Luxury and Intimacy at Kinnotake Sengokuhara Ryokan in Hakone

An Exclusive Adults-Only Retreat with Just 9 Suites

Set in the serene heights of Sengokuhara, Kinnotake Sengokuhara is a luxury ryokan that blends intimacy and refinement, inspired by the enchanting tale of Princess Kaguya. This haven of peace offers nine exclusive suites, each equipped with a private open-air onsen, providing guests with a unique experience of relaxation and serenity. The ryokan's design draws from the legend of Princess Kaguya, evoking the enchantment and mystery of this mythical love story. In-room dining reinforces the intimate and personalized atmosphere, making this a secret retreat reserved for adults seeking an escape beyond time, where discreet service and complete seclusion allow one to savor every moment in absolute tranquility.

Inside the Intimacy of the Hime Suite

With only nine rooms available, each featuring a unique design and layout, Kinnotake Sengokuhara guarantees an intimate and exclusive experience dedicated solely to adults. Each suite, ranging from 89 to 136 square meters, is presented either as a single-level or maisonette layout, ensuring a spacious and comfortable stay. All rooms are equipped with a private open-air onsen, where one can immerse oneself in a luxurious and serene setting. Fed by the springs of Owakudani, this onsen with its milky, slightly acidic water provides a unique thermal bathing experience, leaving the skin incredibly soft.

Among the rooms, we stayed in the Hime suite, which stands out for its elegance and exceptional amenities. This single-level suite of 131 square meters, including 90 square meters of living space, is one of the two highest-category rooms in the ryokan, alongside the Mikado suite. In addition to the open-air thermal onsen that is the crowning jewel of this incredible suite, the Hime suite offers an indoor bath, adding an extra touch of comfort. The premium services and amenities contribute to an unforgettable experience, including a premium selection of complimentary beverages featuring refined alcoholic drinks, notably a half-bottle of Roederer champagne, reflecting the exclusivity of this room category.

A Seasonal Awakening Through Kaiseki

Discover the refined culinary artistry of Kinnotake Sengokuhara, where every meal is a unique sensory experience. In the comfort of our room, we savored Kyo Kaiseki, a delicate interpretation of Kyoto's Kaiseki cuisine, offering a harmonious marriage of Kyoto ingredients and local produce. Each dish, elegantly prepared using ancestral techniques, highlights the subtle flavors of the season. The rice, carefully selected by master rice cultivator Kazu Tsuchiya, is prepared to deliver an unparalleled tasting experience, combining brilliance, aroma, and delicate texture. For exceptional moments, one can indulge in special dishes made to order — creations that promise to transform the meal into an unforgettable memory.

The Kaiseki menu begins with an amuse-bouche that embodies the essence of seasonal small bites. Presented on a delicately adorned plate, the composition offers a symphony of colors and textures. Each element is carefully chosen to evoke the current season, with fresh ingredients artistically arranged. This opening course is a true ode to nature, inviting one to savor each bite with a renewed appreciation for Japanese culinary art.

Continuing our exploration, the clear soup is an elegant example of the refined simplicity of Japanese cuisine. It is served in a black lacquered bowl, accented with golden motifs that highlight the transparency of the broth. The seasonal garnish includes delicately cut and arranged vegetables, as well as seafood that elevates the dish.

This sashimi assortment is a true work of culinary art, presented on a platter with natural motifs evoking a Japanese garden. Among the carefully arranged pieces, one finds a varied selection of vibrant raw fish, accompanied by delicate garnishes such as shiso leaves and edible flowers. The star of the show is a spiny lobster sashimi, specially prepared for guests of the Hime suite, adding a touch of exclusivity to this refined dinner. The textures and flavors combine harmoniously to deliver a gastronomic experience that is both fresh and sophisticated.

The following dish is an artistic interpretation of traditional sushi, presented in an elegant and contemporary manner. In a lovely ceramic bowl, the typical sushi ingredients are arranged with care: fresh prawns rest delicately beside a nest of fine egg yolk strips, enhanced by black caviar that adds a touch of luxury. Accents of pickled ginger bring a vibrant pink hue, contrasting with the subtle green of a fresh herb, completing this culinary tableau.

