Our Best Hakone Hotel Experience

As a local father living in Japan, I have explored numerous getaways with my two children. Hakone is our favorite destination for its healing hot springs and stunning nature. In this article, I’ll share our hand-picked selection of luxury ryokans where we’ve actually stayed, focusing on why they are perfect for parents traveling with kids.

6 Hakone Ryokans We’ve Stayed

Gora, Hakone
Byakudan View 1 Byakudan View 2 Byakudan View 3
👦 Son 1.5 & 3 & 4 years old
👧 Daughter Maternity Trip
We’ve stayed at Byakudan three times now, and it remains one of our absolute favorite escapes. While many luxury ryokans can feel a bit stiff, the hospitality here is exceptionally warm and welcoming for families. We particularly love the Kaiseki cuisine which changes seasonally—the quality is so high that we rarely feel the need to look elsewhere for a better dining experience in Hakone.
For parents, the biggest peace of mind comes from the room layout and dining arrangements. All guest rooms come with a private open-air bath, allowing you to soak with your kids as much as you want without worrying about public bath manners. They also provide private dining rooms, so we could relax and enjoy our gourmet meal even when the kids were being a bit restless.
💡 Papa’s Local Insight
We love here so much and it seems this ryokan is much loved by others too! The lobby views are stunning, especially during the autumn leaves in October. Note: the bath water can be hot, so stir it well or add cold water before the kids get in!

Hakone Ten-yu

⭐ 9.0
Ninotaira, Hakone
Ten-yu Infinity Bath Ten-yu Kaiseki Dinner Ten-yu Kids Experience
👦 Son Before birth / 2 years old
👧 Daughter Before her birth
We first stayed here in 2017 while my wife was pregnant, and loved it so much that we returned with our son’s daycare friends when he was 2. The buffet breakfast is world-class, similar to luxury international chains but with local Japanese delicacies. I strongly recommend having the Kaiseki course dinner here; Japanese ryokans put immense effort into their dinners, and the presentation here is truly stunning.
Every room features a private open-air bath, but the infinity onsen on the top floor is a must-visit for its breathtaking views and sense of liberation. Since the hotel is part of the same group as Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, you can walk there in minutes. The kids loved the hot spring theme park and the game center, making it an ideal spot for a fun-filled family afternoon.
💡 Papa’s Local Insight
This hotel is another amazing ryokan. In Japan, the dinner experience is a core part of staying at a ryokan. Don’t miss out by eating elsewhere—Ten-yu’s dinner is exceptional!

FUFU Hakone

⭐ 9.3
Gora, Hakone
FUFU Hakone Exterior FUFU Hakone Bath FUFU Hakone Amenities
👦 Son 7 years old
👧 Daughter 3 years old
FUFU is a highly prestigious luxury ryokan brand with locations across Japan, and staying here was something I had looked forward to for a long time. They kindly provided us with a private dining room, which allowed our family to enjoy a high-quality meal slowly and peacefully, completely free from the usual stress of dining out with children.
While rooms come with private baths, I strongly recommend visiting the public bath as well. The design is incredibly sophisticated, and the panoramic view of the landscape from the onsen is truly liberating. Before leaving, don’t forget to check the gift shop—we bought their Hinoki (Japanese cypress) soap, which is a wonderful memory of our stay. For a more in-depth look, please check our detailed review article here.
💡 Papa’s Local Insight
The Hinoki soap we bought is so fragrant that it brings back the relaxing Hakone atmosphere every time we use it at home. If you want a stay where every detail—from the room to the scent—is curated for luxury, FUFU Hakone is the perfect choice.
Gora, Hakone
Madoka no Mori Entrance Madoka no Mori Interior Madoka no Mori Wood Design
👦 Son 1 year old
👧 Daughter Before her birth
The moment you see the iconic waterwheel at the entrance, you know you’ve arrived at a special place. Madoka no Mori is defined by its abundant use of natural wood throughout the entire building, filling the air with the soothing scent of timber and tatami that instantly relaxes your mind. The atmosphere is filled with authentic Japanese charm, providing a deeply healing experience.
Both the hot springs and the cuisine are absolutely flawless. You can expect a truly high-end stay where every detail is taken care of. The hospitality is exceptional, so you don’t have to worry about a thing—even when traveling with a toddler. It is a sanctuary where the high-quality service and peaceful environment live up to every expectation.
💡 Papa’s Local Insight
The tactile feel of the wooden floors and the gentle scent throughout the ryokan make it a wonderful place for a sensory-friendly stay. Since the hospitality is so reliable, it’s an ideal choice for a “Babymoon” or your child’s first ryokan experience.
Nebukawa, Odawara
Hilton Odawara Exterior Hilton Odawara Pool Hilton Odawara Kids Area
👦 Son 1.5 years old
👧 Daughter Before her birth
Located just 60 minutes from Shinagawa Station via Shinkansen, Hilton Odawara offers unbeatable access for a family getaway. The standout feature is the massive year-round heated pool complex, which is warm and perfect even in winter. Since it follows Hilton’s international standards, the facilities and services are consistently high-quality, ensuring a stress-free stay for parents.
Beyond the pool, the resort is packed with family entertainment, including bowling, a game center, and an indoor sports space where I had a blast kicking a ball around with my 1.5-year-old son. Whether you drive from Tokyo or take the free shuttle bus from Odawara Station, the journey is smooth. It’s a perfect “all-in-one” destination where you don’t even need to leave the hotel to keep the kids fully entertained.
💡 Papa’s Local Insight
Folks, this is not in Hakone but in Odawara. But the access from Tokyo is amazingly simple and convenient. Moreover it has indoor huge pool even in winter! That’s the very reason we wanted to share our experience of this hotel. Perfect for a family onsen experience.

Hakone Suishoen

⭐ 9.6
Kowakudani, Hakone
Suishoen Heritage Building Suishoen Maisonette Room Suishoen Private Onsen
👦 Son 5 years old
👧 Daughter 1.5 years old
Suishoen is a premier luxury ryokan representing the best of Hakone. The highlight for us was dining in their nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property building—the atmosphere is simply unmatched. Even on a cold winter night, the interior was warm and cozy, creating a truly happy dinner experience for our family.
We stayed in a maisonette-style room with a spacious private open-air onsen. The level of privacy was incredible. While the room was refined and quiet, our kids had a blast treating the two floors like a playground, constantly running up and down the stairs! Most importantly, the staff provided a private dining room, which gave us huge peace of mind even when our 1.5-year-old daughter was crying.
⚠️ Temporary Closure Notice
Hakone Suishoen is currently closed for major renovations.
Scheduled to reopen: Spring 2026
Please keep this masterpiece on your bucket list for your future Japan trip!
💡 Papa’s Local Insight
Having a private dining space in such a high-end ryokan is a lifesaver for parents. You can enjoy authentic Kaiseki cuisine without worrying about other guests’ reactions to your kids. It’s a genuine luxury experience that manages to be family-friendly.

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