What kind of traditional onsen ryokan is Musashino Bekkan?
In mid-November, we decided to stay here to relax in Hakone at the height of the autumn foliage. We took Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station, got off at Hakone-Yumoto Station, and transferred to Hakone Tozan Railway. Then we got off at Miyanoshita Station. Staff picked us up from the station. After passing under the elevated Hakone Tozan Railway made of red bricks, the ryokan came into view. Next to the entrance was a bamboo grove, creating a charming atmosphere. As we got out of the car and entered the building, we saw a dynamic ikebana arrangement in front of a magnificent lacquered black impulse stand. There was a faint scent of calming incense. We took off our shoes here and went up. The lobby, hallway, and even the elevator were all covered with tatami mats, so just walking around made me feel comfortable. We had tea and bean curd cake called kuzumochi in the lounge next to the lobby. The lounge was decorated with gorgeous gold folding screens, antique furniture, and a gramophone.
After a while, a staff member in a kimono guided us to our room. This time we stayed at Kaede, a suite with a private outdoor hot spring bath on 3F. Upon entering the room, we first saw a Japanese-style room with a large kotatsu. Here we had dinner and breakfast. Next to the room was a living room with a large TV and sofa, and to the left of the living room was a bedroom. At the far end of the bedroom, there was a deck chair where you can relax while reading a book. Anyway, this suite was spacious. The large terrace overlooked the wonderful Hakone mountains in red, orange, and yellow. Also, there was the private outdoor hot spring bath on the terrace. The other rooms are old and need to be renovated soon, but this suite, which was renovated in 2011, was easy to use and cozy.
Then, the ryokan features three wonderful private family hot spring baths, and communal hot spring baths on the premises. We booked two private family hot spring baths upon check-in. One of the three private family hot spring baths on the grounds can be used at any time if no one is using it. Bookings for the private family hot spring baths are on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is best to check in early.
First, we spent some time relaxing on the terrace of our room, enjoying the view of the mountains with their magnificent autumn leaves. The view from the sister ryokan next door, Hakone Tokinoshizuku was spectacular, but the view from the terrace of our suite was also amazingly spectacular. The autumn leaves in the mountains looked like brocade silk fabric.
Then we visited one of the private family baths we had reserved at check-in. After leaving the accomodation building, we walked up and down the stone steps until we finally saw a small mountain hut with a thatched roof. Looking down, we saw a red mountain railroad passing by. Once inside the mountain hut, we found the hot spring water poured into a wooden bath tub. In the slightly chilly autumn season, soaking in the private family bath in the sunlight filtering through the trees was the best. We would recommend taking the private hot spring bath called Yamanoyu in the daytime when the sun is shining.
After that, we headed to a private family hot spring bath called Yobanashi no yu, which is located on the fourth floor of the accomodation building and is available whenever available. This is the indoor hot spring bath, but the window looked out on a small traditional stone garden with lanterns and bamboo, and trees in the background, which added to the quaint ambience. The window was open, so we could feel the breeze from outside. This private family hot spring bath was especially popular because it was easy to use without a reservation.
After the two private family baths, we were getting thirsty and headed to the lounge where the bar was located for beer. This was the place to relax in an adult setting.
Then it was almost time for dinner, so we returned to our room and the staff was preparing it for us. The food here lived up to its good reputation, offering very tasty kaiseki cuisine. The teppanyaki abalone and sirloin steak were especially good. We ordered the sirloin steak as an extra. The aperitif started with a Bordeaux red wine, and the appetizers with fine ingredients, soup, assorted sashimi, and dessert were top-notch. The portion was big.
After dinner, we headed to a private family hot spring bath called Kakureyu Kunpu. This famous hot spring bath was featured on a poster advertising Odakyu line from Shinjuku Station. From the sliding door at the entrance of the private family hot spring bath, we walked down a long stone-paved corridor lit by lanterns and up stone steps to an open-air bath of traditional construction. The private family hot spring baths called Yamanoyu and Yobanashi no yu, which we enjoyed before dinner, were great, but this private family bath here was also indescribably impressive. Musashino Bekkan offers a Hot spring hopping on the grounds, which is a must for a hot spring lover like me.
Then when I woke up around 6:30AM in the morning and stepped out onto the terrace, I found a thin mist hanging over the mountains with autumn leaves in Hakone, creating a mystical scene. I enjoyed the private outdoor hot spring bath on the terrace while admiring the brightening sky as time went by.
Then we had a choice of 7:30, 8:00, or 8:30 for breakfast, so we chose 8:00, but the staff arrived about 30 minutes before and started preparing it. The breakfast was Japanese only, no Western food, but the homemade tofu and yuba were especially delicious.
We had planned to go to the communal hot spring baths after breakfast, but ended up staying on deck chairs on the terrace until check-out to enjoy the spectacular view of the Hakone mountains again.
