relatively close and the POLA Art museum was a standout. However, the property itself is in need of some care. We, a western family of 5, chose the Japanese traditional room - we were prepared for shared facilities, sleeping on futons, had no problems with the public bath, etc - but the room has some deeply entrenched mould that made it unpleasant just to be in. We are not sure if that section of the property is older and do understand that it is on top of an onsen, so the whole region is quite moist, but, wow. Additionally the shared amenities were not exactly odour free and the only basins for teeth brushing were in a public corridor almost in the reception area... Which also happens to be where the washing machine was and also right in front of our door.
• Veronica (8/5): - Precioso hotel. Podrían cuidar un poco más el olor a cigarro en los pasillos y el baño.
• YASUSHI (8/5): 最高のお湯 - お風呂のお湯が最高でした。 とっても、やわらかくて、芯まで温まるお湯でした。 また、温まりに行きたいと思います。
• Nilesh (10/5): - Wonderful experience and warm hospitality
• Lizzy (10/5): - Excelente espacio para descansar y relajarse
• Kim (2/5): - Property very old musty smelling No hot water no showers No access to free coffee etc
• Katiana (8/5): - The onsen was a good experience and I enjoyed having tattoos.
• Christina (10/5): Beautiful and Relaxing Hotel - It was an amazing stay! We were very comfortable in the room and my favorite part was the onsen. It was incredible relaxing after a full day exploring Japan. The staff were respectful and kind and the place was clean. It was a brief stay but I wish I was there longer. Definitely saving this hotel to book again if I'm ever in the area.
• Piyush (8/5): Dated property but has all amenities. - One night trip.
• Hope (8/5): - This was a beautiful property and a great part of the trip! Staff were very friendly, the onsen was amazing and it was a short walk from the bus stop.
• Sarah (10/5): - Very relaxing and calming stay.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Notre séjour était à notre attente, l'endroit est calme et zen, le onsen est superbe. Seul bémol, le petit-déjeuner n'était pas à notre attente.
• Aaron (10/5): - Look… be prepared. No Uber or Uber eats. No restaurant meals at the hotel if you didn’t book a day in advance, this includes breakfast. BUT the owner drove us to a restaurant, and to the bus stop (we took WAY too many bags - should have kept our luggage in a locker and taken an overnight bag). We ended up having a great time, loved it!
• Yongbeom (8/5): - 좋아요. 한적하고 온천물 매우 좋구요!
• riwut (10/5): - Friendly staff n good food.
• Yiqi (10/5): - Best onsen experience. Just wonderful.
• Nicolas (6/5): - Lovely property and friendly staff but the overall building needs some renovation - especially the onsen part and water area (toilets, sinks and comon bathroom area. Not hot water in the sink...!). Dinner and breakfast were typical Japanese Ryokan style meals. Decent assortment in the set menu. Not sure if you can ask for different menu. But it was good. Reception staff was helpful and allowed us to checking early which we really appreciate. They speak english too so perfect for travelers. Room size was big enough and very traditional. Traveler will appreciate the style. Still with a bit of renovation here and there I would have given 4 or maybe 5 stars. But it seems that this place stayed in the 90's.
• Karen (10/5): - This was my first time staying at a ryokan and it was a great experience! The onsen was nice and the futons were very comfortable. The only thing that made me uncomfortable was that my friends and I seemed to be the only foreigners staying at the time, so we got a lot of curious looks. But the employee who checked us in spoke English, so I'm sure they do get foreign guests rather frequently. Overall, it was a relaxing stay.
• Yosuke (10/5): - 建物自体はかなり年季が入っていると思うが、各所で適宜補修やリフォームがされているので、私的には満足。混雑する宿泊ｴﾘｱから離れており、のんびり温泉につかってとてもゆったり過ごすことが出来た。ただし、近くのﾚｽﾄﾗﾝは1km以上離れている為、ﾎﾃﾙで夕食をお願いするなり、車を出すなり考える必要あり。冬場は日の沈みが早く、かなり冷え込むので、一旦部屋に入ると再度出かけるのが億劫だと感じた。
• Syun (2/5): - 夜と朝のご飯も特に美味しくなく、量がとても少なかった。 そのくせして持ち込みNGはとても酷でした。 トイレと洗面台は外で、部屋には虫の死体が転がっている始末。清掃はしているのか？ 返金を希望したいくらいです。 お風呂も狭いし、壁が薄くて隣の人の会話が聞こえる。 これでこの金額？と家族は愕然。
• Tatsuki (10/5): - 歩いて10分くらいでコンビニがあります
• Jinny (10/5): - This beautiful property is on hillside, quiet yet close to bus station. This inn is clean and well kept. The view of Mountain our in room and the green bamboo forest in spa are just fantastic. The dinner and breakfast are delicious and with wonderful variety. Staffs are attentive and helpful. I highly recommend two nights stay here.
