The hype
The views and private baths are world-class, but the hard product is showing its age compared to newer luxury openings.
Hakone Ginyu
$600-1500+/ natt
Boka detta om You want the private onsen experience without the strict traditionalism—think 'Bali meets Japan' with killer valley views.
Varför människor älskar det
- Every single room has a private open-air onsen on the terrace
- Kaiseki dinner and breakfast are served in your room (total privacy)
- The lobby's infinity view of the Hayakawa River valley is an instant jaw-dropper
Snabb Överblick: It’s the Instagram-famous ryokan that started the 'private bath in every room' trend, but 20+ years later, the 'rustic' vibe is starting to look a little 'tired' in the corners.
Recenserat av @thekorinamy: Staying here was a dream. We spent hours soaking in our private balcony onsen watching the mist over the mountains. The kaiseki dinner served in our room was incredible—fresh, beautiful, and so much food. It felt like a true escape from reality.
Gäster som bodde här sa
Reality check
You are paying for the view and the privacy, not for cutting-edge modern fixtures. Don't expect Aman-level perfection.
- You want to spend 24 hours in a bathrobe and never leave your room
- You are tattoo-heavy (private in-room baths mean no awkward public bath rules)
- You prefer a 'resort' feel over the stiff formalities of an old-school ryokan
Renlighet & Underhåll
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough daily service, but some deep-cleaning details (dust in corners, under sofas) are occasionally missed.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but aging. Grout lines and wood areas show water wear. No mold reported, but 'water stains' on wood are common.
- Maintenance: The weak point. Reports of peeling paint, worn tatami edges, and splintering wood on outdoor decks.
- Linens & towels: Clean and crisp, but not the ultra-plush quality of a new 5-star international chain.
- Odors & scents: Mostly fresh mountain air and tatami smell. Rare complaints of mustiness in older rooms or faint cigarette smoke from neighbors (despite non-smoking policy).
Sleepability™
8TYST
0-4BULLRIG
4-7.5MÅTTLIG
7.5-10TYST
- River rushing sounds (soothing for most, loud for some)
- Occasional road noise on upper floors (Route 1 is above the hotel)
Innan du bokar
Bra att veta
- The hotel is built on a cliff: The lobby is at the top (5F), and you take the elevator *down* to your room.
- Dinner takes 2+ hours and is served course-by-course in your room. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
- There are no convenience stores immediately next door—buy snacks at Miyanoshita station before walking down.
Vad du ska packa
- Slip-on shoes: You'll be taking them off constantly.
- Cash (Yen): For small local shops or the bath tax (150 JPY) if not prepaid.
- A good book: The WiFi can be spotty in the concrete rooms, and there are no TVs in the bath areas.
Rum Genie
Bästa val
- 4F 'Kaze' (Wind) Room: Top floor (below lobby), best unobstructed mountain views.
- 3F 'Hoshi' (Star) Rooms: Great balance of elevation and view.
Rum att undvika
- 1F 'Tsuki' (Moon) Rooms: Views are often blocked by dense trees; feels darker and more enclosed.
- 2F 'Sora' (Sky) Rooms: Some recent reports of specific wear/tear in these units.
Rumsförfrågan Genie – kopiera och klistra in
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would prefer a room on the 3rd or 4th floor (Kaze or Hoshi type) to maximize the valley view and minimize tree obstruction. Please avoid the 1st floor if possible.”
FAQ & Dolda tips
Allt du verkligen vill veta innan du bokar.
Is it tattoo-friendly?
Yes! Because every room has a private onsen, you never have to use the public bath if you don't want to. Public bath policies are stricter but private is the main draw here.
How hard is it to book?
Extremely. Bookings open 1 year out. If sold out, check 'The Ryokan Collection' website or call for a waitlist.
Is the food traditional Japanese?
Yes, it's Kaiseki (multi-course). It's seafood-heavy and seasonal. They can accommodate some allergies but strict vegans might struggle.
Are kids allowed?
Yes, children are welcome, which is rare for high-end ryokans. They have special kids' meals and pricing.
Is there a dress code?
No. You are encouraged to wear the provided Yukata (robe) and Tabi socks everywhere, including the lobby and bar.
How do I get there?
Take the Hakone Tozan train to Miyanoshita Station. It's a 5-minute walk (downhill) to the hotel. Or take a taxi from Hakone-Yumoto (15 mins).
Insider-tips
- ✨
The 'Ginyu Spa' is separate from the hotel baths and highly rated—book treatments in advance as they sell out.
- ✨
There is a 'Happy Hour' in the garden bar with free drinks (check current times at check-in), often missed by guests staying in their rooms.
- ✨
If you arrive early, you can hang out in the top-floor lobby lounge with that famous view before your room is ready.
5 saker du bör veta innan du åker
💡The 'shabby chic' is getting real: Peeling varnish on the deck chairs is common.
💡The urinal in some bathrooms is awkwardly placed right in front of the toilet.
💡The 'fusion' music in the lobby can feel like a 2005 Buddha Bar compilation.
💡You might spot a 'mukade' (giant centipede) if you leave the terrace door open—you are in a forest, after all.
💡The staff will park your car for you because the driveway slope is terrifyingly steep.
Lokalt playbook
Karta
Se var Hakone Ginyu ligger och vad som finns i närheten.