Evening view of illuminated wooden entrance, stone steps and lanterns at Yama no Chaya in Kanagawa
Tatami room with twin beds, shoji screens and low table at Yama no Chaya in Kanagawa
Wooden balcony bath overlooking tree-lined hills at Yama no Chaya, Kanagawa, Kantō
Indoor wooden bath with mountain view at Yama no Chaya, Kanagawa
Tatami room with low table, floor chairs, shoji screens and large window overlooking greenery at Yama no Chaya, Kanagawa
Traditional tatami room with low wooden table, floor chairs, shoji screens and garden view at Yama no Chaya, Kanagawa
Wooden terrace with loungers and table overlooking green mountains at Yama no Chaya in Kanagawa
Warm-lit Japanese-style twin bedroom with low beds and shoji screens at Yama no Chaya in Kanagawa

Yama no Chaya

9.0
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.0/10, based on 67 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 / Check-out until 10:00 AM
Mountain Setting Forest Surroundings Riverside Location Hot Spring Town Private Onsen Public Onsen
Staff 9,2/10
Facilities 8,8/10
Cleanliness 9,2/10
Comfort 9,0/10
Value for money 8,5/10
Location 8,8/10

Ryokan highlights

A classic Tonosawa ryokan in Hakone known for private in-room hot spring baths and secluded mountain-river atmosphere.

Tonosawa SettingIn Hakone's Tonosawa area, tucked by the river and surrounded by forested slopes.
Private Bath RoomsAll rooms are noted to have their own bath filled with the ryokan's hot spring water.
Scenic Open-Air BathsOpen-air bathing options pair hot spring soaking with valley, river, and seasonal greenery views.
Traditional Ryokan FeelA one-building inn with classic Japanese character, ideal for a more authentic stay.
Seasonal Kaiseki DiningMeals emphasize seasonal ingredients, making dinner and breakfast a memorable part of the stay.
Romantic SeclusionQuiet baths, intimate rooms, and a tucked-away setting make it especially appealing for couples.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsDining and bathing are the strongest stay-length drivers here: arrive by mid-afternoon, settle in, do multiple baths before and after kaiseki dinner, sleep early, enjoy breakfast, then either depart or use a second day for a light Hakone outing before another bath-heavy evening.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-night or relaxed 2-night Hakone ryokan stay near Hakone-Yumoto, especially for travelers prioritizing in-ryokan bathing, dinner, and a quiet wooded setting over walkable town life.

Know before booking

Not a long baseTonosawa is calm and compact, so three or more nights can feel excessive unless you intentionally want ryokan downtime.
Access can feel awkwardThe ryokan is close to Tonosawa and Hakone-Yumoto, but the final approach is still less convenient than staying right by the station.
Choose room type carefullyNot every room category is equally special; some travelers may expect a private open-air bath and accidentally book a simpler room.

Food & drinks

This Hakone Tonosawa ryokan is clearly identified at 171 Tonosawa and is best known for seasonal kaiseki, Japanese breakfast, and a small bar lounge.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Seasonal kaiseki dining at the ryokan; private dining is mentioned.

  • Seasonal kaisekifoodMulti-course Japanese dinner.
  • Fish coursesfoodSeafood in seasonal style.
  • Meat coursesfoodJapanese-style meat dishes.
  • Japanese breakfastfoodTraditional morning set.
  • Yuba porridgespecialtyGentle breakfast specialty.
Bar Lounge (on-site)
on-site

Small on-site lounge/bar for evening drinks.

  • SakedrinkClassic Japanese rice wine.
  • BeerdrinkSimple evening option.
  • WhiskydrinkLikely standard pour.
Akatsukian (nearby)
nearbynear Hakone-Yumoto

Well-known soba restaurant in the Yumoto area.

  • Handmade sobafoodFreshly made buckwheat noodles.
  • Yuba sashimispecialtyTofu skin local favorite.
  • Local sakedrinkJapanese sake pairing.
  • Hakone local beerdrinkRegional beer option.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in Tonosawa just beyond Hakone-Yumoto, with the most practical arrival usually via Hakone-Yumoto Station and a short taxi ride or careful uphill walk.

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 small, atmospheric Hakone ryokan in Tonosawa that stands out for its secluded riverside setting, traditional feel, and strong onsen experience. It suits travelers who want quiet romance and classic ryokan charm more than those who want easy station access or modern hotel-style convenience.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Beautiful Tonosawa settingThe ryokan sits in Tonosawa by the Hayakawa River, reached across a suspension bridge, which gives the stay a secluded and memorable arrival. The mountain-and-river surroundings make it feel far more tucked away than many Hakone properties.
  • Strong private onsen appealMany rooms have their own open-air bath, and the property uses hot spring water drawn from its own source on site. That makes it especially attractive if you want in-room soaking instead of depending only on shared baths.
  • Small and intimate atmosphereWith only about 15 rooms and 12 room styles, it feels personal rather than resort-like. This is a good fit for couples or travelers who value calm, privacy, and a more exclusive rhythm.
  • Traditional ryokan characterThe rooms and overall design lean into classic Japanese style rather than sleek modern luxury. If you want a stay that feels rooted in old Hakone onsen culture, this property delivers that mood well.
  • Seasonal kaiseki experienceThe ryokan is known for multi-course seasonal meals built around fresh ingredients and a refined traditional approach. For many guests, dinner and breakfast are a major part of why the stay feels special rather than just comfortable.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Access is not the easiestAlthough it is reachable from the Hakone-Yumoto/Tonosawa area, the approach is less straightforward than a hotel right by the station. With luggage or bad weather, the riverside location can feel inconvenient.
  • Not ideal for mobility issuesIts hillside, bridge-access setting and traditional inn layout may be harder for travelers who want fully easy, barrier-free movement. Guests sensitive to stairs or uneven approaches should be cautious.
  • Traditional style over modern luxuryThis ryokan prioritizes atmosphere and authenticity more than contemporary hotel polish. Travelers expecting a sharply modern, highly standardized luxury experience may find it less slick than the price suggests.
  • Room quality varies by categoryBecause the property has many distinct room types, the experience can differ a lot depending on what you book. Choosing a lower-tier room may not deliver the same wow factor as the better open-air-bath categories.
  • Quiet retreat, not sightseeing-centralIt is better for staying in and enjoying baths and meals than for travelers who want to maximize quick movement around Hakone attractions. If your plan is a packed itinerary, the ryokan experience may feel too time-consuming.

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: 44th out of 128 ryokans in Kanagawa.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
39th Senkyoro 9.0/10 412
40th Hakone Yuyado Zen 9.0/10 316
41st Fukushimakan 9.0/10 82
42nd Mizu no Kaori 9.0/10 68
43rd Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan 8.9/10 1,309
44th Yama no Chaya Current ryokan 9.0/10 67
45th Hakone Retreat villa 1/f 8.9/10 794
46th Ryokan Matsushima 9.0/10 64
47th Musashino Bekkan 8.9/10 707
48th Jinya Ryokan 9.0/10 62
49th Hakoneji Kaiun 8.9/10 313
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