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Reviews of kinkaku Onsen 金閣莊 private onsen reservation for free

250-0408 Kanagawa, Hakone, 強羅1320-601 足柄下郡箱根町, Japan

#124 of 155 hotels in Hakone

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 342 hotel reviews

7.7

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.2

  • Comfort

    8.2

  • Location

    7.8

  • Facilities

    7.8

  • Staff

    8.5

  • Value for money

    7.9

  • Free Wifi

    7.5

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: April 5, 2025

    8.0
    Beautiful stay, kind staff, great Onsen and decent location.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Please note that the only showers on premises are in the Onsen, so you'll want to make sure you get into the Onsen for a shower (which is not an issue - the staff will make sure a time lines up). The toilets are also shared, but again, not a huge deal because the accomodation is not super busy.

    The staff were very kind, friendly and welcoming. They made it very easy to reserve the Onsen - which was fantastic (and free). The view from our room was fantastic and was super spacious. The beds are comfy and offers a lovely Ryokan style stay. The location is right near the Kami-Gora station, which is a good location to go on the Ropeway and get to the museum. A good stay.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 28, 2025

    8.0
    Quite pearl
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The place was perfect for a little weekend in the mountains. It was calm - comfortable and cute. The rooms were clean, we had blankets, extra heaters. The host was also very available, you could text them if you had any questions.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 28, 2025

    9.0
    We had a great stay and would stay again.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The property is in a great location and only minutes from the cable car station there is bus stop near to take us on to our next destination Kyoto. We stayed on the top floor and had wonderful views. We had a double bed and the option of 2 single roll outs - perfect for our daughter. This room does not have WiFi but we didn’t need it as we had a data eSIM but also WiFi is accessible from communal areas. Room very clean, spacious and all amenities available when we needed. We had a wash basin in our room and the communal toilet just outside our room but we didn’t not have to wait at all to use it considering the property was fully booked. Onsen facilities are ok, shampoo conditioner and body wash all available while showering before and after use, we also had no problem getting use of it each day as Tammy managed the timings of guests well. Tammy was great, we had read the reviews of her being stressed when meeting her…. However this is totally understandable as she just wants the best for her guests and was working solo. Once check in was over Tammy was very attentive and helpful when planning our trips, she recommended restaurants and even made reservations. She was on hand every time we passed reception and a great hit with our 5 year old daughter, we had been in the onsen and both needed hair drying…. Tammy offered to dry my daughters hair and did so very well, this helped us get out in time for our evening meal. My daughter cried when we left as she didn’t get to see Tammy to give her a picture she had drawn for her. Snacks and drinks are available in the reception area - cash can be left in the box and you can take the items if Tammy is busy.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 24, 2025

    9.0
    Peaceful environment
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Loved it all !!

    perfect wind down to a Japanese holiday

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 23, 2025

    7.0
    Good place, friendly staff. Small room with basics, walls little thin.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    A little out of the way, hence the lower mark. But the staff was great and very communicative. Would stay again. Walls to neighbouring very thin.

    Great little last minute book. Has private onsen that you can book.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 15, 2025

    9.0
    Great value for the price and nice privat onsen
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The location is not so great if you want to use the Hakone free pass since the regular bus is much more convenient and not covered by it. We didn't get the pass and saved some money just taking the bus to the accommodation, taking the cable car, rope way and boat one way and returning home again with a bus from the lake. Keep in mind that there are not many busses running after 5 pm, so plan your evening well. Around 5-10 minute walk to a few restaurants for dinner, expect long wait times after 6 pm, and most of them are cash only. For some high-end restaurants, you will need a reservation one day in advance. Everything is really hilly, so I plan to walk a lot. The check-in took some time since everyone arrived at 4 pm, and there was only one person doing the check-in.

    Amazing stay. The private onsen was amazing. Make sure to let the staff know what time slot you want when you check in, or they might be taken later. There are no other showers, so plan on using the onsen for showering. The shared toilets were really clean. Nice location, just one stop to Sōunzan Station rope way with the cable car. Make sure to have cash to pay the cable car at Kami Gora station when you arrive since there is no staff, if you don't have the hakone free pass. Overall, it was a really nice stay for one night. For one night, the room without windows was perfectly fine.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 2, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    wonderful if not a little dated onsen guest house in an almost perfect location. beautiful views of the mountains on the top floor, with almost no noise from your surroundings or nearby small road. I think my nights here were the most restful in my travels across Japan! the onsen is literally 2 minutes from the nearby cable car which can take you into Gora or up to the ropeway where you can continue to sightsee around hakone. Tammy fantastic host and a font of knowledge for the how and what to see. buy the hakone free pass! especially if staying for 2 days or more!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 20, 2025

    9.0
    Staying here was a great experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Just gotta remember to bring some snacks as there’s no shop in walking distance. Although, Tammy does have some snacks available for purchase when you get there.

    The onsen was magic after a long cold day of sightseeing. Tammy is super helpful and lovely. The location is a little out of the way, yet also convenient to the cable car so we didn’t mind. It’s very convenient for the ropeway to go see Mt Fuji.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 13, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Big tatami room with front door garden. Self helping drink n snack, just place the $ n get your stuff.

    Good to have pte onsen by time slot, Owner Tammy is very helpful, guiding us where to visit and eat, etc.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 12, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Bed wasn't the most comfortable.

