When I was heading to the ryokan from the bus stop, the staff came running to greet me. During my stay, they provided the best service, maintaining the perfect balance of being attentive yet not intrusive. And, of course, the quality of the onsen water, with its natural flowing source, was amazing! I was relieved to find that it hasn’t changed since my last visit. I will definitely visit again. Thank you for everything.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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It’s been a while since my last stay, and I’m happy to see that renovations are progressing. The bath has been beautifully renovated, and the room was very comfortable, allowing me to relax fully. The meals were very healthy, and I could feel that the ingredients were carefully chosen. The staff were all warm and kind, making for a pleasant trip. As always, I believe the onsen’s water quality is the best in Hakone. As I get older, I would greatly appreciate it if handrails were added to the onsen in the future.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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Overall, I was satisfied with everything at this ryokan – the facilities, service, onsen, and meals.

This was my first stay at an onsen ryokan with my 3-month-old infant, and I was very impressed with how thoughtful and attentive the staff were. From the moment we checked in, they offered to let us use the nursing room before check-in, and they had prepared the requested baby bed, bath, bouncer, and diaper disposal bin in the room. They also arranged a private tatami room for our meals and provided toys and bedding for our baby. Although our baby hadn’t started solid foods yet, we were kindly asked at every meal if we needed anything for him.

It was especially wonderful that this ryokan welcomed children, as many ryokans have age restrictions, and we were able to enjoy the hot spring with our child in a relaxed environment.

In addition to the thoughtful care for children, I could feel the high standards of this ryokan in all aspects. The check-in experience, which included delicious wagashi (Japanese sweets) and tea, was a nice touch, and the staff gave a thorough explanation of the facilities and our room. During our stay, there were also several overseas guests, and the staff, including those who spoke foreign languages, handled everything smoothly.

While I don’t drink alcohol, I was surprised by the excellent value of the all-inclusive drinks, which included beer, shochu (Japanese distilled spirit), sake, and red/white wine. The soft drinks available were also varied, including grape and orange juice, hojicha, and a selection of tea bags. There were even Nescafé capsules in the room, which was a nice touch.

The meals, both dinner and breakfast, were delicious. For dinner, the staff kindly explained each dish and its proper way to enjoy it. From the appetizers to the sashimi, meat, rice, and dessert, everything was exquisite. The breakfast was also diverse, and I appreciated the thoughtful touches like keeping the warm tofu hot until the end of the meal.

As for the hot spring, it was just as described in the reviews – a luxurious, flowing onsen with abundant yuno-hana (mineral-rich deposits). The water temperature was not too high (41°C as indicated on the label), but the nature of the water left me feeling warm even after exiting the onsen, and I didn’t need to turn on the heating in the room. It was also great that the private outdoor onsen could be reserved for free, and we were able to enjoy it both at night and in the morning.

The facilities and rooms were well-maintained, preserving the ryokan’s traditional atmosphere while offering modern amenities that made for a comfortable stay. Although we couldn’t use the bar lounge or the room with a hearth and board games due to traveling with a child, these were features I’d love to experience next time.

Given the ryokan’s historical structure, there was a bit of walking between the rooms, public onsen, and private open-air onsen, which may be a concern for families with young children. However, I believe adults would find this part of the experience charming.

In any case, I am very grateful for the meticulous care and wonderful experience we had during our stay. It may have been a bit extravagant for my baby’s first onsen, but I would love to stay here again in the future. While there have been reports about the management, I believe the staff here are wonderful, and I hope they continue to provide fantastic experiences despite any external criticism.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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I was very satisfied with the onsen, which had plenty of yuno-hana (mineral-rich deposits). I stayed for two nights, but I was a little disappointed with the last dinner, which was in a private room with a closed window. Perhaps because it was located a bit farther from the main dining area, the timing of the food and drinks was a bit slow. Other than that, it was a satisfying stay. I would love to stay here again.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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This was the best ryokan I’ve ever visited!
The hospitality, food, onsen, and room were all filled with surprises, and the level of satisfaction was incredibly high!
For younger people, it might be a bit pricey, but I still believe it’s worth staying here!
Thank you to all the staff!

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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This is a historic ryokan, so the age of the building is understandable, but it has been renovated and is comparable to the newest hotels, which is impressive.

The all-inclusive service was excellent, especially during dinner, where the alcohol selection was more than sufficient. I particularly enjoyed the paid Izumibashi and Setoichi sake, which were both delicious. The onsen was truly amazing, and among the 8 out of the 17 Hakone onsen I’ve experienced, this was by far the best. For my next visit, I’d like to try the steam-heated onsen at Owakudani, even though it isn’t from the original source.

The lounge area was spacious and offered various atmospheres, making it a very relaxing place to unwind. Alcohol was available until 10 PM, which was a nice touch. I also noticed that many of the staff were foreign, but their language skills and manners were flawless, which added to the overall positive experience.

