Kinnotake Tōnosawa: A Perfect Blend of Nature and Refinement in Hakone

An Adults-Only Sanctuary in the Heart of Nature

Kinnotake Tōnosawa embodies the elegance and serenity of a stay in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscapes. Nestled in the heart of the vast Tonosawa forest, this ryokan favors architecture that subtly embraces its environment, creating a soothing atmosphere where interior and exterior flow seamlessly into one another. The suspension bridge leading to the property marks an almost surreal transition between the outside world and this intimate retreat. Every detail, from the design of the common areas to the elegantly appointed rooms, invites guests to contemplate the ever-changing beauty of Hakone's seasons.

At Kinnotake Tōnosawa, luxury is expressed through delicate touches and personalized service. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a refined selection of teas, sweets, and beverages, offering an initial immersion into Japanese culture during check-in. Choosing a yukata from a variety of patterns is an invitation to relax and soak in the local atmosphere. The ryokan serves as an adults-only sanctuary, ensuring absolute tranquility and allowing guests to fully recharge. With its wellness facilities, open-air onsens, and peaceful pools, the property offers a unique revitalizing experience, far removed from the bustle of everyday life.

Intimacy Reimagined with 21 Keys

The ryokan's rooms are an invitation to escape and refinement, blending modernity with Japanese traditions. With a total of 21 rooms across 9 distinct categories, each space is meticulously designed to offer a unique experience. Every room features a private terrace that blends seamlessly into the surrounding nature and a private open-air onsen, crafted from noble materials such as granite, Aomori Hiba, or Hinoki cypress. The onsen, fed by the Kinnotake Onsen spring, is a true caress for the skin, leaving it soft and rejuvenated, and displays a unique golden hue that may vary depending on weather conditions and temperature. The rooms are fitted with spacious Hollywood twin beds, ensuring unparalleled comfort, along with refreshing beverages to enjoy throughout the stay.

During our stay in the Hikari room, we were charmed by the perfect balance between Japanese and Western styles. Located on the second floor, the room offers a generous space of 71 to 75 m², with an open-air bath made of Aomori Hiba, whose woody fragrance provides incomparable relaxation. The terrace is equipped with the HIME bed, ideal for lounging while enjoying the soothing breeze and the rustle of the trees. The room's interior is minimalist, favoring a serene and natural ambiance. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to create a sense of openness and well-being, transforming the stay into a unique sensory experience.

A Symphony of Sea and Land for Breakfast

The breakfast offered is a true symphony of Japanese flavors, showcasing carefully selected ingredients prepared with artistry. Among the delights on offer are steamed seasonal vegetables and fish cake accompanied by wasabi pickles. Pacific saury is simmered in a sweet soy sauce, while the Yokohama shokusai egg roll exemplifies local culinary finesse. Seaweed simmered in soy sauce and boiled kurohana beef add depth of flavor, while sardines dried with Japanese pepper and grilled dried horse mackerel provide a maritime touch. The tofu, notably oboro tofu made with spring water from Mount Yusaka, is a traditional delight that pairs perfectly with seasonal vegetables in miso. To complete this feast, Tsuyahime rice, selected by a five-star master rice grower, is served alongside miso soup, and the meal concludes with fruit or plain yogurt. A Western-style breakfast is also available.

The Echoes of Hakone Through Every Dish

Each evening at Kinnotake Tonosawa, guests are invited to discover a multisensory seasonal kaiseki, where Japanese culinary tradition blends harmoniously with contemporary flavors. This gastronomic journey through the seasons is rooted in a deep commitment to authentic Japanese cuisine. The menu reflects the eight traditional Japanese seasonal divisions, offering a unique experience that celebrates the beauty of Hakone's natural transformations. Each dish, prepared with precision and care by experienced chefs, uses local ingredients and a masterfully crafted broth to evoke the essence of each season.

For those wishing to explore the different seasonal flavors while savoring exceptional beef, the menus can be upgraded with dishes featuring Japanese black wagyu, a premium-quality meat. Whether through a seared black wagyu fillet or abalone sashimi, each bite promises to be an unforgettable delight, offering a complete immersion in the art of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner begins with a trio of amuse-bouches: Ezo abalone is accompanied by young bamboo shoots, Japanese angelica sprouts, and fiddlehead ferns, all draped in a white sesame sauce enriched with goji berries and vinegar, delivering an explosion of subtle and refined flavors. The lightly breaded shrimp are elegantly garnished with caviar and adorned with a perilla flower, adding a luxurious and crispy touch. Finally, the steamed egg custard, delicately infused with cod milt, mountain mushroom, and yuzu, melts on the palate with exquisite softness, completing this unique gastronomic experience.

