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).

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.

Really love the place. Amazing staff. If you have a chance to book a dinner at location I highly recommend it. Food is great and come with a drink of your choice (plum sake is amazing). Only downside is that the place can be a little cold but you can always ask for an extra blanket. Would definitely return to that place

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!

The hotel location was great. We were in Hakone for the Onsen (hotel springs), and the hostel was near a lot of them. The staff was very helpful and enthusiastic. The hostel also offered an interesting diner, but we haven't try it. The building and interior was looking very Japenese traditional. Much appreciated for an immersive experience in Japan!

We went to Hakone to see Mt.Fuji. We did not see Mt.Fuji. But our trip was not wasted, because of this wonderful guesthouse. It is a mix between old style Japanese ryokan and modern guesthouse. Our room was so cozy and cute, we slept so good. The mountain views were beautiful. The dinner, grilled fish, was amazing. We got to grill marshmallow (delicious). The owners looked really cool and there was amazing music playing in the dining room. Please do not hesitate to stay there.

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