However, there were a few areas that could be improved. The large bath was too cold, and I would have liked the open area between the indoors and outdoors to be smaller. During the winter, the steam makes visibility poor, which could be dangerous and lead to heat shock. Additionally, the ventilation fan in the bath was small and high-speed, making it difficult to hear conversations. This detracts from the peaceful onsen experience, so I think a larger, low-speed fan might work better.

I was also a little disappointed to find a large piece of white trash in the bath shortly after check-in at 3 p.m. The next morning, I noticed that the bath towel bin was overflowing after 7 AM These small issues didn’t spoil the experience, but it would be great if they could be addressed.

Another small point was that there was no coffee in the lounge. I assumed there would be coffee available after the alcohol was cleared away, and sure enough, I found it there the next morning. It would be helpful if the staff could mention during check-in that coffee will be available in the morning.

I apologize for the nitpicking, but I wanted to share my thoughts in the hopes that these small improvements could make the experience even better.

While Kinnotake Tonosawa was also great, Matsuzakaya Honten was truly wonderful, and I will definitely return in the future.

Thank you very much.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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I visited again after six months, and the onsen is still wonderful. However, I noticed that the amount of yufun (onsen minerals) seems to have decreased compared to before. When I asked the staff, they mentioned that they have been more diligent about cleaning to prevent foreign guests from mistaking it for debris. I felt a bit disappointed about that. The water temperature also felt a little lukewarm, possibly due to winter, but the onsen had great thermal retention, and it was still a lovely experience.

As for the meals, the all-inclusive alcohol and variety of dishes were satisfying, but I felt there could be a standout dish that would make me think, "I want to come to Matsuzakaya just to eat this." While everything was delicious, I felt there could have been more dishes reflecting local ingredients and the season. However, considering the price, I understand it’s unreasonable to ask for too much. The hospitality from the staff had improved significantly compared to six months ago. I will visit again.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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Me and my husband recently stayed at Matsuzakaya Honten, and had a wonderful experience. The hotel exceeded my expectations in several areas.

The staff was excellent, they were friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure our stay was enjoyable.

The room we stayed in was very large, clean and very nicely appointed, providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. And the food was out of the world!

The private onzen is super nice and offered a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring and we used it several times.

Overall, I highly recommend the hotel for anyone looking for a great place to stay!

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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The onsen was amazing! It was the best onsen I’ve ever been to!
The facilities were satisfying, the room was comfortable, and the lobby on the first floor was also pleasant.
However, due to the structure of the old building, it’s understandable, but there are always stairs when going to the bath, dining, or the room, which may be difficult for elderly guests.
The corridor to the large bath is also really cold in the winter. The private bath requires going outside and walking about 20 meters, which could be tough in snow or rain.
As for the meals, based on reviews, I had high expectations, but the quality was lower than expected. I would rate it as below average. I didn’t feel creativity or innovation in the dishes, and the taste wasn’t great. The breakfast was similar.
As for the staff, there were many Asian staff members, but they were all kind and provided polite service.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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I have been using this place whenever possible for the past 30 years. Perhaps due to the eruption in Hakone, I feel that the onsen water has slightly changed, but it is still a beautiful emerald green onsen. I will definitely use it again.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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I wish there had been tissues at the dining table. Dinner was satisfying, but the miso soup and dried horse mackerel at breakfast were a bit cold. Also, there was no bell or call system, so I had trouble asking for a refill of rice or drinks at the right time, which was disappointing.
I had read on the website that hot milk would be available in the lounge, but it wasn’t there during my stay. I drink coffee with milk every day, so the cold milk made my coffee cold.
Although there were stairs, I think it would be great if there were coffee or juice available in the room with a lid on the paper cup. While there is a drink service in the room, the soft drink selection is different. It was a bit chilly in the lounge, so I preferred coffee, but it took some time to prepare.
Even in a room without a bath, there were bath towels, but I think it would be nice to have a change of hand towels for a more comfortable stay, especially considering the current pandemic.
The staff is well-trained, and I had a pleasant stay. I was particularly impressed with the foreign male staff member who spoke excellent Japanese. He was very reliable at the front desk, and I thought he was a wonderful staff member.
If the opportunity arises, I would like to visit again.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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It’s rare to find a place that excels in all three aspects: the quality of the onsen, the food, and the level of service, but Matsuzakaya Hoten is perfect! The atmosphere of the ryokan is also wonderful. Considering the quality, it’s very reasonable. I’ve visited many places in search of a regular stay, and it looks like I’ve found the one here. A fantastic ryokan that makes you feel the tradition and history!