• Shawn (8/5): - This hotel was very old and could only accomodate 3 people at a time in each gendered onsen. These were enclosed spaces and not open air, but were beautiful. The room itself was comfortable, we chose Japanese style and it was a fun experience. The breakfast was filling and worth doing if you don't mind working to pick apart your fish.
• KEISHI (8/5): - The staff is soooo kind, good enviroment to stay with your family :)
• ひかり (2/5): - チェックインの時間を少しすぎてからの到着。前日に遅くなると電話をした際、素泊まりプランのため何時でも大丈夫と言われました。当日は受付対応時間内の９時半頃に到着し、受付のベルを鳴らしたところ全く反応がなし。30分近く経ち、施設に電話をかけたところ今から行きますと言われました。ようやく来たスタッフによりチェックインをすませ、部屋と施設案内が始まりましたが案内の途中スタッフが少し酔っているとボソッと呟いており不愉快でした。確かに駆けつけてきた際もシャツのボタンが半分も閉まっておらず様子がおかしいとは感じましたが、酒盛りをしており受付の呼び出しベルに反応できなかったのだと思うと、安全面など多くの不安を感じます。酔っているのが原因なのか、男湯と女湯が勝手に入れ替わっていると言い出し、男湯にまだ海外の方がいらっしゃるにも関わらず｢チェンジ！｣とだけ言い、札の交換をしている姿からは恐怖すら覚えました。 もちろん、チェックイン対応時間外に到着した我々にも落ち度があります。しかし、スタッフが酒盛りをしており、酔っ払っているという点においてむしろ評価をつけたくないレベルです。
• W. Robert (10/5): - Not what I expected.
• Joji (6/5): - 部屋に洗面所、便所が無い。
• Yoshiharu (8/5): Nice service and old hotel - Location is remote. From the Hakome-Yumoto station we waited a taxi for 1 hour then we decided to take a bus. Taking about 30 mins then walk the hill for about 10 mins. The hotel is old and the equipment's and room was old. The hot spring was very good. The around hotel was very quiet and with a lot of nature.
• Christine (10/5): - This is a traditional onsen hotel with tatami floor & futon bed - I found this very comfortabke however my husband found it not as much so due to a sore back. The hotel is set in a beautiful wooded area with amazing birds & cicada sounds around you. If you haven't had one before, the ofuro (Japanese bath) experience is worth it. The hot water is from the thermal area. Be aware that the bath is not in your room, but this is all part of the experience. Ofuro etiquette means it is not an uncomfortable experience. Remember to take you towel with you - do not take someone elses if you forget yours! The short walk from the bus stop is quite steep but manageable. It's downhill when you leave. If you require meals make sure you ket them know when you book. We didn't so missed out. Highly recommend if a tradional Japanese hotel experience is what you're after
• Véronique (8/5): - The breakfeast was excellent. Our room was a bit small for three persons.
• Wei (8/5): - Traditional Japanese tatami, great hot spring. Quiet location for relaxing. A bit outdated facilities especially the smell in the room is little bit unbearable. Also there is no ensuite washroom, you have to use the public washroom
• Edmond (8/5): - Very quiet . Very friendly staff and good breakfast. If someone want relax. Please choose this hotel.
• Thomas (10/5): Relaxing Tucked Away Ryokan - This place is out of the way, tucked in somee beautiful hills. Be prepared for a walk if you don't take a taxi or have a car. It's worth it. I had no problems communicating with the staff, and they were super helpful. I messed up my bookings and they were able to get me in a day earlier.
• Sean (10/5): - This is a beautiful older mountain traditional ryokan. We enjoyed our stay and the onsen. I think having the onsen switch is a great idea... It allowed everyone in our party to try both sides. The Japanese breakfast was super tasty and lots of different items. We didn't have a car, so took trains and a bus to get there.
• Ilan (10/5): - Thank you for this wonderful stay. The onsen was relaxing. And the breakfast delicious. Not to mention the comfort of the bedroom. Definitely recommend.
