$50 vs $500 Ryokan in Hakone, Japan

Published on Apr. 22, 2019 by Matt van Vuuren

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a $50 Ryokan and a $500 Ryokan? The difference is quite significant ranging from luxury amenities like a private onsen, your own nakai (Japanese maid), a high-end Japanese lunch & dinner and even a private pickup and drop off van.

Tips & Advice

What: Japanese Traditional Ryokan
Why: The best way to experience unique Japanese culture.
Where: Hotel Senkei, Yumoto-Hakone [Map]
Tip: Buy the Hakone Freepass to enjoy attractions cheap and transportation for FREE.
Related: 37% OFF Mario Kart in Tokyo and 34% OFF Robot Restaurant.

First off you may wonder, what is a Ryokan? A ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese inn that typically feature tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata and talk with the owner.

Places

1. Senkei Ryokan
$500 Ryokan including your own Nakai (maid), private onsen, Japanese lunch & dinner experience. (map)
2. Gaku Guesthouse
$50 Ryokan for a one night stay with shared facilities and a community area to hangout with other guests. (map)

It had been my dream for over a decade to stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan in Hakone. So, I was extremely pumped to jump into my traditional Japanese robe the minute I walked into the agari-kamachi (or entrance room). The ryokan did include being served by a Nakai, a Japanese house maid who serves you green tea, dinner, breakfast and makes the futons ready for sleeping (Japanese sleeping quilts)

dressed in my Yukata in the $500 Ryokan at Senkei in Yumoto, Hakone

The best thing about staying at a luxurious ryokan is the Kaiseki dinner which is a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner with a wide variety of Japanese dishes consisting primarily out of vegetables with fish and meat all served on tiny dishes and in bit sizes. During the Kaiseki dinner you sit on Zaisu which are legless chairs which can be uncomfortable to sit on for non-Japanese people.

The luxurious ryokan did include a fancy onsen (Japanese hot spring) on the rooftop which is one of the most relaxing experiences you can have in Japan.

switching up with billiards at Gaku Guesthouse in Gora, Hakone

To do a proper comparison I stayed a cheap $50 hotel as well. Gaku Guesthouse offers a Japanese style room with sleeping futons, clean amenities including a laundry machine and a fancy Japanese bidet toilet but also a brand-new billiards table in the garage. Gaku Guesthouse is a great place to meet other travelers as well.

I was surprised how quiet it was in the Japanese mountains compared to the inner city of Tokyo.

in conclusion, the $500 Senkei Ryokan is absolutely worth your money for a high-class Japanese experience

Make sure to stay at least 1 night at a luxurious ryokan in Hakone to complete your journey to Japan. You'll have incredible stories to share with your friends and family.