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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We love the hotel, the room, the private onsen, the food and especially the service! Three member of the staff made our stay especially memorable! First of all I would like to mention Shovan who with a lot of patience explained us our dinner menu and provided us with a great service. The second person that needs to be highlighted is Lihn. She reacted promptly to our requests and made sure that we would feel comfortable during the stay! Also we would like to mention Yu who was very kind!

We were surprised by the small details and the overall experience. We will definitely one back!

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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The focus of a trip can vary depending on the moment—whether it's sightseeing or something else. This time, we decided to make the accommodation the main highlight, and it turned out to be a highly satisfying journey. From the service to the facilities, every aspect was filled with hospitality, leaving us with only wonderful memories. Although most of the staff were young, it was clear that they had honed their skills and were dedicated to providing the best experience for guests. The food and hot springs were also absolutely satisfying. I would love to visit again regularly for a retreat.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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I am truly grateful for a wonderful stay. The quality of the onsen was great, and the smiles and kindness of the staff were very warm. I left feeling completely satisfied. Thank you very much. I am looking forward to returning when it gets warmer. Wishing everyone good health and a happy new year."

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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This was my first stay, and I was very satisfied with the hot spring quality, enjoying the bath flowers as well. The staff, mostly young, were very friendly and provided excellent service.
Since I checked out just before the checkout time, I could hear the cleaning starting in other rooms, but I expected some noise due to the wooden structure, so it was not an issue for me. (The noise was not noticeable at night.)
I would love to visit again.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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This was my second stay. The young staff are always energetic and friendly. I was touched to see the same person who helped me during my previous visit take care of us again. As always, the hot spring water with onsen flowers left my skin smooth, and I enjoyed a relaxing experience in the kotatsu, fully immersed in a unique Japanese cultural experience.
One suggestion: it would be helpful to have a bell or buzzer during meals. This would allow guests to smoothly request drinks in the evening or refills at breakfast without having to wait.
I look forward to visiting again during the autumn leaves season.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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I visited with a long-time friend to create memories, and it turned out to be a very special day.
The staff were kind, and the facilities were excellent. There were several private baths, and it was easy to make reservations with plenty of availability. Both dinner and breakfast were light and delicious. We also thoroughly enjoyed a special jazz performance held in the evening.

The hot spring water had a slight sulfur smell, but my skin became very soft after the bath.

I was impressed with every aspect of my stay. I would love to visit again when I come to Hakone next time. Thank you so much to all the staff who treated us kindly!

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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全体的に非常に満足しており、中国語のサービス能力に欠けており、食事が美味しくないということはないのですが、ただ品ぞろえがあまりにも限られており、一部のお客様は生臭い味を受け入れられません。食事の中には生臭い味がやや濃いものが多く、実際には魚単品の食事スタイルの上で、1から2種類の食事を選ぶことができます。そうすれば、食べ物を無駄にしないだけでなく、お客様のニーズを満たすこともできます。あくまでも個人的なアドバイスです

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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My wife and I planned a hot spring trip for our wedding anniversary, and we had the pleasure of staying here.
From check-in, we received thorough explanations and enjoyed relaxing in the large public bath, private baths, and lounge with a beer and sake after our bath.
The quality of the hot spring water was incredibly smooth, and my wife was delighted with how soft her skin felt.
We are looking forward to staying again on our next hot spring trip.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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This was my wife’s and my first time staying at a ryokan, and we could not have asked for a better experience. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the amenities and property were amazing. We had such a wonderful time. It was truly one of the highlights of our two weeks in Japan!

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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This was our first stay, and it was a perfect match for our preferences. The staff was very kind, and we were surprised to see so many young staff members. We will definitely visit again.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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We had an amazing experience by having a night at Matsuzakaya Honten. We were able to enjoy fabulous private onsens for twice and dinner was great. I wish reception staff could communicate more in English.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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Beyond satisfied. We truly loved the place. The room was big with all necessary amenities. The staff was very nice and helped us many times. The food was good, we discovered specialties.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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I love onsen and enjoy visiting various ones as a hobby. The water was smooth and soothing, and it really helped relieve my fatigue. Coincidentally, it was my birthday, and I appreciated the dessert service and gift; your thoughtfulness made me very happy. Thank you for your hospitality. I will definitely visit again!

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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Thank you for celebrating my wife's birthday the other day! She was very happy to be celebrated like this at her age.

The hot springs are, of course, wonderful, but I also appreciate the unmatched hospitality and thoughtfulness from everyone, including those we didn’t meet in person.

When we visit again, I hope to get to know you better.

Looking forward to our next visit! Thank you, Matsuzakaya!

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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Onsen was excellent, and the meals served morning and evening were delicious. The staff were very kind. It's a truly perfect ryokan. I plan to visit again next time.

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Superior Twin /No bathtub No shower (Kakumeikan)

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