Matsuzakaya Honten Review

Ashikariso Premium Room for 2 people with Open-Air Onsen (Ashibue)

Total 4.9

# of reviews 18

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Full of energy

Reviewed:Feb.21.2026 Stayed:2.2026

POCHI san Mr. Alone 60s

This is our third stay.

The tradition, the onsen, and the staff were all excellent. Every time, interacting with the young and energetic staff members gave us real energy. Even though people say “these days…,” it is amazing that such wonderful staff exist.

While the quality of service in many ryokans seems to decline year by year, this inn and those in Kitagawa Onsen remain precious. I hope you continue to cherish this tradition and maintain a standard that never disappoints.

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4

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  • Satisfaction

Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you for staying with us again.

We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the onsen, our traditions, and the service provided by our staff. We are especially pleased that the young staff members left a positive impression.

We will continue to preserve our traditions and provide service that meets your expectations.

Very good

Reviewed:Feb.03.2026 Stayed:2.2026

Yasu san Mr. Family 30s

I had a very enjoyable stay. The quality of the onsen was excellent, and the service was of the highest standard.

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5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you for staying with us.

We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the onsen and our service. We look forward to welcoming you again.

The best ryokan

Reviewed:Feb.01.2026 Stayed:1.2026

レレレ san Ms. Family 60s

We stayed here for my husband’s birthday. When we mentioned it in the reservation notes, three surprises were prepared for us. The first was in the room, the second during dessert at dinner, and the third at checkout. Both of us were very moved, and my husband was delighted that it became a memorable birthday. Thank you very much.

The room, meals, and service were all excellent. The onsen was especially wonderful—despite the sulfur scent, it left the skin feeling as soft and moisturized as after applying lotion.

We would like to stay here again.

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バースディケーキ

5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you for staying with us.

We are delighted that you and your husband enjoyed the birthday surprises and were able to create such a memorable celebration. We are also pleased that you were satisfied with the room, meals, service, and onsen.

We look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

A wonderful ryokan in Hakone

Reviewed:Jan.27.2026 Stayed:1.2026

ぱぴ san Ms. Couple 20s

We stayed here for my partner’s birthday. We had visited a few years ago, and this time the meals were even more delicious, and it seemed there were more young staff members than before.

The next morning, the fire alarm outside our room went off, but it seems that steam from the indoor bath can sometimes cause a false alarm. I was impressed that this incident was shared with all staff, which reflected the high standards of the inn.

The “Ashibue” room is far from the dining area and lounge, and in winter the hallways are as cold as the outside temperature, so it may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues or elderly visitors. However, given the building’s 360-year history, the coldness also added to its charm.

One point for improvement would be the limited choice of soft drinks. It is appreciated that drinks are included, but the lounge juice was not 100% grape juice, and only three or four options, including oolong tea, were available during meals.

Even if prices were slightly higher, offering non-alcoholic cocktails or higher-quality juices included in the rate would make the stay even more satisfying.

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5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you for staying with us.

We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the meals and appreciated our staff. We also thank you for your understanding regarding the false alarm and are glad it did not affect your impression of our inn.

Your comments about the location of the “Ashibue” room, the winter hallway temperature, and the selection of soft drinks are valuable feedback and will be considered for future improvements.

We look forward to welcoming you again for another special visit.

The onsen is excellent

Reviewed:Jan.20.2026 Stayed:1.2026

みゆさん san Ms. Couple 50s

I am a fan of onsen trips, and this onsen, with its natural flowing water, is truly the best. The room’s open-air onsen was very comfortable, and there were also large onsens and private baths, allowing us to fully enjoy the hot springs, which was very satisfying. The room was also comfortable for relaxing, and the meals were delicious. The grated yam with barley rice for breakfast was excellent.
One point to note: the all-inclusive drinks at meals felt a little limited. It would be nice to have a few more options.

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お部屋のお風呂です。何回も楽しみました。 貸切風呂です。朝焼けの中気分爆上がり!

5

  • Room and Amenities
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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you very much for staying with us. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the natural flowing onsen, the room’s open-air onsen, as well as the large onsens and private onsen. We are also pleased that you were able to relax in your room and enjoyed the meals, including breakfast. We appreciate your feedback regarding the drink selection and will use it to improve our services. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

Wonderful, traditional ryokan

Reviewed:Jan.12.2026 Stayed:1.2026

Jodie san Ms. Couple 30s

I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel. The establishment is old but very well maintained, and it is simply beautiful and fun to wander around. Our room was really spacious and I loved the decoration and the mix of modern and traditional. My favourite thing was the private outdoor onsen for our room - it was so relaxing to soak in the hot tub in the cold weather, we couldn’t get enough.
The staff are so friendly and warm, and they were so helpful for our requests.

