Matsuzakaya Honten Review
Ashikariso Premium Room for 2 people with Open-Air Onsen (Ashibue)
Total 4.9
# of reviews 18
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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!
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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!
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
Good service, good food, good hot spring
Reviewed:Dec.30.2024 Stayed:12.2024
Wallance san Mr. Couple 40s
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
Staff Comment (From Kinnotake)
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.
