Hakone Yumoto Onsen Tenseien

If you don’t speak Japanese, I really wouldn’t recommend staying at this hotel. There was no Chinese-language service, and the staff member responsible for English service at the front desk was very unprofessional. I strongly advise against staying here. I was very disappointed with my stay at Tenseien. The check-in staff member, Mr. Khatri Gaurau, was rude, impatient, and unprofessional. Although he was an English-speaking staff member, I couldn’t ignore the difference in how he treated guests. He spoke politely and patiently to the white couple before us, but when it was our turn as Asian travelers, his tone became dismissive and noticeably less respectful. The contrast was so clear that I genuinely felt he was acting in a racist manner. I later raised my concerns with the hotel manager, but received no follow-up or acknowledgment. It made me feel my feedback hadn’t been taken seriously and left me questioning the hotel’s values and service standards. This was my first visit to Japan, and I had wonderful experiences everywhere else, but Tenseien was a major disappointment. I hope the hotel addresses this so future guests don’t have the same experience.

Good quality for an affordable price. The buffet dinner and breakfast were nice, but make sure you check in on time for dinner. They’ll hold your luggage if you arrive early. The back garden is really pretty, with a pond, ducks, birds, fish, and a waterfall. There’s also an onsen with a view of the surrounding area, though I didn’t use it. The location is a bit awkward, away from everything else, and about a 15 minute walk from the bus station. If you stay here, you’re pretty much committing to walking 15 minutes to the next bus station.

The yukata were incredibly comfortable, and wandering the little garden paths past shrines, waterfalls, and the stamp rally was lovely. We also tried a snack at the restaurant, which tasted great, and the room itself felt peaceful and serene. We booked a private bath for an hour, with everything we needed and a beautiful view from its patio, then went to the shared onsen and gardens. I wish we'd had a full day to enjoy the outdoor baths, relaxation rooms, library, and grounds, but our Hakone visit was short and we had other places to see.

The room was clean and a decent size, and I really liked the bath. The outdoor garden and shrine were beautiful too. The buffet was about what you'd expect at a large hotel buffet. I enjoyed the night, though I don't feel a need to repeat the experience.