Kinokuniya Ryokan

8.2
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.2/10, based on 710 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Mountain Setting Forest Surroundings Hot Spring Town Quiet Village Private Onsen Public Onsen
Staff 8,3/10
Facilities 8,1/10
Cleanliness 8,0/10
Comfort 8,2/10
Value for money 8,0/10
Location 7,8/10

Ryokan highlights

Historic Ashinoyu onsen ryokan in Hakone with sulfur springs, private baths, and easy bus access.

Historic Ashinoyu StayLong-established ryokan in Hakone’s Ashinoyu onsen area with classic traditional character.
Sulfur Spring BathsKnown for natural sulfur hot springs, a standout feature of this exact property.
Private Bath OptionsOffers reservable private baths, useful for couples or guests wanting quieter soaking.
Easy Bus AccessAbout one minute from Ashinoyu bus stop, convenient for car-free Hakone trips.
Half-Board ConvenienceDinner and breakfast are available, making ryokan stays smoother after sightseeing.
Scenic Traditional RoomsJapanese-style rooms include mountain or garden outlooks for a calm Hakone atmosphere.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen is the strongest reason to stay here: arrive early enough for multiple baths, dinner, and a calm Ashinoyu night, then use the next day for Lake Ashi or nearby historic stops before moving on. A second night works if you want a slower Hakone rhythm, but the immediate area is too quiet for a long base.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-2 night onsen stay in quiet Ashinoyu for travelers combining baths, ryokan meals, and selected Hakone sightseeing rather than a highly walkable base.

Know before booking

Quiet after darkAshinoyu is peaceful but sparse, so evenings center on baths and your ryokan meal rather than dining out or nightlife.
Bus-dependent stayAccess is workable in Hakone, but this is not a station area and transport planning matters more than at Hakone-Yumoto.
Do not overbaseGood for a short Hakone soak-and-sightsee stop, but not ideal for a long multi-day base if you want variety nearby.

Food & drinks

Verified as the historic Kinokuniya Ryokan in Ashinoyu, Hakone, with Japanese breakfast and dinner served in a shared dining venue rather than a clearly named restaurant.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Shared meal venue for Japanese breakfast and dinner.

  • Japanese dinnerfoodTraditional set-style evening meal.
  • Japanese breakfastfoodMorning Japanese meal.
  • Buffet breakfastfoodUsually buffet style.
  • Dietary-request mealsspecialtySpecial menus may be arranged.
  • Dinner drinks plandrinkAll-you-can-drink plan may be available.
Restaurant En (nearby)
nearbyabout 650 m

Refined nearby ryokan dining at Matsuzakaya Honten.

  • Kaiseki dinnerfoodSeasonal Japanese course meal.
  • Japanese breakfastfoodTraditional ryokan breakfast.
  • SakedrinkJapanese rice wine pairing.
Bakery & Table Hakone (nearby)
nearbyabout 2.5 km

Popular lake-area cafe and bakery for lighter meals.

  • Fresh breadfoodBaked breads and pastries.
  • Cafe drinksdrinkCoffee and tea.
  • Light mealsfoodCasual lunch options.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Kinokuniya Ryokan is a historic ryokan in Hakone’s Ashinoyu area, best reached via Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara and then by mountain bus or taxi.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a historic Ashinoyu onsen ryokan in Hakone that suits travelers who want old-school character, sulfur hot springs, and a quieter base away from the busiest tourist clusters. It is a stronger fit for guests who value atmosphere and tradition over modern comfort and easy transport.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Deep historic atmosphereThe inn presents itself as operating since 1715, and guests consistently describe it as an old, character-filled ryokan rather than a generic hotel. If you want a stay that feels rooted in Hakone's onsen history, this is a real draw.
  • Authentic sulfur hot springsIts baths are a standout feature, with sulfur-rich water repeatedly mentioned as memorable and restorative. Travelers who come to Hakone mainly for the onsen experience are likely to find this one of the property's strongest assets.
  • Private bath options add flexibilitySeveral guests highlight reservable private onsen or room types with private baths, which is especially useful for couples, tattooed travelers, or anyone wanting a quieter soak. That makes the ryokan easier to enjoy even if communal bathing is not ideal for you.
  • Traditional meals feel like part of the experienceDinner and breakfast are often described as very traditional and generous, with multi-course Japanese dining adding to the ryokan feel. This works well for travelers who want the stay itself, not just the room, to feel distinctly Japanese.
  • Convenient for a quieter Hakone baseIt is in Ashinoyu and very close to the local bus stop, giving access toward Lake Ashi and the wider Hakone sightseeing loop while staying outside the busiest hubs. That balance can be appealing if you want calm evenings without being fully isolated.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Facilities feel clearly datedThe same historic character also means some areas feel worn, old-fashioned, or past their prime. Travelers expecting polished luxury or freshly renovated interiors may come away disappointed.
  • Access is not the easiest with luggageAlthough the bus stop is nearby, reaching Ashinoyu can still be cumbersome in Hakone's hilly transport network, especially with large bags. This is not the most effortless choice if you want a simple station-to-inn transfer.
  • Service can feel unevenMany guests praise the staff, but some recent feedback suggests communication and service style are not consistently smooth across all team members. International travelers who want highly refined, hotel-style service may notice that inconsistency.
  • Food is very traditional and not for everyoneThe meals are part of the appeal, but they are also described as strongly traditional with little concession to less adventurous tastes. Picky eaters, children, or guests hoping for flexible alternatives may struggle here.
  • Not ideal if you want modern comfortThis ryokan leans into classic tatami-and-futon style and an old-school atmosphere, so it is better for travelers seeking authenticity than contemporary convenience. If you prefer sleek rooms, updated bathrooms, and modern hotel functionality, this may feel too rustic.

Ranking around this ryokan in Kanagawa

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 100th out of 128 ryokans in Kanagawa.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
95th Hakone Ashinoko Bikeikan 箱根芦ノ湖 美景館 8.3/10 139
96th Yugawara Onsen Mizuno-kaori 8.2/10 97
97th Wakamatsu HakoneYugawara 8.2/10 129
98th Yugawara Retreat Goen no Mori 8.2/10 222
99th Bettei Koyoi – Adult Only 8.2/10 258
100th Kinokuniya Ryokan Current ryokan 8.2/10 710
101st 箱根芦ノ湖 HOTEL RaKuun 8.1/10 320
102nd Hakone Kowakien Miyamafurin 8.1/10 666
103rd Yugawara-Onsen SUGINA 8.1/10 785
104th Kakiya Ryokan 8.1/10 1,229
105th Hakonenomori Okada 8.1/10 1,934
Loading full ranking...
Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

Not in any shared itinerary yet

Be the first traveler to include this ryokan in a public route.

Similar ryokans in Kanagawa ? Similarity is calculated only among ryokans in the same region. We compare their stored environment and wellness pills, prioritize exact pill matches, then sort by the number of shared pills, rating comparison, rating value, and recency.