A Little Trip to Hakone: A Western-Style Onsen Stay at Hiramatsu Hotels

If you’re looking for a different, more private, and complete experience, there are numerous high-end ryokans hidden in the mountains of Hakone. These establishments offer authentic overnight stays with meals, allowing guests to wear traditional yukata, savor exquisite Japanese cuisine, and sleep on tatami mat beds. Some even feature private baths in the rooms or offer "kashikiri buro" (private bath) options outside of the communal baths, ensuring a tranquil and secluded holiday. In addition to traditional ryokans, there are modern boutique hotels that perfectly blend contemporary design with Japanese aesthetics.

The room features a private bath, allowing you to cleanse both your body and mind.

Exploring the Luxurious Onsen Hotel in Sengokuhara

The guest rooms are simple, comfortable, and understatedly luxurious. On a clear day, you can see the summit of Mount Fuji from your room. Enjoy the beautiful scenery from your private bath.

From Hakone Yumoto Station, you can take a bus or taxi through the hilly forests to the enchanting Sengokuhara , where you’ll find the discreet and upscale THE HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS Sengokuhara . This hotel is part of the Japanese hotel group HIRAMATSU HOTELS , founded by renowned chef Hiramatsu Hiroyuki. Hiramatsu is a prominent figure in French cuisine, having made significant contributions in both Tokyo and Paris over the years. His venture into the luxury resort sector aims to extend the essence of high-end Japanese-Western dining into a unique overnight experience.

The Romance Car runs directly from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station.

This concept is indeed unique, as traditional Japanese onsen ryokans often follow a standard format. While many excel in environment, service, facilities, and cuisine, HIRAMATSU breaks the mold. The hotel beautifully incorporates the ceremonial aspects typical of traditional ryokans within a Western-style ambiance. Entering through a modest entrance into what feels like a villa, you are welcomed by a tastefully designed lobby that merges Japanese and Western styles. With only eleven guest rooms, THE HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS Sengokuhara offers spacious accommodations featuring natural wood furniture, leather sofas, and comfortable high beds. The highlight of each room is the private bath facing large windows, allowing you to soak while enjoying views of the lush green mountains. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Unique Onsen Meals Japanese-style Western Cuisine

Although it is Western cuisine, it has a Japanese style in every aspect. A bright and spacious dining environment.

The hotel’s restaurant does not offer the typical Japanese ryokan meal sets. Chef Urushibara Suguru, who has trained under Hiramatsu for many years, utilizes the finest ingredients from Kanagawa and Shizuoka Prefectures, applying Italian and French cooking techniques to create seasonal delicacies for both guests and non-staying visitors. The European-style interior, adorned with artwork and harmonizing with the natural views outside, provides a relaxing atmosphere for dining. Whether for dinner or breakfast, the different times of day create a serene and leisurely ambiance.

Exquisite hot spring cuisine is an essential part of the experience. Japanese ingredients cooked using Western methods.

THE HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS Sengokuhara

Address ： 1245-337 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0631

Phone ﹕ +81-460-83-8981 （ 9am-7pm ）

Website ： https://global.hiramatsuhotels.com/sengokuhara/

Over Ten Thousand Works of Art POLA Museum of Art

On your return trip to Tokyo, if you have some spare time, consider visiting the nearby POLA Museum of Art . Founded by the POLA group, known for its cosmetics and skincare products, this private museum houses over ten thousand works of art, including pieces by Monet, Picasso, Fujita Tsuguharu and other contemporary artists. One of the museum's standout features is the outdoor trail that surrounds the main building. Walking along the path, you are enveloped by lush trees while the sounds of flutes and birds harmonize around you. The trail also features several large sculptures that surprise visitors at every turn, offering a unique immersive experience.

The tree-lined walkway of the POLA Museum of Art. This private museum houses over ten thousand works of art.

POLA Museum of Art

Address ： 1285 Kozukuyama, Sengokuhara, Hakone, Kanagawa 250-0631 Japan

Opening Hours ： Open Daily from 9 am to 5 pm (Last admission 4:30 pm)

Admission ： Adults ￥ 2,200, High school / university students ￥ 1,700, Junior high or younger Free

Website ： https://www.polamuseum.or.jp/en/