One of the best experiences to have in Japan is a stay in a ryokan, a Japanese Inn. The ryokan is an embodiment of Japanese hospitality, culture, and design. Many of these establishments were founded hundreds of years ago and sometimes even still run by the same family.
Hakone has long been known as one of the best places in Japan to experience a ryokan. Hakone is located along the historic Tōkaidō road, which once connected Tokyo (then called Edo) to Kyoto. Hakone became a natural stopover for lords, samurai, merchants, and travelers. During the Edo Period, the area’s hot springs gained fame not only for their beauty benefits but also for their healing qualities. As ryokan flourished here, they became havens of rest and rejuvenation. To this day, a stay in a Hakone ryokan feels like stepping back into Japan’s past while enjoying the comforts of the present.
An example of what makes a ryokan in Hakone truly special is the combination of atmosphere, location, history, hospitality, and tradition. Rooms are often lined with woven tatami mats, creating a calming space where simplicity brings peace of mind. Meals are usually served in the style of kaiseki, a multi-course dining experience that celebrates the seasons and locale through flavor, color, and presentation. Hot spring baths, fed by the region’s abundant volcanic waters, are at the heart of the ryokan experience and can be enjoyed in both shared and private settings where guests can soak while surrounded by mountains, gardens, or rivers. Underlying every moment is the spirit of omotenashi, the deep-rooted Japanese philosophy of hospitality, where every detail is thoughtfully prepared to make visitors feel cared for.
For Japanese people, staying at a ryokan is more than just a trip—it is a way of connecting with tradition, celebrating life’s milestones, and finding harmony with nature. Families gather at ryokan to mark special occasions, while couples and solo travelers alike seek them out for peace and renewal. The ryokan is a living symbol of Japan’s heritage, balancing history and elegance with warm, personal service.
Hakone is home to some of the most renowned ryokan in the country. Gora Kadan, once a retreat for the imperial family, is now a luxurious inn that blends tradition with refinement. Hakone Ginyu enchants its guests with sweeping valley views and private open-air baths in every room. Yama no Chaya offers a riverside retreat where the sound of flowing water enhances the relaxation of its hot spring baths. Meanwhile, Hakone Kowakien Tenyu provides a modern take on the ryokan experience, with spacious rooms that each feature an open-air bath overlooking the surrounding forest. These are just a few options and there are so many places to discover for visitors.
Most check in times are around 3:00pm. A Japanese stay at a ryokan may differ from an international visit. The Japanese consider the ryokan to be the vacation destination. This is is contrast to a western mindsets, in which the accommodation is usually just a means to enjoy the physical destination near the place of stay. Staying is a ryokan is to enjoy the quite time and beautiful views from your room. Compared to metropolitan hotels, there will be very few people arriving in the evening. A ryokan stay is all about checking in and enjoying the amenities, atmosphere, and hospitality.
At some point you will encounter the Yukata. The yukata can be worn to dinner, in your room, or evening during a stroll around the ryokan grounds. Put it on, make sure the left flap goes over right flap(the opposite way is how deceased are dressed). Tie your obi and you are set.
You may have been asked what time you would prefer to dine. Preparation of a ryokan meal is time-consuming, precise, with utmost care given to the esthetics, presentation, and selection of in-season ingredients. Your reservation time also gives your room attendant an opportunity to set up your futon for the evening.
Many rooms have private bathing facilities, but the communal hot springs are not to be missed. The hot springs are one of the main reasons for a ryokan stay. Here are a few tips and guidelines to follow to help you enjoy a dip.
