Kitanokaze Saryou

We had two private onsens in our room, one indoors and one outside, and drinks were included as well. Dinner and breakfast were served in a private room. I was sick during our stay, so I can't really comment on the food. Our family loved the experience, though, and one night felt much too short. We wished we'd booked two. I'd recommend this ryokan.

The meals were fresh, varied, generous, and exquisite. The staff were just as memorable, showing real kindness each time we interacted and going out of their way to help us. I loved how Kita No Kaze Saryo combines traditional Japanese style with modern conveniences. Hakone was a great trip, and we’ll definitely return to stay in the same room and enjoy it all again.

We stayed in the Shion room, with an outdoor open-air bath and an indoor bath. The landscaping and private bathing rooms were outstanding, and the ryokan had a direct hot spring water source. Service was top notch: the attentive, polite staff were excellent and spoke English. The building itself felt very dated, though, and needs serious updating or cleaning. The indoor bath and shower room was particularly disappointing: algae covered the faucet, the metal pipes were rusty, and some floor tiles had questionable stains. It was a shame the property seemed poorly maintained, given the luxurious setting and fine kaiseki dining by a famous Hakone chef.

We had a chilly day in Hakone, and both the indoor and outdoor onsens were wonderfully relaxing in the cold. After staff walked us to our room, they greeted us with green tea, which was a lovely welcome. It was fun to stay in a traditional Japanese room, and they provided yukatas to wear to dinner. The meal had around 13 small courses, all beautifully prepared. A great place to unwind in Hakone before carrying on to Kyoto.