Yoshimatsu

Yoshimatsu

Hakone, Kanto
4.0
9.4/10 Guest Rating
Private OnsenKaiseki DiningGreat for CouplesLuxury
$$$

Room Types

3

Water

Hot Spring

Private

In-Room Onsen

Cuisine

Kaiseki

About

Yoshimatsu (Hakone Takuminoyado Yoshimatsu) is a refined sukiya-style ryokan nestled on a hillside near Lake Ashi in Hakone, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the lake. With just seven rooms, several featuring private open-air hot spring baths, the intimate property delivers exceptional kaiseki cuisine, meticulously maintained Japanese gardens, and sulfur-rich onsen waters — all within easy reach of Tokyo. The combination of Mount Fuji views, lakeside tranquility, and masterful hospitality has earned it consistent praise as one of Hakone's finest ryokans.

Ideal For

Travelers wanting a quintessential Mount Fuji view from their private onsenCouples seeking an intimate, small-scale luxury ryokan near TokyoFoodies who appreciate artfully crafted seasonal kaiseki cuisineVisitors wanting to combine hot spring relaxation with Hakone sightseeing

Key Experiences

1Soaking in a private open-air bath with views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi
2Savoring beautifully presented seasonal kaiseki cuisine with the freshest local ingredients
3Gazing at Mount Fuji reflected in Lake Ashi from the ryokan's hillside vantage point
Strolling through the meticulously maintained Japanese gardens
Experiencing all four public baths, which rotate by gender to ensure variety
Walking to Lake Ashi in just 4 minutes for lakeside exploration
Taking the Hakone Pirate Ship cruise across the caldera lake

Room Types

Standard Japanese-Style Room

30-40 sqmGarden or mountain landscape

Traditional tatami room accommodating 2-5 guests with futon bedding, sitting area, and views of the garden or surrounding landscape.

  • Tatami flooring with futon bedding
  • Sitting area with tea facilities
  • Air conditioning and refrigerator
  • Yukata robes and bath amenities
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Shared bathroom access

Luxury Suite with Mount Fuji View

55-70 sqmPanoramic Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi

The premier room offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji, a private open-air bath, and the most spacious accommodation at the property.

  • Private open-air onsen bath
  • Panoramic Mount Fuji views
  • Spacious tatami living area
  • Premium furnishings and amenities
  • Yukata robes
  • Free Wi-Fi

Superior Room with Private Open-Air Bath

45-55 sqmMount Fuji and/or Lake Ashi (varies by room)

Spacious Japanese-style room featuring a private outdoor open-air hot spring bath with potential views of Mount Fuji, tatami living area, and garden access.

  • Private open-air onsen bath
  • Tatami living and sleeping area
  • Outdoor garden terrace
  • Air conditioning and refrigerator
  • Yukata robes and premium amenities
  • Free Wi-Fi

Onsen & Baths

Spring Type

Sulfur spring (calcium sulfate-rich, naturally therapeutic)

Private Baths

  • In-room private open-air bath (select rooms)
  • First-come, first-served private indoor bath (available to all guests)

Duration: In-room baths available 24 hours; first-come indoor bath has no set time limit

Indoor Baths

  • Two indoor public hot spring baths (rotating by gender)
  • One indoor bath usable as private first-come-first-served

Outdoor Baths

  • Two outdoor public rotenburo baths (rotating by gender)
  • Private open-air baths in select rooms
Water Temperature:41-43°C
Sulfur content beneficial for skin conditions and chronic dermatitisRelief from arteriosclerosis and high blood pressureEffective for neuralgia and rheumatismMuscle pain and joint stiffness reliefImproved blood circulation and metabolism
  • Rinse your body thoroughly before entering the bath
  • Do not bring towels into the bath water
  • Tie long hair up to keep it out of the water
  • Check the rotation schedule to know which baths are available for your gender
  • Private room baths and the first-come bath offer unrestricted access

Dining

Private or semi-private dining area (kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast)

Breakfast: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Dinner: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (start time)

Specialty Dishes

Seasonal kaiseki multi-course dinner with artful presentationFresh Sagami Bay seafood and local Hakone mountain vegetablesHakone-area tofu and yuba preparationsSeasonal sashimi with fish from nearby coastal watersTraditional Japanese breakfast with regional specialties

Dietary Options

Allergies accommodated with advance noticeVegetarian options available with prior arrangementSpecial dietary needs addressed on a case-by-case basis

At least 3 days in advance recommended

Amenities

Premium

Private open-air onsen bath (select rooms)Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi viewsFree shuttle from Hakone-machi bus stopFour distinct public baths with rotationMeticulously maintained Japanese gardens
Yukata robesBath towels and toiletriesGreen tea setRefrigeratorAir conditioning and heatingFree Wi-FiHair dryer
Shuttle reservation from Hakone-machi bus stopSpecial dietary arrangementsCelebration or anniversary arrangementsHakone sightseeing recommendationsFirst-come private bath availability inquiry

Best Times to Visit

Current Season

Spring (Mar–May)