• shlomo (10/5): - Nice, clean, onsan hotel
• Hope (10/5): Lovely Onsen - Lovely Onsen, definitely recommend. Staff was friendly, bus stopped down the street from the onsen with a walk uphill on the street to hotel.
• Justin (8/5): - A really nice place and the onsen was amazing
• タカハシ (6/5): - 自然豊かで良かったです
• Luigia (6/5): - Struttura semplice, il personale di sala e cucina si è dimostrato professionale ed estremamente gentile
• Napoleon (10/5): Sencillo, muy tradicional y grata experiencia - Es un hotel tradicional, pequeño, tiene Onzen, tatamis y todo para sentirte en una experiencia única. El desayuno tradicional muy bueno !
• Fan (8/5): - This is a true"little (Japanese) hut in the mountains" with great onzen experience! You just have to embrace the whole experience. If you do, this is definitely 5 stars! If not, maybe look for a more westernized hotel instead. Just one caution, this mountain resort is up on a winding mountain road around .5-1km from bus stop "sengyoro mae". If you have heavy luggage, it's worth using baggage service at Hakone Yumoto station. I hauled it up the hard way and that was a sauna experience in itself, even in winter!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - 間違ったバス停で降りてしまい、お電話したところ、夕食時の忙しい時間帯にもかかわらず、車で迎えに来て下さいました。 親切に感謝です。
• Benoit (10/5): - Very nice welcome from hosts. Very helpful to us for our stay. Great memories for the future.
• Pauline Amanda (10/5): - Property and location were beautiful and the Onsen felt private. One small warning, the property is up a very steep hill so if you're relaying on public transit the location is a bit difficult to get to. But well worth it.
• Brandon (10/5): - Very cozy and small. Nobody in the onsen when I used it. The tatami room is lovely and the bedding was very warm even in the cold weather
• SHOICHI (10/5): - 晩と朝で違うお湯につかれました。どちらのお湯も良かったです。
• Kim Seng (10/5): - The hotel is set in a forested ambient and is very quiet and peaceful with the room overlooking trees. However, it is not convenient to access the hotel and we had to carry our heavy luggages from car park up a slope walking on slap of stone to reach reception.
• Mitchell (10/5): - Excellent atmosphere.
• Dennis (10/5): - It's a little hard to find. If you come from Gora by bus get off at the Senkyoromae stop. Look back in the direction you came and you'll see a sign for Nakamura wriiten in hiragana なかむらwith an arrow directing you around the corner and up the hill. After going what feels to be 300 metres up the hill you'll find it on the right, tucked away in the greenery. It's well worth the hike.
• KENSEI (8/5): - 温泉は風情を感じられとてもよかったです。食事も派手さはないですが、美味しくいただきました。 設備は古いこともあり、それが素朴さでもあるので、その前提で静かさを感じる時間にするには、リーゾナブルなお宿です。
• もとお (6/5): - お風呂の湯温が高く、とても気持ちよかったです。 施設のスリッパが古く、危ないです。段差の多い館内では歩きにくかったです。
• A (10/5): An amazing place to rest and experience Japan - Our stay here was the perfect break between the hustling of Japan’s busy cities. We enjoyed their onsen followed by a great dinner served by the most friendly and kind staff we found across Japan. They were all eager to make our stay the best possible.
• Kayla (10/5): - The staff were very kind and very accommodating. They took the time to show us each and every aspect of the building, and they always made sure we felt at home. The onsens were also fantastic, and it was a great way to try one for the first time, as it was more private than others. The building itself is definitely showing its age, but overall our experience was amazing.
• Minoru (8/5): - 源泉かけ流し、熱いお湯、酸性の温泉で効能もよいです。 ただし、体調の悪い方、ご高齢の方は、長湯は避けて、 こまめに休憩がよいでしょう。
• Xiaorong (10/5): - Beautiful place. I enjoyed the hot spring a lot.
• Monique (8/5): - View from our room was beautiful. Very peaceful setting.
• Scott (6/5): - Ok
• SEULA (10/5): 온천 너무좋네요 - Onsen was very good. and kind service and breakfast&dinner was good~ :-) 온천물이 너무좋았어요 온천때문에 다시 가고 싶을 정도입니다. 그리고 아주 친절하시고 조식,저녁식사가 정갈하니 너무맛있게잘먹고갑니다
• INGE PURNAWATY (10/5): - Very close to tourist spots, the staff was very nice.