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5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you very much for staying with us. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay, the room, and the private outdoor onsen. We also appreciate your kind words about our staff and their service. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

We wished we stayed another day

Reviewed:Dec.08.2025 Stayed:11.2025

Chua san NO ANSWER Couple 30s

Matsuzakaya Honten is a beautiful ryokan in a secluded place in Hakone. The silence and solitude make for an excellent place to relax and unwind. Our room was minimal but spacious, great for decluttering the mind. A pair of sliding doors led to a private onsen with a little moss garden as a view.

Dinner and breakfast provided were well thought out, delicious, and seasonally adapted. It felt like we were experiencing Japanese fine dining. There was so much to see within the ryokan itself: different themed rooms that showcased culture, history, and games.

The public baths and private onsen were also available for reservations, which we, regrettably, did not have the time to experience during our short one-night stay. We definitely recommend staying at least two nights to experience the ryokan to the full.

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5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you very much for your detailed review. It is wonderful to know that you appreciated the seasonal meals and the cultural aspects of our ryokan. We hope you will have the opportunity to stay longer next time to fully experience the public onsen and other onsen. We look forward to welcoming you again.

Relaxing, smooth stay

Reviewed:Dec.05.2025 Stayed:11.2025

Diane Z san Ms. Couple 20s

We stayed in the Ashibue room for one night and wish we could stay longer! From check-in to checkout, everything was smooth and the staff were hospitable. We enjoyed the private onsen many times especially since it’s naturally always “on” (no need to manually fill it up / drain it each time). Dinner and breakfast were both delicious and well presented. The space in the room as well as the general premises are beautifully balanced between historic vibe and modern functionality.

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5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you very much for your thoughtful review. We are pleased to hear that your stay in the Ashibue room was relaxing and that you enjoyed the private onsen, as well as the dinner and breakfast. It is wonderful to know that the balance of historic atmosphere and modern comfort suited your stay. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again in the future.

Wonderful experience

Reviewed:Nov.19.2025 Stayed:11.2025

Percy san Mr. Friends 30s

Thank you to all the staff of Matsuzakaya Honten. It was a wonderful experience beginning to end. Our room was spotless and comfortable, and the bath was amazing. My friend and I both have some dietary restrictions and the kitchen was able to accommodate these for both dinner and breakfast, with the meal being very fresh and delicious. I would happily come and stay here again, I wish I could have stayed longer.

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5

  • Room and Amenities
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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you for sharing your experience at Matsuzakaya Honten. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your room, the onsen, and your meals, and that our staff could accommodate your dietary needs. We look forward to welcoming you again and hope you can stay longer next time.

Almost a perfect score.

Reviewed:Aug.31.2025 Stayed:8.2025

ショマキチ san Ms. Family 50s

The open-air onsen in the room is the best. I want to try staying in other rooms, but I always end up choosing Ashibue.
It’s a luxury to be able to soak in the room’s open-air onsen until just before checkout.
Ashibue is close to the large onsen bath but a bit far from the lounge, so some people might find that inconvenient.
The water quality is excellent, and the large onsen bath is often not crowded, making it very comfortable.
If I had one request, it would be to have a shuttle service.

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芦笛のお部屋 夕食は和食中心

5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you very much for staying with us.
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the open-air onsen in your room and the quality of the onsen water.
We also appreciate your valuable feedback regarding the location and shuttle service, which we will consider for future improvements.
We sincerely look forward to welcoming you again.

Everything is perfect!

Reviewed:Jul.08.2025 Stayed:7.2025

LEE san Mr. Couple 30s

Friendly staff, delicious food, great hot spring. I have nothing more to say.

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5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you very much for your kind words. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the friendly staff, delicious food, and onsen. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again.

Great experience

Reviewed:Jun.04.2025 Stayed:5.2025

Anna san Ms. Couple 20s

We loved everything this place offered us and would definitely recommend it!

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5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you for your kind feedback. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience and appreciate your recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you again.

Amazing!

Reviewed:Apr.10.2025 Stayed:3.2025

Sab san Mr. Couple 20s

From the moment we arrived at the Onsen, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of unparalleled hospitality. The staff were not just friendly; they were genuinely warm and went above and beyond at every opportunity to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. Their attention to detail truly elevated our stay to a "next level" customer experience.