  • Cherry blossoms around Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine
  • Clear spring days offer excellent Mount Fuji visibility
  • Spring kaiseki with fresh mountain vegetables and seafood
  • Golden Week is extremely busy throughout Hakone
  • Spring weather can be changeable — Mount Fuji may be hidden by clouds

Summer (Jun–Aug)

  • Lush green landscape around the caldera lake
  • Lake Ashi activities and Hakone sightseeing in full swing
  • Summer evening baths are refreshing after warm days
  • Mount Fuji is often obscured by summer haze and clouds
  • Rainy season in June-July; hot and humid in August

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

  • Hakone is one of the Kanto region's premier autumn foliage destinations
  • Clear autumn air provides the best Mount Fuji visibility of the year
  • Autumn kaiseki features seasonal mushrooms and harvest ingredients
  • Peak foliage (November) draws large crowds to all of Hakone
  • Book 2-3 months ahead for autumn weekends

Winter (Dec–Feb)

  • Snow-capped Mount Fuji at its most photogenic across Lake Ashi
  • Winter air provides the clearest Fuji views of the year
  • Hot spring bathing is most rewarding in cold weather
  • Fewer tourists and a peaceful atmosphere
  • Cold temperatures — the open-air bath contrast is wonderful but bundle up between baths
  • Some Hakone attractions have reduced winter hours
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Local Knowledge

Insider Tips

Hidden Gems

  • Only seven rooms means you may feel you have the entire property and its gardens to yourself
  • The four public baths rotate by gender, so you experience each bath's unique character over your stay

One indoor hot spring bath can be used privately on a first-come, first-served basis — perfect for families

The hillside location provides elevated views that many lakeside properties lack

Must-Try Experiences

  • Sunset soak in a private open-air bath watching Mount Fuji turn golden across Lake Ashi
  • Multi-course kaiseki dinner showcasing Hakone's seasonal ingredients, beautifully presented

Early morning walk to Lake Ashi to catch the mist and reflections before the crowds arrive

Experience Tips

  • Check Mount Fuji visibility before planning your bath time — sunset with Fuji is unforgettable
  • Try all four public baths as they rotate — each has a different character

Walk to Lake Ashi in the early morning before tourist boats arrive

Take the Hakone Pirate Ship cruise for views of Fuji from the lake

Visit Hakone Shrine's iconic torii gate standing in Lake Ashi

Cultural Notes

  • Hakone's checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho) was the most important barrier on the Tokaido road during the Edo period
  • Lake Ashi is a caldera lake formed by the eruption of Mount Hakone approximately 3,000 years ago

Sukiya-style architecture, seen at Yoshimatsu, evolved from the aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony

Hakone's proximity to Tokyo has made it a retreat for the Japanese elite since the feudal era

Ready to experience it yourself?

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Practical Information

Stay Details

Recommended Stay

1-2 nights

Getting There

  • Free shuttle from Hakone-machi Bus Station
  • Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (approximately 85 minutes), then bus
  • Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto to Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi (approximately 30 minutes)
  • Hakone Pirate Ship from Togendai to Moto-Hakone
  • Car access via Odawara-Atsugi Road and Hakone Turnpike

Before You Go

Dietary Options

Allergies accommodated with advance noticeVegetarian options available with prior arrangementSpecial dietary needs addressed on a case-by-case basis

At least 3 days in advance recommended

Booking Tips

  • Reserve the Mount Fuji view suite well in advance — it is the most sought-after room
  • Book ahead for autumn foliage season and cherry blossom season
  • Confirm dietary accommodations at least 3 days before arrival
  • Ask about the shuttle from Hakone-machi bus stop when booking
  • Consider the Hakone Free Pass for convenient sightseeing transport

Preparation Tips

  • Pack lightly — yukata, slippers, and bath amenities are provided
  • Confirm shuttle pickup arrangements before arrival
  • Check weather forecasts — Mount Fuji visibility depends on clear skies
  • Get a Hakone Free Pass for unlimited transport on buses, boats, and ropeways

Price Range

$$$

Premium — justified by Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi views, private open-air baths, intimate seven-room scale, exquisite kaiseki, and proximity to Tokyo

Best price guarantee
No booking fees
Free cancellation available
Popular this season — cherry blossom views
9.4/10 Guest Rating
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Best price across Agoda & Booking.com

Quick Facts

Nearest Station

Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone bus stop (Hakone Tozan Bus)

DistanceApproximately 4 minutes on foot from Lake Ashi; shuttle from Hakone-machi bus stop
ParkingAvailable

History

Hakone has been one of Japan's most celebrated hot spring destinations for centuries, serving as a vital checkpoint on the historic Tokaido road connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto during the feudal era. Lake Ashi, formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone, has been a source of artistic inspiration for generations. Yoshimatsu carries forward this legacy with its sukiya-style architecture — a refined aesthetic tradition born from tea ceremony culture — positioning guests at the intersection of natural beauty and centuries of Japanese hospitality tradition near one of the country's most iconic viewpoints of Mount Fuji.

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