Irori Guesthouse TENMAKU

We stayed one night on June 28 at this really beautiful hostel. The staff were super friendly. Highly recommend the 7 pm communal dinner. It’s a great chance to eat and chat with people from different countries. That night, ten people joined the dinner, including two talkative Japanese college students and an Indian guy visiting Japan for the first time. I even showed him how to use chopsticks. Really great memory. Note: To join the dinner, mention it when booking (2000 yen per person).

In the evening, the hall is open as a social gathering place, and in the morning, it becomes a sunlit spot for warm conversations — a truly wonderful space. The staff are all cheerful and courteous, leaving a very positive impression. It also seems that there are many guests from Europe, and everyone appeared to get along well.

Wonderful and friendly people work here and they make the guesthouse a special spot to shack up for a couple of days. Amenities and dorm room are great, especially for the price. Kitchen has everything you need. Tons of opportunities to connect with travelers. I made friends here with staff and travelers. 10/10 would stay here again.

A very beautiful place to stay in. The interior design is elegant and beautiful. My wife and I stayed in a private room. It was very cozy, clean, and comfortable. The bed was extremely comfortable. The staff was exceptionally friendly and personable. Unfortunately we only stayed one night as we already had reservations for a ryokan. If not for that I would have loved to stay longer!! My wife and I both REALLY enjoyed this place, from the staff (SUPER FRIENDLY) to the interior design. When we come back this way again this is definitely where we will stay, but for longer next time!

My girlfriend and I really enjoyed the location, with a supermarket just a 5-minute walk away. The staff were very welcoming, especially Taka – such a kind person. We definitely recommend this hotel.

The best hostel in Hakone is super convenient and easy to access. It is just right beside the Hakone open-air museum! The staff is friendly, and the location is pretty. The rooms, bathrooms, and public spaces are clean and tidy! I loved the experience! It's cheap and the best!

If you’re looking for a traditional, budget-friendly stay in Hakone, Irori Guest House is a solid choice. It’s not your typical Tokyo-style capsule hotel — here, the “capsules” are more like large wooden bunk beds, giving off a cozy and authentic Japanese vibe. Basic amenities are provided, covering everything you need for a comfortable stay. The room itself was clean and warm, which was important during the chilly early spring weather. My only small complaint was the pillow, which could have been a bit fluffier or at least doubled up for more comfort. The common areas really stood out. The cozy lounge area, with its tatami flooring, creates a very homely atmosphere. Every night, the guest house hosts a Japanese-style dinner around the indoor irori (hearth), where guests wear provided kimonos — a fantastic experience for meeting fellow travelers. The kitchen is open 24/7, offering free coffee, tea, distilled water, and even a bar. Staff were very friendly and spoke English well, making communication easy for international guests. Location-wise, it’s excellent: just a short walk from the train station, a few minutes to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and close to some local restaurants and convenience stores. There’s even a small café right outside in a charming trailer. If I had to point out a downside, it would be the very narrow toilets. Some facilities could use renovation, though I hope they maintain the lovely traditional aesthetic that gives the place its character. Overall, I’d recommend Irori Guest House to solo travelers, backpackers, and anyone looking for a social, authentic Japanese guesthouse experience without breaking the bank. For other reviews check my FB and YT page: Will Yu

Beautiful guesthouse with an incredibly friendly and accommodating staff. Special thanks to Huko and Kira for the fun dinner. Definitely recommend!