If I were to raise a fault, it would be that the facilities tend to deteriorate except for the suite where we stayed. I think it is time for renovation. Perhaps it is even more so because Hakone has many sophisticated ryokans. However, the food and the private family hot spring baths are unquestionably excellent. Considering the location, which is only two hours from Tokyo and easily accessible, we would stay there again. We stayed on a weekday and the rooms seemed almost full and the atmosphere was lively.
Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on agoda
TOP5 Best Gourmet Hotels and Ryokans in Hakone
Is the location easy to access?
If you are going from Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to JR Odawara Station. From there, transfer to Hakone Tozan Railway or Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto Station. Then transfer to Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at Miyanoshita Station. *All Hakone Tozan Railways departing from Odawara Station terminate at Hakone-Yumoto Station. Hakone Tozan Railways bound for Gora require a transfer at Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Alternatively, take Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, transfer to Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at Miyanoshita Station.
A free shuttle service is available from Miyanoshita Station. Staff will pick you up at the station. You need to book it in advance.
JFYI, it is a 10-minute cab ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station to the property. Cab fare is about JPY2,500.
Then, if you are taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to JR Odawara Station, you need to pay attention to your luggage. Please check here for details. When boarding the Shinkansen, luggage whose total of three sides exceeds 160 cm requires advance reservation of a seat with an oversized luggage space. Baby strollers, musical instruments, bicycles, surfboards, etc. are excluded. Items may be brought in as long as they are placed in a special bag and can stand up.
Passengers bringing oversized baggage without an advance reservation will be charged a carry-on fee of 1,000 JPY. In such cases, the baggage needs to be placed in an area designated by the crew. Also, large luggage is not allowed in unreserved seats on the Shinkansen. Then, children under 6 years old usually do not need a ticket, but if a preschooler uses the Shinkansen, a reserved seat ticket for preschoolers is required to be purchased.
On Odakyu Romancecars, the size of luggage is limited to a total of no more than 250 centimeters on three sides and no longer than 2 meters in length. The weight is limited to 30 kg, and up to two pieces may be carried on board as long as they do not interfere with the operation of the train or inconvenience other passengers. Exercise equipment such as ski boards, snowboards, bicycles, etc. may be brought in as long as they are placed in a special bag and can stand up. Strollers are folded and placed in front of the seats. Then normally, children under 6 years of age do not need a ticket, but when using a seat on an Odakyu Romancecar, a child’s express ticket and a ticket for children are required. However, if you hold a child on your lap, a limited express ticket and a boarding pass are not required. Please refer to the info.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you stay here, we would recommend a suite with a spectacular view of the beautiful mountains. Then, if you don’t want to sleep on Japanese-style mattresses called futon in a tatami room, you may want to book a room with twin beds.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including minimum toiletries, yukatas, bottled water, and a Japanese tea set, etc. Free Wifi reception was good. Room service is available from 7:00-21:00.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are large indoor and outdoor communal hot spring baths on 4F. All of them are open for 24H. Also, there are three private family hot spring baths. You can use all of them for free. You need to book two of them in advance when you check in. *Please note that if you have tattoos, use the private family hot spring baths instead.
Then this is not a universal design. There are many steps. If you bring people with weak legs, you may want to book a room on 4F or the suite we stayed. Because the communal baths and one of the private family baths located on 4F. The suite has a private hot spring bath on the terrace, so once in the room, there is little need to move. Then wheelchairs will not be able to use the elevators, corridors, and lobby in the ryokan, as the floors are all covered with tatami mats. I wouldn’t recommend the property if you bring wheelchair users.
TOP5 Best Accessible Hotels and Ryokans in Hakone
Then there is no convenience store nearby. You may want to buy your necessities before coming here.
How about meals?
The Japanese food for dinner and breakfast was excellent. All meals are served in your room. Dinner starts at 18:00 or 18:30 pm. Breakfasts start at 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30.
If you have any food allergies, please inform the staff when you book a room with meals. If you request it on the day of your stay, they may not be able to provide you with an alternative meal.
Then, as far as I know, there are no restaurants near the property. You may want to book a room with meals.
My impressions
Finally, the terrace of the suite we stayed in offers a spectacular view when the weather is nice. Especially in early summer when the leaves are fresh green and in autumn when they turn red. Next time, I would like to stay here during the season of fresh greenery.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about Musashino Bekkan from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on agoda
Info about Musashino Bekkan
| Style | Traditional Onsen Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out of times |
15:00/11:00 |
| Estimated Price | 50,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-mail |
info@musasino.net |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the ryokan |
| Facility Information |
Wheelchairs are not available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Musashino Bekkan’s MAP |
| Access | Free pick-up service from Miyanoshita Station |
| Address and TEL | Tel +81 |
| Official Homepage | Musashino Bekkan’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
Still not sure where to stay in Hakone?
Browse through our TOP5 Ranking Lists of all the best places to stay in Hakone.
Alternatively, you could leave a message at the below space for advice.