[Announcement] Matsuzakaya Honten Earns "MICHELIN Selected" Status in the MICHELIN Guide

A World-Recognized Luxury Stay in Ashinoyu, Hakone—Woven from 360 Years of Heritage and 100% Free-Flowing Hot Springs Onsen

At a Glance

MICHELIN Recognition: Selected as a "MICHELIN Selected" property in the MICHELIN Guide Hakone 2026 hotel selection.

Core Heritage: Founded in 1662 (Kanbun 2). Immortalized in Utagawa Hiroshige's ukiyo-e woodblock prints and favored by historic figures, including Kido Takayoshi and Saigo Takamori.

Key Highlights: 100% free-flowing natural hot springs from on-site sources, seasonal Kaiseki dining celebrating regional flavors, and the serene warmth of classic wooden architecture.

What is MICHELIN Selected?: While Michelin Stars and Bib Gourmand recognize restaurants, MICHELIN Selected highlights exceptional hotel and ryokan properties handpicked by Michelin inspectors for outstanding design, service, and guest experience.

Why Read This Article?: Discover why a historic ryokan with over 360 years of heritage earned international acclaim—exploring our thermal waters, cuisine, hospitality philosophy, and the prestige of MICHELIN Selected status.

Thank you for your continued support and patronage of Matsuzakaya Honten.

We are deeply honored to announce that Matsuzakaya Honten in Ashinoyu Onsen, Hakone, has been officially named a "MICHELIN Selected" property in the MICHELIN Guide Hakone 2026 hotel selection.

Since our founding in 1662 (Kanbun 2), Matsuzakaya Honten has woven more than 360 years of rich history. Our ryokan was depicted in woodblock prints by the renowned ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige and has hosted prominent historical figures and literary luminaries throughout the ages, including Kido Takayoshi and Saigo Takamori.

Our 100% free-flowing thermal waters drawn directly from on-site springs, seasonal Kaiseki cuisine celebrating the natural abundance of the region, and the quiet warmth of classic wooden architecture define our sanctuary. All of us at Matsuzakaya Honten are deeply honored that these signature qualities have been recognized in the MICHELIN Guide Hakone 2026 MICHELIN Selected.

What is "MICHELIN Selected"?

In its hotel selection, the MICHELIN Guide evaluates accommodations regardless of property scale, design style, or price tier. Inspectors assess each candidate property across five core criteria:

Architectural and Interior Design Excellence

Quality and Consistency of Service

Unique Character and Personality

Value for Price

Contribution to the Local Setting and Community

Properties that meet these comprehensive global standards are awarded the MICHELIN Selected designation. Matsuzakaya Honten is proud to be included among these world-class properties.

Being featured in the MICHELIN Guide Hakone 2026 MICHELIN Selected provides us with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the hot springs, tranquil spaces, and omotenashi hospitality we have nurtured over centuries.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

This recognition belongs to our valued guests, whose warm words and patronage sustain us, as well as the local Ashinoyu community who has preserved the rich hot spring culture of this region alongside us. We extend our deepest gratitude to you all.

The hot springs of Ashinoyu have bubbled continuously since the Edo period. Though times change, our commitment to safeguarding these thermal waters and delivering heartfelt, personalized hospitality remains unchanged.

As we turn a new page in our 360-year history, we will continue to honor our heritage while crafting refined stay experiences tailored to the modern traveler. We look forward to welcoming guests from across Japan and around the world to the quiet sanctuary of Ashinoyu, Hakone.

Click here for the official website
Click here to make a reservation

Access & Location Information

Address: 92 Ashinoyu, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0523, Japan

By Bus (from Hakone-Yumoto Station):

Take the Hakone Tozan Bus (Line H, bound for Hakonemachi-ko or Motohakone-ko).

Disembark at the Higashi-Ashinoyu bus stop and walk 3 minutes to the ryokan.

Travel Time: Approx. 30 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station / Approx. 50 minutes from Odawara Station.

By Car:

From Tokyo: Tomei Expressway (Atsugi I.C.) → Odawara-Atsugi Road → Hakoneguchi I.C. → Hakone Shindo → Sukumogawa I.C. → Matsuzakaya Honten.

From Osaka: Tomei Expressway (Gotemba I.C.) → Route 138 → Miyanoshita Intersection → Route 1 → Matsuzakaya Honten.

Parking: Complimentary private parking available on site.

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