    The hostess was very kind and eager to share information to help this tourist have a good time in her town. The private onsen was very nice and relaxing.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: January 31, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The blankets were enormous and too warm at some time and the room temperature was sometimes tricky to adjust with the heater. The host was a little disorganized and made us change roomes 2 times at our arrival making the process a little stressful

    Amazing onsen, the host was really nice and offered detailed advice on leisure activities around.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 31, 2025

    8.0
    Great Place. Nice host. Plan trip accordingly to prevent yourself from hiking.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Location was pretty remote. Far from any convenience stores or restaurants. That said you have to plan your trip accordingly. When we went there the cable car closed at 4:15pm(off-peak) but I think normally it runs til 6pm. We got there late so there weren’t even taxis at Gora Station, so we had to hike all the way to the location leading us to miss our check in time. Tammy can get flustered at times understandably because she is very busy. But talk to her nicely and any time she isn’t busy and she is very nice.

    Room was warm and comfortable. Bedding and blanket was clean. Family room had it’s own sink so you only have to share toilet with other occupants. It also had a mini fridge and hot water kettle for tea. Onsen was very nice as well, you feel the minerals seep in your skin and it will leave it soft afterwards. Nearest station, Kami-Gora, was only 3 minutes walk. One station away from Sounzan where you can take the cable car. Tammy was really nice and basically runs the whole place by herself.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 19, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    -

    The owner was kind enough to call us in advance to inform us about the best way to get to the hotel, since we arrived too late for public transport. Upon arrival, she gave us a free room upgrade and took a lot of time giving us recommendations and helping us plan our stay in Hakone. The room was very clean and the hotel's private onsen was a lovely way to wind down after our long trip. We had a lovely time!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: December 30, 2024

    9.0
    Homely, adequate ryokan in awesome area with fab hostess.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The ryokan is a faded beauty but what she lacks in polish, she makes up for in space. Largest ryokan rooms I experienced in Japan. For the Hakone region this a budget accommodation but it lacks nothing of the essentials.

    The owner went out of her way to accommodate us. She was gracious, chatty and extremely helpful. She made sure we got out onsen booking each day and assisted with luggage transfer etc.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 28, 2024

    8.0
    Real traditional Japanese style and atmosphere
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    - acoustic isolation poor (like in Japanese traditional style houses w/ thin walls) - strict scheduling to enter the onsen (Jap. bath) - it is correctly in the description, only FYI: shared bathroom

    It was a touristic experience. Thank you very much. + own Onsen / Japanesse style traditional bath in the house + traditional Japanese style room + great location - close to the cable car on foot + beatiful mountain surrounding / panorama + perfect English

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: December 21, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    This is a very traditional Japanese style accommodation, the walls are very thin, and there were no locks in between rooms, the beds are futons, and there is no insulation, so it gets cold when it's cold outside. There was a (gas, beware, the exhaust may bother you) heater, the futon cover was very warm, our neighbor was very quiet. We didn't have any issues, and again, we loved our stay! You just have to know what you're getting into.

    10 minute walk from the train, very kind host, the private onsen was great to relax in. The room is very pretty and traditional. We loved our stay, and would stay there again!

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: December 21, 2024

    9.0
    Bang for the buck
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    No convenience stores and very few food options nearby. Once the funicular hours are over, you are pretty much stuck in the ryokan, which is not a problem if you don’t need to buy anything. The property also doesn’t do luggage delivery/drop off.

    Value for money! Other ryokans would cost double the price. My kids had the time of their lives. The owner was also mostly responsive and quite helpful with suggestions.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: December 21, 2024

    8.0
    Wish we'd stayed longer than 1 night, but would definitely stay here again!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Nothing!

    An authentic small ryokan experience, the room felt welcoming and cosy and there was some nice views in the morning. Didn't get to try out the onsen unfortunately. The host was also helpful and friendly.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: December 11, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The host, Tammy, was very friendly, and gave us nice recommendations for things to do in the area. The private onsen was amazing - we enjoyed using it every night.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: November 30, 2024

    9.0
    Relaxing visit to Hakone Mt Fuji
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    No private bathrooms.

    The Onsen was beautiful, lovely Japanese style rooms. The staff were very nice. Ensured we were comfortable and helped us with our day out.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 25, 2024

    7.0
    Good stay, good host
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Not much food with a walking distance as your up in the mountains.

    The host was great! She was so knowledgeable and friendly and gave us great information. The area is close by the cable car, and nearby a bus stop. The onsen was cool too. We stayed in the hostel room (with bunk beds, as the tatami room did not suit my family of 4).

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 24, 2024

    7.0
    A clean and lovely room, friendly and helpful reception staff, good small private onsen
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Mountain View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It would be good to have better signage in English and a prettier foyer.

    We loved the personal and friendly attention from the reception. We were welcomed, given advice and felt really relaxed there. The onsen water is perfect.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 18, 2024

    7.0
    Budget option to sleep in trad. room
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The option to book a private onsen for an hour is very cool, but in the onsen it smelled somewhat moldy (I'm not an expert on the matter, so maybe it is supposed to be like that, but it didn't appear super clean in that regard). The wifi was super slow and sometimes didn't work at all. Now I think Hakone is a great place to disconnect, but when you wanna look up when the next bus is running, it would be helpful if the WiFi worked well.

    It was very nice to stay in a traditional Japanese room. The blanket and bed were very comfotable. The staff was nice. Overall, acceptable to stay at, but I think if you are able to spend a little more money, you'll find something more appealing

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 8, 2024

    8.0
    Accommodating, friendly staff, clean facilities
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Japanese-Style Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It would have been nice to have a traditional breakfast, but I knew when I signed up that it was not offered.

    Location, private onsen

    Stayed in November 2024

Showing 1 - 25

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