Kinnotake Saryo, a ryokan in Sengokuhara, Hakone, run by the Kinnotake group — which operates five ryokan facilities and four restaurants across the town — marks its 4th anniversary on August 4, 2026.
Carrying on the legacy of Okudo Saryo Rikyuan, the group's original ryokan founded in 1947, Kinnotake Saryo was born during the pandemic as a day-trip-only "ryokan you can't stay overnight at." In response to guest requests, it later began accepting overnight stays too, evolving into a ryokan that supports a variety of travel styles.
To mark four years of gratitude to its guests, Kinnotake Saryo is giving everyone who visits between Saturday, August 15 and Monday, August 31, 2026 a specially made biscotti from its nearby sister cafe, LuDERA.
The Challenge and Evolution of a "No-Overnight" Ryokan Born From Crisis
1. The 1947-Founded Okudo Saryo Rikyuan and a Painful Decision During the Pandemic
At the heart of Kinnotake Saryo is Okudo Saryo Rikyuan, the group's very first property, founded in 1947. For years it was a beloved inn, consistently fully booked thanks to its private open-air baths — a rarity at the time — and well-regarded cuisine. In 2020, however, the spread of COVID-19 forced it to close.
2. Opening a "No-Overnight" Ryokan Focused on Microtourism
As tourist numbers plummeted, the group turned its attention to a different kind of demand: travelers who were wary of going far from home or staying overnight, but still wanted to enjoy a hot spring and a private space nearby for the day. To create a new way to enjoy Hakone, the group opened Kinnotake Saryo as a ryokan built specifically around day-trip use — a "ryokan you can't stay overnight at."
3. Evolving to Offer Overnight Stays in Response to Guest Requests, Reaching the 4th Anniversary
After opening, many guests who visited asked to spend the night in the space as it was, or requested the option to stay overnight. In response, Kinnotake Saryo began accepting overnight guests in addition to day-trip visitors. Keeping to a meal-free (self-catering) stay style that lets guests explore freely without being tied to set mealtimes, the ryokan has grown together with its guests and now reaches its 4th anniversary.
Cafe LuDERA, a 5-Minute Drive Away, Adds Color to the Journey
About a 5-minute drive from Kinnotake Saryo, Cafe Dining LuDERA serves specialty coffee alongside a wide range of international dishes, including its signature LuDERA Burger made with local Ashigara beef. The cafe also offers vegetarian-friendly options, and its ground floor (26 seats) welcomes small and large dogs alike, along with their owners.
Through October 31, the cafe is also offering a summer-only menu that guests can enjoy before or after their stay at Kinnotake Saryo.
Summer Recommendation
Chimichurri Cold Pasta (Vegetarian-Friendly)
This chilled pasta is tossed in a South American-style chimichurri sauce made with fresh herbs like parsley, a blend of spices, and a bright acidity. Each bite delivers a refreshing burst of herbs and a crisp tang that cools the body on a hot summer day. Since it contains no animal products, anyone can enjoy it with peace of mind.
Address: 178-4 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours: Ground floor (pet-friendly seating) 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM (last order 6:30 PM); second floor 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM (last order 8:00 PM)
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Parking: 8 free spaces
4th Anniversary Gift: A Specially Made Biscotti From Cafe LuDERA
Photo is for illustrative purposes.
To thank guests for four years of support, Kinnotake Saryo is giving away a specially made biscotti crafted by Cafe Dining LuDERA.
During the difficult days of the pandemic, when tourism demand disappeared, Kinnotake Saryo and LuDERA supported each other and got through the hardship together, forming a close bond. For this 4th anniversary, the ryokan felt that a handmade sweet from LuDERA — a fellow business that has welcomed travelers with the same spirit — was a fitting way to express its gratitude. Known for its crisp, fragrant texture, this traditional Italian confection is offered as a companion for the drive home or a quiet moment in the room, with heartfelt thanks from the entire staff.
Campaign Period: Saturday, August 15 to Monday, August 31, 2026
Eligible Guests: All guests who use Kinnotake Saryo during the period, whether for a day trip or an overnight stay
About Kinnotake Saryo
Kinnotake Saryo opened in August 2022 in Sengokuhara, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, as a "ryokan you can't stay overnight at." Its concept is to offer a more casual way to experience the world of the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, as portrayed by the group's sister property Kinnotake Sengokuhara. Of its six rooms, four come with a private open-air bath, and the two rooms on the second floor have their own reservable private open-air bath. All are filled with the ryokan's milky-white source hot spring water. With plans for either a day trip or a meal-free overnight stay, Kinnotake Saryo offers a free, refined style of stay suited to a range of needs.
Facility name: Kinnotake Saryo
Address: 817-460 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone: 0460-85-8282
Parking: 10 free spaces
Kinnotake Saryo official website
About Kinnotake Resort
Kinnotake Resort opened its first onsen ryokan in Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa Prefecture, in 1947. In 1999, it pioneered a new way to enjoy onsen ryokan through private open-air baths, which were still rare at the time, offering guests an extraordinary experience. The group currently operates five ryokan facilities and four restaurants, and is building out its portfolio through diversification, including a new craft beer business and the opening of new ryokan facilities aimed at different customer segments, with the aim of achieving sustainable growth amid a changing external environment.
