Matsuzakaya Honten
Traditional Japanese ryokan with strong historical gravitas. Meiji-era bones, renovated 2017 with modern comforts added discreetly. Calm, adults-focused, garden-facing, deeply onsen-centric. Not a slick boutique — more like staying in a living piece of Japanese history.
Book 90+ days in advance for the Early Bird rate — same exact experience, noticeably cheaper
Why It Matters
One of Japan's oldest continuously operating ryokans (founded 1662). The onsen spring — named Ashikari no Yu — is the only Kanagawa Prefecture-designated National Recreational Onsen Resort and has been certified by POLA Orbis Holdings as a 'Beautiful Skin Onsen.' The spring combines all three major skin-beautifying water types (sulfur, sulfate, bicarbonate) in a single source, flowing at 200-250 liters per minute with zero water addition or heating. Featured on the Michelin Guide and Tablet Hotels.
Founded in 1662, Matsuzakaya Honten is a 360-year-old ryokan sitting at 870 meters elevation in Hakone's Ashinoyu area — one of the original 'Hakone Seven Onsen' of the Edo period. The property spans 13,200㎡ across five distinct pavilions housing 21 rooms, all set around a mossy, season-shifting garden. Its claim to fame is a genuinely rare triple-mineral hot spring that glows emerald green when fresh from the source, then shifts cloudy white depending on temperature and weather. Meiji-era architecture is preserved throughout the public spaces — think wooden carvings, tatami lobbies, and a traditional sunken hearth. The spring was used by samurai statesmen during the Meiji period and the inn has counted imperial family members among its guests.
Where You'll Stay
12 room types available
Ashikariso Maisonette Room with Open-Air Onsen
From JPY107,800 / nightTwo-floor maisonette layout in the Ashikariso pavilion — one of the more unusual room configurations in the property. Private open-air onsen bath. For 1–2 guests who want that extra spatial interest.
Twin · 78 sqmAshikariso Premium Room with Open-Air Onsen — Ashibue
From JPY101,200 / nightFirst-floor room in the Ashikariso pavilion with a private open-air onsen bath. Direct garden connection. Built for couples with a relaxed, private onsen-focus and garden-level access.
Twin · 48 sqm
Ashikariso Standard Room with Shower — Matsukaze
From JPY85,800 / nightLocated in the Ashikariso pavilion, designed for couples. Shower room only (no onsen tub in this specific room), but the pavilion is oriented toward relaxed time-for-two. 48 sqm on the second floor with tatami and mountain views.
Twin · 48 sqmExecutive Hanare Annex with Open-Air Onsen — Gyokoso
From JPY129,800 / nightA detached annex room (hanare) renovated in 2024, positioned as a former Imperial villa experience. 74 sqm with private open-air bath. Feels genuinely separate from the main building — more privacy, more atmosphere.
Twin · 74 sqmExecutive Hanare Annex with Open-Air Onsen — Senshintei
From JPY151,800 / nightThe largest and most expensive room on property at 92 sqm. Detached executive annex with private open-air onsen, up to four guests. The top-tier option for groups wanting maximum space and separation from the main pavilions.
Twin · 92 sqmKakumeikan Superior Twin Room (with Shower)
From JPY77,000 / nightBuilt during the Meiji era, the Kakumeikan pavilion is the only one without an in-room bathtub — you get a shower instead, and access to the communal onsen and private open-air baths outside. Bright Japanese-style twin rooms across two connecting rooms. Historic bones; a real trade-off between atmosphere and in-room bathing.
Twin · 48 sqmShiranso Premium Room with Open-Air Onsen
From JPY107,800 / nightFirst-floor Shiranso rooms with private outdoor open-air baths and capacity for up to four guests. Garden-level access. The outdoor setting means the spring changes color with the weather — emerald in the morning, sometimes milky white by afternoon.
