Hakone Suisen

clean and peaceful

This was such a lovely spot to stay. A very authentic and peaceful Ryokan experience in a beautiful setting. The room was much larger than I expected with a relaxing forest outlook. The staff were very helpful and accomodating, providing a lovely breakfast of pastries and even a lift up to the train with our luggage when we left. It’s not far to walk from the train, but a bit tricky crossing the road when busy. We found it easier to cross further up around the corner when arriving, we had our luggage forwarded for arrival which was very easy. We were hoping to try the little Japanese pub by the train station but it was closed, but ordered Uber eats quite easily, otherwise you can eat in Gora or Hakone Yumoto. Would definitely recommend for a quiet, authentic stay.

Suisen was our #1 favorite stay during our 11-night trip in Japan. We spent 2 nights but wished for more. With a dozen rooms, it feels like a cozy B&B run by friends who’ve put thought into everything. The rooms/amenities are very clean, breakfasts simple (with delicious bread), and nighttime snacks prepared with care. Staff dress in black branded tshirts and know your faces, hospitality is next level from orientation to checkout, and you can tell the lounge areas have been curated with someone’s personal touch and artful preferences. The single outdoor onsen (for each gender) is great, but we loved the indoor one even more, especially since the windows open. Suisen was the perfect tatami stay after long days exploring Hakone navigating crowds and surfing on buses “meandering” through the mountain roads. Compare Suisen to another natural onsen we stayed at later. With 450+ rooms, the other place was run like a resort/cruise ship operation. You’re one family in a sea of others, compete for massage chairs/showers, and wait in line to eat. The staff are dressed in fuller uniforms and run around serving all guests. But you get complete breakfast buffets and more baths, pools, and lockers. Along the loop, there are clusters of these resorts; the buses stop right at them. But for Suisen, you have to walk what many would consider to be a narrower-than-average sidewalk. Suisen is more tucked away. It depends on the vibe you want. For us, Suisen was our perfect Mt. Fuji getaway!

Friendly staff, clean room