Kinnotake Tōnosawa

Where can we start? The food was simply out of this world, both dinner and breakfast. They catered to a vegetarian and were very attentive. The room was amazing, spacious, with all kinds of amenities included, free drinks, tea and coffee, a Bluetooth speaker and of course a private osen on the balcony facing a bamboo forest. Everything was top-notch. We booked the pool/sauna downstairs, and that was fantastic, as well as the gym. We also enjoyed drinks at the bar, including the Japanese whiskey. But the service is what makes this hotel so singular, and their incredible attention to detail; During check-in, you enjoy a welcoming drink, and ladies can choose their yukata style. The staff is so attentive and welcoming that you feel special every time. The location is great and beautiful too, with a bridge connecting the hotel to the main road, which gives a nice touch of exclusivity. There is a bus stop right in front of the bridge, and they offered us a shuttle to go back to the train station after checking out. We highly recommend this hotel.

This place is stunning. Everything about it is just what you need after endless walking in other areas of Japan! We wished we’d have done two nights here. ||The arrival drink and snack were delicious. The evening Kaisake meal was delicious as was breakfast the next morning. ||The bus stops right outside the hotel and the walk in is breathtaking. ||The hotel offer a free drink/snack service in the lobby during certain hours of the day which is amazing as it includes wine/beer etc even a glass of fizz. ||What we didn’t understand was…: for the price you pay is that you pay for a drink to go with your evening meal and breakfast which is the same drink menu as the “free” one in the lobby! It made no sense. They’d have been better giving you a “free” drink with your meal and making you pay when you chill in the lobby. This wasn’t a big issue for us but it didn’t make much sense. ||You also have to pay if you want to use the pool/sauna etc or check in early or check out late which is fine but surely for the price you pay you’d think the pool/sauna would be included and to pay for any additional spa treatments which is usually the case. ||The onsen was a god send though it truly was lovely as was our room. It was really big and co sortable and the mini bar in your room is complimentary. ||You also get yukata’s to wear during dinner and breakfast which every guest made an effort to wear which was a lovely experience. ||The staff were so pleasant and helpful

Perfect way to end our 2.5 weeks in Japan. The place just feels special and all of the staff go out of their way to make sure you are enjoying your experience. It’s peaceful and so pretty - a nice change after all the hustle of Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka (we also did Kanazawa). We had 2 full days to relax and took advantage of the spa on both days - some of the best services we have ever had. We also upgraded to the teppanyaki dinner one night and it was the best meal of the entire trip (see separate review for Teppanyaki Zen restaurant).||A couple of things to note about Hakone: it’s not as easy to get around as other areas in Japan. They use buses. If you aren’t planning to just stay on the property and relax, consider booking a tour. We booked a private half day tour with Sunny Tours Japan. ||The other thing to understand is upon check in, they want to fully customize your experience so you will be asked questions about breakfast and dinner times along with your plans. This is typical for a ryokan style hotel.

Where do I begin? So I decided to book this hotel for my wife’s birthday. The drive there was already enchanting. The property is located across a bridge over the river in the middle of a beautiful forest. Upon our arrival, staff was very attentive and kind. We were welcomed and sat down with complimentary drinks as we were walked through the process of the experience we were in for. The room itself was gorgeous with a “Shizuku” style room and a personal open-air bath on the deck. The fresh water from the bath and view was lovely to enjoy throughout our stay. I prefer not to go into detail in order not to spoil the experience for others, but everything from the spa, dinner, bar, and breakfast was amazing. Everyone there was so kind and sweet that I’ll always remember their smiling faces and this moment for the rest of my life. Thank you all very much!

Kinnotake Tonosawa was an amazing hotel where the staff were extremely kind and helpful!||||My stay there was definitely memorable! From the welcome drink to the kaiseki dinner and private onsen, nothing could've gone better!||||I was here on a solo trip and really enjoyed my time there! ||||The room was super spacious, could've fit an entire family but I was lucky to have it to myself!||||The area is surrounded by nature and super close to town! ||||It was a beautiful stay and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic Japanese experience in Japan!

Our first time staying at a ryokan, and it was an unforgettable experience. The room was absolutely beautiful, peaceful, spacious, and thoughtfully designed. Every meal was a work of art. Delicious and beautifully presented. The location felt truly enchanting, surrounded by nature and tranquility. Service was top-notch: warm, attentive, and welcoming. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique relaxing experience.

Lovely relaxing retreat with easy access to Hakone’s attractions via bus or taxi. Great service and it was fun to have the option to wear traditional dress in the dining room.

An extraordinary experience from beginning to end. The staff was incredibly kind, respectful, and attentive – the level of hospitality was truly exceptional. Our room was beautiful and serene, and having a private onsen was an unforgettable luxury. The kaiseki dinner and breakfast were both stunning in flavor, balance, and presentation. They thoughtfully adapted the entire dinner to our dietary preferences, offering vegetarian alternatives and even re-cooked the meat to our liking without hesitation. Every detail at Kinnotake Tonosawa was considerate and deeply relaxing. I can’t recommend it enough.