Twin · 58 sqmShiranso Standard Twin Room with Indoor Onsen — Tamakazura
From JPY88,000 / nightA comfortable 55 sqm twin room in the Shiranso pavilion with a hot spring indoor bath — meaning you soak in the same 100% free-flowing spring water without having to go outside. Good balance of access and price.
Twin · 55 sqmShiranso Superior Twin Room with Indoor Onsen
From JPY92,400 / nightLarger version at 71 sqm in the Shiranso pavilion. Indoor onsen bath, twin beds, 2nd floor. More space, same pavilion experience — worth the step-up for longer stays.
Twin · 71 sqmShunpuso Deluxe Room with Open-Air Onsen — Kumoi
From JPY101,200 / nightOne of the roomier options in the Shunpuso pavilion at 89 sqm, with a private open-air bath and capacity for families or groups of four. The pavilion incorporates a relocated garden from the historic Iwasaki family villa.
Twin · 89 sqmShunpuso Premium Room with Open-Air Onsen — Akebono
From JPY116,600 / night74 sqm two-floor room in the Shunpuso pavilion for 1–2 guests with a private open-air onsen. One of the more romantic options in the property — the Shunpuso pavilion wraps around the Iwasaki garden.
Twin · 74 sqmShunpuso Premium Room with Open-Air Onsen — Tokiwa
From JPY123,200 / nightThe largest of the Shunpuso pavilion rooms at 88 sqm, with private open-air onsen and up to four guests. One of the top family/group options on property outside the Executive annex.
Twin · 88 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The property has a certified onsen bathing instructor on staff since June 2020. Guidance on how to properly use the hot springs — timing, temperature adjustment, sequencing — to maximize therapeutic benefit and avoid fatigue.
A day-use private open-air onsen package for non-overnight guests: a private room with sofa, private open-air onsen overlooking the forest, and a lounge break. Includes drinks and bath towels — bring nothing.
Five private open-air baths with garden and forest views. 45-minute exclusive sessions, reserved at the front desk after check-in. Available 3:00–11:45 PM and 7:00–9:45 AM. As of October 2026, a usage fee will apply.
A self-guided walking route around Matsuzakaya Honten's surroundings, retracing the marshland landscape that predated the inn's 1662 founding. Well-maintained paths suitable for all ages, including elderly guests and children. Passes historical sites dating to the Kamakura period including Buddhist stone carvings and a stone pagoda.
A structured 3–4 night extended stay program called 'Ryocance' designed to fully explore Hakone: scenic hiking, local sake tasting, seasonal food immersion, cultural sites. Bookable directly through the official site.
A nostalgic sunken hearth lounge featuring shogi, cards, karuta, othello, fishing games, and picture books. A genuine step back in time — one of the more charming public spaces in the property for rainy evening downtime.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Beer, shochu, Japanese sake, red and white wine (afternoon only), tea, coffee (morning only) and soft drinks available from 3:00–10:00 PM at no charge. Note: free-flow during dinner ends September 30, 2026.
Bali-origin, additive-free, environmentally friendly spa brand provided in all rooms. Includes cleansing milk, cleansing gel, skin lotion, facial cream, body soap, shampoo, conditioner.
Traditional ceramic hot-water bottles placed in guest rooms during the winter season. Heated by hot water, not fire — a gentle warmth that's genuinely old-school Japanese hospitality.
Broad range of complimentary loan items available in limited quantities: DVD player, humidifier, trouser press, iron, baby products, thermometer, curling iron, memory foam pillow, body pillow, mosquito repellent incense, contact lens solution, and more.
Early check-in up to 60 minutes before the standard 3:00 PM check-in time is available for an additional fee of ¥5,500 (tax included).
Luggage can be stored before check-in and after check-out on the same day.
Free private on-site parking. Reservation not required.
Paid luggage delivery to Hakone-Yumoto Station (depart desk by 10 AM on checkout day). Parcel shipping also accepted at front desk (3 PM–11 AM). Airport luggage delivery coordination available.
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