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Summary of reviewsGyokutei is highly praised for its exceptional blend of traditional Japanese hospitality, luxurious amenities, and cultural immersion. Positioned atop a hill, it offers a serene and picturesque retreat conveniently within walking distance of Hakone Yumoto station. While the uphill walk can be challenging, it reveals a beautiful landscape complete with koi ponds and gardens, making the effort worthwhile.
Guests enjoy a captivating culinary journey through authentic Japanese breakfasts and kaiseki dinners, which are meticulously prepared and presented in-room. The dining experience is consistently rated as outstanding, incorporating fresh, high-quality ingredients such as lobster, uni, and premium sashimi that delight both the eyes and palate.
The rooms at Gyokutei reflect traditional Japanese charm with spacious interiors and private baths featuring natural hot spring onsen water. Despite their older style, visitors appreciate the warmth, cleanliness, and tranquil garden views that create a restful atmosphere.
The staff at Gyokutei are celebrated for their attentive and kind service, embodying the essence of Japanese hospitality. Their dedication to guest comfort enhances the overall experience, making each stay memorable and personalized.
Gyokutei provides a luxurious escape with its onsen facilities and tranquil surroundings, offering a culturally enriching and rejuvenating experience. Although not primarily geared toward children, it presents a unique opportunity for adults seeking an authentic glimpse into old Japan. Many guests describe Gyokutei as a standout destination, recommending it highly for those wishing to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Show more
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Luxury Ryokan
An authentic Japanese luxury ryokan offering an intimate experience with only 8 rooms. It features private natural onsen baths and serves delicious kaiseki cuisine.
Small Ryokan
Gyokutei is a ryokan that offers an intimate and serene experience with its traditional setting and personalized service. The cozy atmosphere makes it a charming destination for those seeking relaxation.
Ryokan with Parking
4-Star Ryokan
Room Types
Japanese-Style RoomThe quadruple room includes a private bathroom, well-fitted with a bath, a shower, a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The air-conditioned quadruple room offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tatami, a wardrobe, heating as well as garden views. The unit has 4 futons.
Guest Reviews
9.6
Excellent
Location
Gyokutei boasts a lovely location atop a hill, conveniently nestled within walking distance of Hakone Yumoto station. Although the climb can be a bit challenging, especially when carrying luggage, it leads to a picturesque setting that includes tranquil Japanese-style accommodations. Guests often find the walk to be a short, scenic 10-minute journey, making it easy to reach public transportation for further sightseeing adventures.
Despite some minor inconveniences related to navigating uphill, the area offers a central position to explore the quaint city of Hakone. With its beautiful rooms set in a serene environment complete with koi ponds and gardens, Gyokutei provides a peaceful retreat. The delightful surroundings ensure that the effort of the uphill trek is well worth it, allowing visitors to enjoy both the convenience of nearby attractions and the tranquility of a private, scenic hideaway.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Gyokutei is a remarkable journey into authentic Japanese cuisine, offering a fascinating window into local culinary traditions. Guests are served a 100% Japanese-style breakfast in their rooms, providing an intimate and personalized dining experience. Despite its divergence from Western tastes, many find the breakfast sumptuous and delicious, featuring an assortment of dishes such as tamagoyaki, grilled fish, rice porridge, and miso soup. Gyokutei excels in delivering an exquisite gastronomic experience, both at breakfast and dinner, with traditional kaiseki meals appreciated for their quality and uniqueness. Although the flavors may present a challenge to some Western palates, the meals are praised for their meticulous preparation and flavor. For those looking to explore Japanese culture through its culinary offerings, breakfast at Gyokutei is an exceptional and delightful experience, described by some as a perfect ten out of ten.
Dinner
At Gyokutei, dining is an experience that transcends the ordinary. Guests are treated to a culinary journey led by the skilled hands of the chef, whose creations are nothing short of a gastronomic adventure. The dinners and breakfasts are consistently rated as top-notch, with fresh and delicious ingredients meticulously prepared and presented with care. The authentic kaiseki ryôri meals, often enjoyed in-room, offer a multi-course delight that is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Highlights of the menu include exquisite dishes featuring lobster, uni, oysters, perfectly cooked beef, and the freshest sashimi, all contributing to the superb kaiseki experience. The abundance of fish and seafood harmonizes beautifully with the local delicacies, elevating each meal to an exquisite level. While some traditional dishes might be unfamiliar to some guests' tastes, the overall dining experience is highly praised, making both dinner and breakfast at Gyokutei an aspect of the stay that is not to be missed.