Our room was a haven of tranquility, culminating in the absolute luxury of a private onsen bath. Soaking in the mineral-rich waters in complete privacy after a day of exploring was pure bliss. The entire hotel exuded a sense of calm and refinement, making it the perfect escape.

One minor note for future guests, particularly those staying on the basement floor: while our experience was overwhelmingly positive, we could occasionally hear the footsteps and more energetic movements of guests in the rooms above. This was especially noticeable when they were walking heavily. It didn't significantly detract from our overall enjoyment, but light sleepers in basement rooms might want to bring earplugs just in case.

Despite this small caveat, the Onsen isn't just a place to stay; it's an experience in exceptional service and serene relaxation. We left feeling completely rejuvenated and already dreaming of our return.

Highly recommended!

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5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed review. We are truly delighted to hear that your experience with us was so enjoyable. It is wonderful to know that you appreciated the warmth and dedication of our staff, as well as the tranquility of your room and the private onsen bath. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the basement floor and will take it into consideration. We look forward to welcoming you back for another rejuvenating stay in the future.

A special stay for a special day

Reviewed:Feb.23.2025 Stayed:2.2025

Catherine san Ms. Couple 20s

We returned from our trip here yesterday and I still feel so relaxed. Our stay was incredible. I saw all the good reviews on other sites and wanted to see if this place lived up to its reputation and it absolutely does.

Our room was perfect. I really wanted a room that had a private onsen when I was looking for Ryokans and this one was spacious with a beautiful view of the moss garden. The beds were very spacious and the tatami area was a lovely place to relax and unwind.

Breakfast and dinner were both included in the price and initially I was surprised that the meals were not served in our room but was served in a restaurant but actually it was an incredible experience in the restaurant as well as there were private dining areas. The meals themselves were delicious. I have no faults. Each one was presented beautifully and tasted incredible.

As it was my birthday, my partner had arranged for a cake and flowers to be delivered after dinner and it was such a lovely surprise and all the staff sung happy birthday. Every member of staff was very helpful, informative and kind. Japanese hospitality is something else.

I would 100% recommend this to anybody looking for a Ryokan experience in Japan, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion as they will make it extra special for you. It was absolutely worth it.

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5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful review.
We are thrilled to hear that your stay with us was everything you hoped for and more. We're delighted that the room with the private onsen, the beautiful view, and the relaxing atmosphere made your experience so memorable. It’s also great to hear that you enjoyed the meals, even in the restaurant, and that they exceeded your expectations.

We’re so happy that we could help make your birthday celebration even more special with the cake, flowers, and birthday song! Our team truly strives to create memorable experiences for our guests, and your kind words are the greatest reward for us.

Thank you again for choosing our ryokan for such a special occasion, and we would be honored to welcome you back in the future. We wish you all the best and hope to see you again soon.

Hui

Reviewed:Feb.18.2025 Stayed:2.2025

Hui san Mr. Couple 20s

A wonderful stay! The resort was peaceful and beautiful, and the staff were excellent.

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5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you so much for your kind words. We are thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful stay with us. We strive to provide a peaceful and beautiful environment, and we’re glad that our staff was able to contribute to your positive experience. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future!

Good service, good food, good hot spring

Reviewed:Dec.30.2024 Stayed:12.2024

Wallance san Mr. Couple 40s

The dinner and breakfast is good, we were served by a nice hotel staff and the food tastes good.
The room is clean.
The hot spring is perfect, I feel the difference on the treat to my skin.
And thanks for delivering my iPhone charger.

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Beef hotpot

5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you for your feedback. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the food, service, and onsen. It's also great to know that the onsen benefited your skin. We're happy we could help with your iPhone charger and look forward to your next visit.

Dr.

Reviewed:Sep.03.2024 Stayed:8.2024

Gloria san Ms. Couple 50s

We really love this beautifull honsen and ryokan. Everything was perfect! For us the best place where you can stay in japan.

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5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay and consider our ryokan the best place in Japan. We look forward to welcoming you back.

Traditional Excellence!

Reviewed:Aug.07.2024 Stayed:8.2024

トヨイズミ san Mr. Family 50s

I always enjoy a relaxing stay at this classic ryokan with its calm atmosphere. The sulfur-scented onsen are outstanding, and the private onsen in the room is also excellent. I look forward to using the 'Hanare' next time.

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5

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Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)

Thank you for your continued visits and kind words. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed our onsen and the room amenities. We look forward to having you experience the 'Hanare' on your next visit. We eagerly await your return.
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