• F1568VDsabrinat (10/5): Very authentic, lovely experience - I went as a female solo traveller as part of my Hakone trip. Very safe & lovely place. If you’re looking to stay in a place that’s like what they show you in Anime, then this is the one. Was great to hang out in the Onsen before leaving. Onsen is gender-specific. There is two so they alternate on a daily basis. Both are lovely though. They provided me with a Kimono and towels. You can eat in their restaurant or use the microwave/kettle provided in the common area. Kettle in room also. Loved the views & balcony. Mount Kitori is only 20 min walk away from which you can see Mt Fuji I was hesitant about the Futon first but I actually slept super well! So that’s a worthy a try also 10/10 recommend
• Toshiyuki (8/5): - Clean, safe, quiet, and kind and friendly staff.
• Julie (10/5): - The quiet charm of an traditional ryokan can be the best. For the real feel of the area and the milky white onsen to make your skin feel like silk. The staff was amazing, the room felt like a true ryokan and the area was secluded and beautiful. Good for those with tattoos, but don’t expect all the fancy stuff - besides the meals, which are outstanding. For the real vacation feeling of a country I love to live in. I came here to recover from surgery for uterine cancer and the onsen is the best way to heal. I will visit again . . .
• Moorgor (8/5): - It was a very traditional hotel with off-the room toilet and washing facitily. The onsen was nice however part of it was under renovation so we need to waiting our turn to take the shower/bath even though the hotel was only partly occupied
• Verified traveler (4/5): Hotels.com’s disappointing service. - Unfortunately typhoon Hagibis created a landslide that blocked the entrance to many of the roads that accessed this remote hillside Hakone onsen. However, the late notice of property closure did not reach us in time to allow alternative arrangements. Under these uncertain conditions, “hotels.com” should consider improving its protocol for connecting clients with host properties. Especially for potentially major disasters, over 80 died, more timely, anticipatory information should have been provided...rather than abandoning clients and forcing them to find their own solutions in the middle of the night in a foreign country.
• anap890 (10/5): Wonderful stay, precious memories of my first onsen - If you want to have a first memorable experience immersed in a sophisticated traditional Japanese hotel that is the place to stay in. Beautiful gardens surround this Japanese home in which you can appreciate the Japanese design at every angle. As my first onsen experience, I was afraid to feel overwhelmed by cultural shock, I felt welcomed by friendly ladies that made my stay superb. Try their fantastic Japanese traditional breakfast, which is a true taste of Japan!
• Courtney (4/5): - This property was difficult to access because we didn't have a car. It was a tough uphill trek from the bus stop, and no property pickup.
• angophera (8/5): Wonderful cooking - Quiet and well away from the tourist throng. My traditional tatami mat room was most attractive, with a seating area that looked over the leafy gardens to the mountains. I slept really well. The traditional meals verge on gourmet - breakfast consists of several dishes which may include a whole steamed fish, or half a crab in broth, or grilled salmon. Likewise dinner could include exquisite little dishes with fish, salad, pickled vegetables, tempura and a hot pot. The owners are very friendly and solicitous, with very little English. I was glad I had researched the bus stops (Senkyoromae) and had navigated around street view in the map because this onsen is up quite a steep mountain road and the signage isn't great. The facilities are shared but the toilet was outside my room, so it was OK. The hot spring bath was a little hot for me to submerge for long, but still very nice. Now, importantly, I think the owner gets pm and am mixed up when he tells you the bath is off limits between 11am and 6pm.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - it was good and i will book again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Verified traveler (6/5): - A bit overpriced, they charge kids 70% of adults so if you Total up, u can get a better place if u booked early enough.
• David (8/5): - The bathroom was away in the corridor. The location of the Ryacon is on top on a high hill. No shuttle to the place from the bus station. Climbing by foot 20 to 30 minutes.
• Verified traveler (8/5): Nice hotel, somewhat dated, but enjoyable - The onsen was nice and the breakfast was terrific Japanese food. The rooms might be older but still comfortable. The area was very close to the little prince museum, Venetian glass museum , and pola art museum. Several restaurants and convience stores within walking distance.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Great little hotel - Traditional hotel with delicious food in a beautiful forested area. It’s pretty close to local attractions via bus so that’s a plus. There is a nice onsen, one for guys and one for girls and they switch every day because one is bigger.
