A place worth going back to ”

Our short stay (only 1 night) at Kinokuniya Ryokan Hotel was more than perfect. It was absolutely amazing, starting with getting there, the staff welcoming, the traditional room, the indoor and outdoor baths and finishing with the best traditional dinner ever. We'll definitely go back if we'll visit Japan again. To get to Ashinoyu, where Kinokuniya Ryokan Hotel is located, we stopped at Odawara. From here one has 2 options: 1-a bus from the Odawara train station (1200 yen/per, approx 1 hr) and 2-take the Odakyu Romancecar (take less time, but other trains are available) (620 yen/per ticket + 200 yen/per romance-car ticket from the train) and stop at Hakoneitabashi; from here take the cable-car train (for Gora direction) and stop at Kowakidani Station; from here hike 5 km (1 hr) by foot on the main street or wait for the bus. The second option is for one to experience this cable car train.

Rural ryokan”

Nov 2017 - two nights at the Kinokuniya ryokan in Ashinoyu which is a traditional ryokan of sufficient size to attract a good chef who provided us with hugely generous amounts of fresh sashimi and excellent meals in the morning and evenings. Yoshida was especially helpful amongst the generally lovely staff - he speaks good English. The onsen is adequate but in need of refurbishment and the old onsen which can be hired privately is a unique experience with an all wooden tub for two. Location is remote but ideal for Lake Ashi and other attractions on the bus route around Hakone.

Unforgettable experience of a true Japan”

Located in the wood this place have such a unique atmosphere. Style of rooms, eating, clothing - all of it makes you feel true Japanese atmosphere. Staff is really kind and helpful, even helping with unusual food at the dinner time and wearing yukata) Garden and nature around are peaceful and beautiful. We spend here jast 1 nigh in traditional Japanese room with dinner and breakfast and it was one of the best of our Japanese trip experience. Think we should stay here for two or three nights to waks around hakone more. P. S Also we was happy to see snow in the garden at the beginning of the April. But cold weather is not a problem, because of a nice onsen in this ryokan.

Absolutely worth it”

I was on the fence about whether or not to splurge on a ryokan experience, but this place was EXACTLY what I was hoping for! The staff are so warm and friendly, the food was incredible and plentiful, and the variety of onsen were fabulous. There are two public baths to use any time, with outdoor and indoor pools, as well as three different private baths that you can reserve. Located up in the mountain, surrounded by snow, this was the romantic, traditional Japanese experience I was hoping for, and it was absolutely worth the splurge. I highly recommend it!

Nice Ryokan”

The ryokan situated near the bus station, and can be reached less than 5 minutes. The staffs are friendly and the food are superb. There is also free outdoor onsen for those who need to relax in the ryokan. Overall I'm satisfied.

Traditional ryokan; good value for money”

Staff were extremely helpful and receptionist spoke good english (in Japanese standard). Standard of food was ok, not great (but given the price, we couldn't ask for more). There were a few indoor and outdoor, private and public baths for visitors to choose. Though they were not big, but were enough to give us a comfortably bath. One thing to note is the water heater in our room which went out of order - we couldn't have hot shower in our own room. Overall it's an ok experience

Nice traditional decoration”

Traditional japanesese hotel with very nice traditional decoration. We are very love your decoration ,nice food and Nice staff.

Excellent”

A wonderful experience in a more traditional style hotel ... loved the outside onsen

Terrible Onsen, Food is below average. Double standard for customers”

I have stayed in a few other ryokans at the 5 lakes. This is the worst ryokan i have encountered. Terrible onsen condition and food quality is below standard (not tasty at all). Bathing facilities at their public onsen is at 20% capacity, i.e. there are 10 shower stations, but only 2 are working. Onsen is not well maintained, very dirty and murky. Location wise, no nearby convenient stores, but it's around 5-7 stops away from the piers. Staff gave an English guide, but cross out compliementary 30 mins private onsen, and said it's no longer available. I booked this ryokan because of the reviews for private onsen. Very disappointed, especially after staying for 2 nights.

Unique experience ”

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. It was quite a long way from the station, but was very easy to find. The staff are excellent and are so welcoming. The dinner was amazing and looked very pretty. Overall I would recommend anyone to stay here if they want to experience a more traditional and authentic Japanese experience.

Excellent”

You need to take a bus to get there. There is a public onsen and a private onsen that you can enjoy with your family alone. The onsen dinner is excellent

Buyer Beware! Pictures on their site are taken in the 70’s.”

Very old and in need of major repairs. Front concrete steps are falling apart, old furniture all around, very eclectic wall hangings, Torn wall paper, current construction in garden, Moldy and mildew smells in the annex where we stayed. And most of all the location was isolated with abandoned buildings, that once were dormitories for workers, trash and no landscape anywhere. No where to walk! We paid $300/ni and was very disappointed with the location, food, facilities. The Onsen is not clean and ran out of hot water to shower. Outdoor Onsen are 2 pottery pots to fit 2 people. Please read all the negative reviews as they are legit! Stayed in another Ryokan for $120/ni which was much better accommodations!

Amazing ”

Clear ,wonderful experience

Very good”

good atmosphere, old but nice room

Good”

Calm and cozy place

A genuine ryokan experience, loved every minute.”

Very enjoyable.

good rest”

we have a good time in there

Hot Spring / Onsen Area need improvement/upgrading ”

The onsen facility lack of maintenance.

it is ok”

the mobile phone signal was super weak and i couldn't contact with my family...

300 years history hotel”

Onsen place is a bit dirty, there are stain on plastic basket. And they don’t have any lotion or cream to offer after using the onsen, u need to bring yourself. However, breakfast has many choices and staff are nice.