Matsuzakaya Honten

Matsuzakaya Honten in Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Japan, a Michelin Key Selected property, is consistently praised as an exceptional ryokan offering a serene and authentic Japanese experience. Guests frequently highlight its impeccable service, luxurious onsen facilities, and the harmonious blend of historical charm with modern comforts.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Matsuzakaya Honten is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "memorable," "amazing," and "exceptional." Many consider it the "best ryokan" they have ever visited. It garners high ratings for staff, comfort, cleanliness, and facilities, underscoring its reputation as a haven of peace and an authentic Japanese ryokan experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Matsuzakaya Honten for several standout features:

• Exceptional Hospitality (Omotenashi): The staff's warmth, kindness, and attentiveness are frequently mentioned, making guests feel like "Japanese royalty."
• Onsen Experience: The natural hot spring baths are a major draw. The ryokan boasts 100% free-flowing natural spring water (gensen kakenagashi), containing a rare blend of sulfur, sulfate, and bicarbonate components, often described as having skin-beautifying qualities. Many rooms offer private open-air onsens, and there are also five private outdoor baths available for booking, in addition to communal baths that were renovated in 2023.
• Peaceful Setting & Design: The property's picturesque and tranquil setting, amidst the natural beauty of Hakone, is highly appreciated. The design beautifully blends traditional Japanese architecture with modern amenities, reflecting a rich sense of history and care.
• All-Inclusive Service: A unique feature for ryokans, the all-inclusive plan covers meals, drinks (including alcoholic beverages) in the lobby lounge, and access to all baths, contributing to a truly relaxing and worry-free stay.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Matsuzakaya Honten are described as immaculate, beautifully designed, and spacious, offering a warm and spa-like atmosphere. They blend traditional charm with modern comfort, featuring tatami mats and amazingly thick, comfortable futons. Many rooms come with private open-air baths, allowing for an exclusive onsen experience. In-room amenities are comprehensive, including toiletries, Nespresso machines, tea makers, yukatas, samue outfits, humidifiers, wooden speakers, and a complimentary minibar. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Matsuzakaya Honten typically includes traditional Kaiseki dinner and a Japanese breakfast, both served in private dining rooms.

• Dinner (Shukuba Kaiseki): The multi-course dinner is inspired by Hakone's history and features seasonal, local ingredients, described as nourishing and artistically presented. While some guests have praised it as "phenomenal" and "some of the best meals in Japan," others have noted that the overall menu might be tailored to a specific palate or that the seasoning and cooking skills, at times, didn't fully meet expectations for a luxury inn.
• Breakfast (Traveler's Breakfast): A wholesome and varied Japanese breakfast is served, often featuring a wide array of small, well-balanced dishes that are highly praised.
• Drinks: Complimentary drinks, including beer, wine, sake, and non-alcoholic options, are available during dinner and in the lobby lounge for extended hours. However, some guests found the non-alcoholic drink selection at dinner to be somewhat limited. The ryokan is accommodating for dietary needs, such as vegetarian meals, if informed in advance.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Matsuzakaya Honten consistently receive glowing reviews. Guests frequently describe the staff as "incredibly kind and attentive," "helpful," "friendly," and "thoughtful." The hospitality is often cited as a key reason for a memorable stay, with specific staff members sometimes highlighted for going above and beyond to ensure guest comfort and satisfaction. They are praised for their "Omotenashi," the unique Japanese approach to hospitality.

6. Location & Accessibility

Matsuzakaya Honten is situated in the peaceful and picturesque Ashinoyu area of Hakone. It is about a 25-30 minute bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station, the main gateway to Hakone, followed by a 3-5 minute walk from the "Azuma Ashinoyu" or "Higashi Ashinoyu" bus stop. While its remote location contributes to its tranquil ambiance, it means there are no other restaurants, convenience stores, or cafes within walking distance. This remoteness might be a minor inconvenience for guests wanting to explore nearby attractions on foot, and it can sometimes involve waits for public transport or taxis. The ryokan also has many steps and no lift, which may pose accessibility challenges for guests with mobility issues.

7. Value & Pricing

As a Michelin Key Selected property offering an all-inclusive, luxurious ryokan experience, Matsuzakaya Honten is positioned at a higher price point. Typical accommodation fees for two adults with two meals start from approximately 28,875 JPY and can go up to 88,000 JPY or more for standard plans. Despite the cost, many guests consider it "worth the cost" due to the high level of service, quality of the onsen, and the comprehensive, relaxing experience provided. Early bird discounts are available for bookings made 60 or 90 days in advance.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Dining Consistency: Some guests have found the dinner cuisine, particularly the seasoning and cooking skills, to be inconsistent or not always "special" enough for a ryokan of its caliber, especially for those accustomed to fine dining in major Japanese cities.
• Limited Drink Options: The selection of non-alcoholic beverages included with dinner has been noted as somewhat limited.
• Amenities: The use of DHC skincare products was considered disappointing by some, as they are commonly found in chain hotels and did not align with expectations for a luxury inn.
• Minor Maintenance Issues: Isolated incidents like missing towels or visible dust in certain areas were reported, though staff were generally quick to address them.
• Outdoor Bath Exposure: The outdoor shower in private baths can be exposed to rain and cold, which might deter use during inclement weather.
• Accessibility: The property is not universally designed, with many steps and no elevator, making it challenging for guests with weak legs or those using wheelchairs.

Sources

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6. luxuryhotelkyoto.com
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8. kinnotake-resorts.com
9. thelocaltravelguide.com
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