• Geoff (10/5): Traditional Japanese experience - This stay was unexpectedly the highlight of our trip to Japan. When booking, I was just looking for a Japanese style room in a convenient location in the Hakone area. We got much more than that! We stayed 4 nights. There were no more than 2 or 3 other guests in the hotel, and only once did another guest eat in the dining room along with us. So the 3 of us (father and kids aged 21 and 15) were waited on at meals by a staff of 4. The staff speak zero English but their hearts are warm and they work hard! Given we were the only guests much of the time, there was a lot of personal interaction including being questioned each day about what we were planning to do, and advice we didn't ask for, although offered out of genuine interest/curiosity and desire to be of service. If you want a more "business" type experience with discreet privacy, this isn't the place. They offer breakfast--western or Japanese style, and Japanese dinners. Those meals are fantastic, of superb quality and prepared with love and pride. Because I am part Japanese and speak some Japanese, and the kids were enthusiastic about being in Japan, I feel we may have gotten some special treatment compared to someone with zero Japanese language ability, but that is just a hunch. The ladies set up a photo shoot of my daughter in a kimono and props they kept at hand! The place has real sulfur spring onsens (2 rooms, which they switch back and forth between male and female so you can try both rooms).
• cjw4travel (2/5): Disappointing! - Just one night here at the end of 2 weeks in Japan staying at many varied accomodations, including a Buddhist temple ryokan & two other traditional ryokans, so we knew what to expect. Bitterly disappointed with pretty much everything here however. Firstly a long & relatively expensive bus ride from station & then difficult to find as all signage in Japanese. We only located it when local bus drove past & we picked up wifi. Locals spoke virtually no English & couldn’t help us. Definitely get a taxi! Extremely dated & run down. Looks & smells like an old school camp. Pillows ridiculously uncomfortable & no alternatives - I slept on my travel pillow. No water, cups, tea or coffee facilities In room which has been standard in every other ryokan we stayed in. Shared toilets; so no privacy. Even onsens were not appealing. We managed to find a local restaurant to eat in after walking down the hill which was okay. For overseas visitors, I definitely recommend the whole ryokan experience; it’s charming & peaceful, but there are probably better choices in main part of town of Hakone which has greater access to local sites or other towns in Japan. Definitely not worth the extra effort to get to this particular place. Really regretting this choice & looking forward to leaving.
• Bonna (10/5): Didn't expect to have such a great experience. - The staff greeted us very warmingly and the traditional Japanese style Onsen was a huge surprise. Was just thinking we had a room for the night but ended up with a cool room, they provided us with kimonos for our stay which we looked great in. with a great view and a very relaxing night of hot Onsen with bamboo just outside. Making it a great Zen moment (I did have a bottle of saki to help which was great). Make sure you book a breakfast because it was traditional and delicious. Hanging out with other friendly staff was awesome. After getting to the hotel we didn't even want to leave. I will remember that hotel and people forever. 5 stars for sure thank you Japan :)
• vladimiri642 (4/5): Not female-friendly - I visited this place in early February in 2018 with my wife. Generally I was more satisfied with traditional onset spirit and really good water. Men's bath can handle 6 persons easily and nice scenery opens from bathtub. On the other other hand, women's bath is small and only 1 person can fit the bathtub. From there you only can see fence. Washing area is small and is designed for 3 persons only (vs 12 persons in men's). Also, no cold water was available for washing. So overall, it would be 4 from 5 for men only, and 1 from 5 for women only.
• honG (8/5): - The main reason i choose here is because of their old traditional japanese house in a pretty low price (which i believe has been remaining for pretty decades, house seem remain untouched in a good way ~:) Esp the balcony! Like the scene being surrounded by woods. It would be better to visit on spring as the wood seem like sakura tree. With the kimono and matcha tea, the ambience is definitely boomed! XD
• Tai-WF (8/5): Pleasant and Traditional - (Stayed at the ryokan in July 2016, this review is long overdue apologies) The ryokan is situated somewhere further in, which would require taking the public transport bus from whichever train station to a nearby stop to walk in (just slightly below 5mins stroll). Wonderful scenery and has the local community is much different to enjoy as compared to the hustle of the city. The ryokan's staff gave a very warm welcome, got checked in quickly and was shown to the room (which had a nice view down a slope) and an orientation around the ryokan. The lady staff also gave instructions on how to grab some food around the area and gave advice on the operating hours of the nearby shops. Additional the washroom and basin is shared among with the other roommates on the same floor. With another one for those living on the 2nd floor. Does bring back memories of staying at hall, though might not be convenient if you prefer more privacy. While the ryokan is slightly secluded from the shops and the main district, it does have a lovely traditional feel to its look. On to the onsen, slightly smaller as compared to commercial ones in the city but has a windowed view of the forestry outside. The ryokan provided futons (mattress type) to sleep in, adds to the traditional feel. Which is a pleasant change over sleeping on a elevated bed, and does not feel uncomfortable as some might worry about.