Rooms
Gyokutei offers an enchanting experience with its spacious and serene rooms that embody traditional Japanese charm. Guests are delighted by the generous space, often noting the beauty of the traditional architecture and minimalist decor. Many rooms feature a delightful garden view, providing a tranquil backdrop to their stay. The accommodations include private baths with natural hot spring onsen water, offering a luxurious and relaxing experience. The private nature of the rooms, combined with views of the ryokan's tranquil garden and pond, ensures a restful and secluded stay. Despite the older style of the rooms, the warmth and cleanliness are consistently appreciated, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for guests.
Cleanliness
Gyokutei offers a tranquil retreat, celebrated for its cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere. Guests frequently commend the spotless state of the onsen and public bath areas, enhancing the relaxation experience. The environment throughout the property is consistently maintained to high standards, providing a sense of well-kept authenticity. Even though the hotel shows signs of age, and some facilities, including the bathrooms, could benefit from updates, the overall building remains in excellent condition. Visitors also appreciate the stunning district views from the onsens, making the stay both visually and physically rejuvenating. Though some travelers note the age of the facilities and a discrepancy between online photos and reality, the charm of Gyokutei is in its amiable staff and its capacity to offer comfort through cleanliness and service.
Staff
Gyokutei is renowned for offering a service experience that truly embodies the essence of Japanese hospitality, with staff members who are consistently described as attentive, kind, and often going above and beyond to ensure guest comfort. Visitors frequently note the sublime service provided by employees, showcasing their deep experience and motivation rooted in kindness. The staff is regarded as professional yet warm, helping guests feel immediately welcomed and valued throughout their stay. From offering helpful information and personalized care to preparing special arrangements like yukata for young children, the team at Gyokutei displays unwavering dedication to meeting needs and enhancing the overall experience. The attentiveness of staff ensures a memorable visit, marked by their generous hospitality and thoughtful service, making Gyokutei a choice destination for those looking to appreciate the extraordinary warmth and professionalism of Japanese hospitality.
4 Star
Gyokutei offers an exceptional experience with its blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and luxurious amenities. Guests frequently praise the hotel's kaiseki cuisine for its delicious, fresh offerings and the ceremonial presentation of meals. This dedication to culinary excellence is matched by attentive service that leaves a lasting impression. The accommodations feature classic tatami rooms nestled within a quintessential Japanese onsen hotel setting. While it may not be the most child-friendly environment, Gyokutei provides a memorable escape for adults seeking an authentic glimpse of old Japan. Guests describe it as a special place worth revisiting, with many considering it among the most beautiful and unforgettable accommodations they've experienced. Its pricing reflects the luxurious and traditional experience it offers, making it a unique destination for those yearning to immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Luxury
Nestled in tranquil surroundings, Gyokutei offers guests a luxurious escape infused with traditional Japanese culture. This small and beautiful ryokan provides a peaceful retreat featuring picturesque views of a garden adorned with a pond and Koi carp. Known for its warm and welcoming hospitality, the attentive staff is more than happy to accommodate non-Japanese speakers, ensuring everyone enjoys their stay.
Guests are treated to a first-class service that emphasizes attention to detail. The delicious meals, particularly the traditional breakfast and dinner options, enhance the cultural immersion, allowing guests to savor authentic Japanese flavors. The onsen facilities offer a refreshing and culturally enriching experience, making the stay truly priceless.
Whether it's a first ryokan experience or a returning visit, Gyokutei consistently impresses with its seamless blend of comfort and cultural immersion. Many highlight their stay as an unforgettable experience, marking it as a standout part of their travels in Japan. For those seeking an authentic ryokan and onsen adventure, Gyokutei comes highly recommended as a magical gateway into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
No, Gyokutei doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Gyokutei.
No, Gyokutei doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Gyokutei.