Following this gourmet introduction, the soup presented is a masterpiece of culinary sophistication. The clear broth is subtly seasoned with sea salt, offering a flavorful yet light base. At its center, a clam dumpling stands proudly, accompanied by slices of carrot, a plump shiitake mushroom, and delicate fern shoots, all enhanced with a touch of pepper. This dish, both visually harmonious and gustatorily balanced, embodies the elegance and simplicity of refined cuisine.

This culinary journey continues with a sashimi course presenting an exquisite selection of four varieties of seasonal fish. Each piece is carefully prepared to highlight the freshness and quality of the ingredients. The sashimi garnish embellishes the presentation, adding an aesthetic touch and subtle flavor. Accompanied by an emulsified salt-based sauce and soy sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance between tradition and culinary sophistication.

The delicacy continues with simmered golden-eyed sea bream, a refined dish that evokes the grace and elegance of Japanese cuisine. Presented in a covered bowl adorned with floral motifs, the sea bream is elevated by slow cooking that enhances its flavor. Shimeji mushrooms add a subtle texture, while butterbur offers a gentle vegetal note. The fried ginger, meanwhile, brings a spicy and crispy accent that contrasts delightfully with the savory broth.

This sensory journey continues with a grilled course featuring a delicately grilled Spanish mackerel, elevated by a sea urchin soy sauce that brings umami depth to the fish. Accompanied by crisp nagaimo yam, marinated red daikon adding a bright acidic note, and white hosta shoots for a touch of vegetal freshness, this dish is a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.

The refinement continues with the "Touban-Yaki," a dish showcasing Yaeyama beef, renowned for its exceptional marbling. Served with seasonal vegetables, the dish is accompanied by a Senju leek soy sauce, elevated with a hint of Kanzuri chili paste and sea salt, all finished with a touch of lemon zest to balance the flavors. The beef is presented in thin slices ready to be grilled on a ceramic hot plate, allowing guests to savor each juicy and tender bite.

Adding a final touch of tradition, this dish is a delicate and refined composition that embodies the elegance of Japanese cuisine. Steamed rice subtly accompanies the red sea bream, bringing a tender and fluffy texture, while burdock root adds an earthy and slightly sweet note. The miso soup, served in a traditional bowl, offers comforting warmth and depth of flavor through its umami nuances. The tsukemono, an assortment of pickled vegetables, bring a crisp freshness and a vibrant contrast of colors to the dish.

To conclude this delightful meal, the dessert is a symphony of flavors and textures, presented with exquisite elegance. At its center, the yuzu sorbet, enveloped in a delicate mist of liqueur, offers a refreshing citrus tang that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate pudding. Notes of Shiranui citrus and Koshu wine jelly add a fruity and refined touch. The strawberry, enhanced by maple cream and a hint of mint, adds a subtle and aromatic sweetness. The purple sweet potato yokan and candied nuts enrich the dish with their earthy sweetness, while the dried apple contributes a crispy texture and a delicately sweet flavor.

The Moon SPA

The Moon SPA is a sanctuary of tranquility nestled in the heart of Hakone's lush forest, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Set within a renovated traditional Japanese farmhouse, it offers fully personalized treatments designed to meet the needs and goals of the day. Guests can also indulge in the privacy of the pool and sauna, reserved for one group at a time. This wellness experience is complemented by a new gym equipped with state-of-the-art machines, accessible around the clock to revitalize body and mind.

The Art of Teppanyaki and a Bar to Complete the Stay

Opened in 2023, the Teppanyaki Zen restaurant invites guests to discover the art of Japanese cuisine in an intimate and sophisticated setting. Guests savor premium Wagyu beef and seasonal vegetables, prepared before their eyes by a passionate chef using carefully selected ingredients sourced from across Japan to ensure an exceptional sensory experience. Each meal becomes a true spectacle! After dinner, head to the Bar Bamboo to extend the experience in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. The extensive selection of whiskeys, wines, Japanese sakés, and cocktails is sure to delight connoisseurs and offer unforgettable moments of relaxation.

My Review

Kinnotake Tōnosawa stands out for its intimate character, made possible by its 21 exclusive rooms, each designed to offer a personalized experience. This privileged setting allows guests to enjoy moments of absolute tranquility, enhanced by the presence of a private terrace and an open-air onsen in every room. These private spaces, where the natural landscape becomes part of daily life, form the very essence of the stay. This intimacy, combined with attentive service and an immersion in Japanese culture, transforms each visit into a unique and memorable escape.

What I loved:

• Elegant room with a private onsen on the terrace and beautiful views of nature
• Natural and peaceful setting offering a true sense of disconnection, while remaining in close proximity to the center of Hakone
• Professional, attentive, and predominantly English-speaking staff

What I regretted:

• Limited natural light in the room

Practical Information

• Hikari room at a rate of €1,060 with dinner and breakfast included.