• AprilM660 (8/5): Great stay - Hakoneonsen Sanso Nakamura is a bit shabby and old fashioned but for me that was part of its charm. The bedding was very comfortable and the rooms were clean. We booked a non-smoking room but all the hallways faintly smelt of cigarettes. Even though we didn't have our own bathroom there was one just outside our room and no one else seemed to use it except us. The ryokan is in quite a remote spot so I recommend eating dinner and breakfast there (both our meals were excellent). One of the women who worked there was a bit grumpy when we first arrived but was fine the next time we saw her. The other woman was very friendly but both of them don't speak much English (which didn't matter). Their onsens are lovely and are open 24 hours so we had one late in the evening before bed and one again in the morning before we left. I felt very relaxed there and we wished we had 2 nights instead of 1. We went as a family with two young children and we all enjoyed it. I would recommend getting a taxi from Gora station as it doesn't cost much and I imagine it would be hard to find the place on your own.
• Kai (6/5): Clean, good mountain view and hot spring. - Clean, hot spring is great. But location is not convenient to access.
• Arppy (10/5): Fantastic hidden forest ryokan - The owners/innkeepers are lovely people that treat you fantastically if you show respect and interest in Japanese culture. Basic manners, Japanese vocabulary, and common sense go a long way. The rooms are comfy, the hotel is 5m away from a major bus station, and the food is delicious and hearty. Very recommended.
• Horsnell4 (8/5): Relaxing stay - We stayed for 2 nights and left feeing very relaxed. Isn't the easiest location but that is part of the appeal. Very quiet and peaceful. We all loved relaxing in the onsen and easing our tired muscles. The hotel could use a make lift but it is very clean and we had everything we needed. The host is wonderful and very helpful.
• Jack (8/5): A bit old but still a nice experience. - I accidentally booked this Ryokan for only 1 person, when we were travelling as a couple so make sure you dont make the same mistake. Although the staff did not speak English, we managed to reach an understanding and paid for an additional person on the spot, so they were very kind to us in that regard. The staff were very welcoming to us. The place itself is set beautifully in the hills of Hakone, and while it is a bit old, it still has a warm homely feeling about it. The room was quite dusty and a little run down but this may have been because of our last minute change to a bigger room in an off-peak season. The bedding and Yukatas were all perfectly clean, so we were happy. The Onsen was fantastic, although again it seemed a little bit under-maintained.
• Verified traveler (4/5): Old hotel - The staff were helpful although English was almost non existent. The rooms were in need of maintenance. The futons were very thin foam mattresses which made for an uncomfortable sleep. Not for the older folk, may be OK for someone a bit younger.
• Josef (8/5): Nice getaway in the countryside - Very nice location, a little off the busy area which is great to relax. Room was very cozy and the land lady speaks good enough English and is very kind. Tip: if you wish to have breakfast, you need to order it before 6pm.
• Charles (10/5): Great Service - A traditional ryoken, a bit off the beaten path, but worth looking for. The lady who runs the place was very helpful at check-in and after check out was very helpful driving me to my next destination. The bath was excellent, the room pretty much as advertised.
• salthound (10/5): Wonderful stay - Recently stayed at this typical Japanese guesthouse - wasn't sure what to expect but found it a very pleasant experience. The hotel is some distance away from Gora station and so I caught a taxi (something like 2000yen) which is certainly the best way to get to the hotel. The hotel is located in the woods and using a taxi makes it easy to find. Upon arrival at the hotel I was warmly greeted and shown the room and the Onsen by the owner. It was a very friendly reception. When I asked about dinner, the owner offered to drive me to the nearest village/town (it was dark so difficult to judge) and I ate in an excellent Japenese restuarant. I guess the owner had waited for me because she was there when the meal was finished. She then took me to a convenience store to get some water etc. The room was typically traditional Japanese with the bed on the floor and the slidimg Japenese screens - it was very simple and very nice. The next day, I used the Onsen. The ettiquette for its use is provided in the rooms so you know how to use it. The Onsen is a very nice experience - feels hot when you enter but you soon get used to it. A lazy way to start the day. At checkout, the owner asked if she could drive me somewhere - she gave me a lift back to Gora station - perfect. Overall a thoriughly enjoyable stay with a very hospital host - thoroughly recommended!

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