Next comes a delightful plate of tempura, a traditional Japanese dish. The tempura pieces, delicately coated in a light and crispy batter, are carefully arranged on an elegant plate. The elegance of the presentation reflects the refinement of Japanese culinary art, where each element is placed with precision to offer an exceptional visual and gustatory experience, fusing crunch with delicate flavors.

On an elegantly presented plate, the charcoal-grilled Wagyu beef is a work of culinary art. This main course showcases Yaeyama Kyori-gyu, a local wagyu renowned for its tenderness and rich flavor. The meat, grilled to perfection, is drizzled with a savory sauce that enhances its umami taste. Alongside, carefully selected condiments and vegetables complete this gastronomic experience, offering an unparalleled harmony of textures and flavors.

We continue with a refined ensemble of traditional Japanese dishes, highlighting the simplicity and harmony of flavors. At the heart of the plate rests rice cooked to perfection in a Kamadaki, using rice carefully selected by a certified Rice Master, enriched with seasonal ingredients that bring a subtle and delicate dimension. Accompanying this rice, a comforting miso soup full of umami nuances sits in a small bowl. To add a touch of freshness and contrast, Japanese pickled vegetables complete this meal, offering a balanced and authentic culinary experience.

To conclude this gastronomic journey, the dessert is an elegant assortment of seasonal sweets, presented with refinement on a lacquered tray. Various textures take center stage: ice cream, chocolate cream, seasonal fruits — a finale of pure refinement and sweetness that perfectly rounds off this unforgettable culinary experience.

The Art of a Japanese Breakfast

The following morning, our breakfast is served in the comfort of our room, transformed into a veritable showcase of morning delights. The table, richly set, reveals a sumptuous meal typical of a high-end Japanese breakfast. It is adorned with white rice, small bowls of varied accompaniments, delicately flavored grilled fish, pickles, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces. As for the tofu, it is kept at the perfect temperature using individual warmers. Everything is complemented by a selection of fine tea and freshly squeezed orange juice. This breakfast, at once balanced, refined, and generous, flirts with the experience of a true tasting menu, awakening the senses from the first light of day.

A Bar and Spa to Extend the Experience

For guests who wish to leave their suite for a few hours, the Bamboo Bar is the ideal place to enjoy a memorable evening steeped in luxury and elegance. Offering a vast selection of spirits and cigars, as well as cocktails crafted with meticulously chosen fresh fruits, this space promises a unique sensory experience. This magical moment is prolonged by the enchanting view of the water basin, which adds a touch of mystery to the atmosphere.

As for the Moon SPA, it offers a personalized approach to wellness, with treatments administered individually to address the physical and mental needs of the moment. Each session is an immersion into a world of gentleness and serenity, where every gesture is designed to provide a total relaxation experience. One can fully enjoy this moment of pure refinement and be pampered by the expertise of the practitioners, in a setting where well-being is the absolute priority.

My Verdict

Kinnotake Sengokuhara reveals itself as a sanctuary of luxury and tranquility, nestled in the soothing mountains just steps from Hakone. This ryokan offers an unparalleled experience to its guests through its 9 exclusive suites equipped with private onsens. Every detail, from the refined meals served in-room to the sophistication of the suites, is designed to create a memorable stay. This place represents a perfect escape for adults seeking to reconnect with themselves in an atmosphere of elegance and serenity. An unforgettable experience for two in the heart of Japan!

What I Loved:

• The Hime suite is spectacular: 130 m² of space, absolute comfort, and above all a private onsen set on an immense terrace. A true sense of ultimate luxury.
• The intimacy is total: dinner and breakfast served directly in-room, making the experience perfect for a couple's retreat.
• The service is of a remarkable standard: attentive, personalized, seamless, with only 9 rooms and a team that speaks excellent English.

What I Missed:

• The blinds are not sufficiently blackout, which may disturb light-sensitive sleepers at dawn.

Practical Information

• Hime room at a rate of €1,500 (with breakfast and dinner included) in February 2026.