Kinokuniya Ryokan

The onsen at Kinokuniya Ryokan has both indoor and outdoor pools, allowing you to choose between staying warm indoors, especially during winter, or enjoying the scenery outdoors. The onsen is separate for men and women, cleaned daily at 9am, and open anytime except when it's being cleaned. It's a unique experience with its own onsen source, and you can even buy a 20L bottle to take home if you want to.

Kinokuniya Ryokan offers traditional Japanese meals for breakfast and dinner, which are varied and amazingly delicious. If you're interested in the half-board package, the food service is excellent, and the serving staff is helpful and accommodating. Additionally, there's an option for a vegetarian breakfast and dinner plan if you let them know in advance.

The staff at Kinokuniya Ryokan are described as amazing, friendly, and very accommodating. Despite the language barrier, they are very friendly and helpful, creating a traditional, accommodating, courteous, and friendly atmosphere for everyone. The staff's excellent service and the delightful private bath are highlighted as part of the overall positive experience.

While some guests have mentioned concerns about cleanliness, such as dusty rooms and dirty onsen, others have described the ryokan as very clean and spacious. The private onsen is particularly praised for its cleanliness and the overall authentic experience it offers. It's important to note that the onsen is cleaned daily at 9am.

The high season at Kinokuniya Ryokan is in October, while the low season is in March. Visiting during the off-season weeknight can provide a more rural, relaxed feel, especially if you prefer fewer guests during your stay. Additionally, the serene location and beautiful area in the mountains make it an ideal place for relaxation.

Several guests mentioned that the views from the rooms were spectacular. Opting for a room with a balcony facing the garden or mountains comes highly recommended.

Guests loved the private and public onsens, highlighting the comfort of the yukata and the cleanliness of the facilities. Consider purchasing a 20L bottle of the onsen water as a souvenir.

The traditional Japanese meals, both breakfast and dinner, were highly praised for their variety and deliciousness. However, be prepared for the authentic Japanese style, which includes fish for breakfast.

While the location is a bit far from town, there are buses available to Hakone Yumoto and Motohakone. Just be mindful of the last bus timings to avoid a long walk back to the ryokan.

Guests recommended booking the private onsen for a more intimate and serene experience, especially for couples. The private onsen was described as a delightful and authentic ryokan experience.

While the staff are friendly, there may be limited English spoken, so it's advisable to bring a friend with basic conversational Japanese or use a translator app.

Some guests reported issues with cleanliness, including dusty rooms, cobwebs, and rusty taps. It may be advisable to check the room upon arrival and address any concerns with the staff.

Embrace the traditional style of the ryokan by enjoying the futon, tatami, and typical furniture in the rooms. However, be aware that the ryokan is located in a forested area with no nearby shops, so plan accordingly.

The ryokan is located in a serene area in the mountains, and while the bus stop for the Hakone pass bus is close by, it's important to note that there is no town nearby, and transportation may be needed to go anywhere.

Guests appreciated the historic ambiance of the ryokan, with its 300-year-old onsen and the presence of many historic items throughout the property.