Mikawaya Ryokan was founded in 1884 by Kyozo Enomoto. It has welcomed many notable personalities in its 140+ years of existence. These include artists such as painter Takehisa Yumeji and poets Yosano Tekkan and Akiko. Political figures such as Sun Yat-Sen, the first President of the Republic of China, had also stayed in the main building. In fact, you can book the room where the Chinese revolutionary stayed and find his handwritten note on the wall! The ryokan has also played a significant role in the birth of the Kowakudani Onsen area. Kyozo Enomoto was the pioneer of onsen culture in the area, starting the first bathhouse supplied by water from a hot spring. Since then, many notable builders erected villas in the area for travelers to rest and enjoy the onsens.

Design and Architecture

The ryokan will hit you with a wave of nostalgia with its beautifully preserved architecture. You can find architectural details from the Taishō era, especially in the main building, which has been designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. The wooden furnishings and playfully decorated glass and sliding windows create a warm ambiance. You'll find both traditional Japanese rooms and Japanese-Western-style rooms here. The traditional touches include tatami mats, futon beds, and shoji screens. Another notable architectural detail that's been meticulously preserved is the 16,000-square-meter (17,2222.5-square-foot) garden, dating back to the Taishō era.

The restaurant at Mikawaya Ryokan offers seasonal gastronomy, highlighting the authentic flavors of Japanese cuisine. It's located on the first floor of the main building and has a strategic design that simultaneously promotes communal meals and offers privacy to individual groups.

Breakfast

Breakfast at the ryokan consists of a set menu with local and regional delicacies. You'll enjoy dishes made with ingredients sourced from the Sagami Bay and the Hakone area.

Serving hours: 7:30 am - 8:30 am (reservation required)

Dinner

If you're looking for a warm comfort meal, try the dinner at Mikawaya Ryokan. The main course is served in the nabe (hot pot) style, with colorful vegetables and sticky rice as accompaniments. Kid meals are also available for dinner.

Serving hours: 5:30 pm - 9 pm (reservation required)

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The best thing to experience at Mikawaya Ryokan is its stunning garden, Horaien, standing the test of time since the Taishō era. It was established by the founder of the ryokan himself and has been mesmerizing visitors ever since. The garden spreads across 16,000 square meters (17,2222.5 square feet) and features around 30,000 azalea plants! You can see the plants bloom in 40 different shades and types if you visit in May. When you're ready to leave the property and explore the area, make sure your first stop is Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, only a three-minute walk away. The establishment comes with a family hot spring, an open-air bath, and a day spa. Cultural attractions such as Fukurokuju are also a short walk away.

Indoor and outdoor onsens are also available inside the property, featuring free-flowing water sourced from the mountains. The most attractive one is Morinoyu, an open-air bath in the garden with natural landscaping. It's even lit up at night and is available for free use.

As for outdoor lovers, there's no better way to explore Hakone than by mountain biking. You can also go deeper into nature by hiking, especially if you're visiting between April and December. Once you're back from your excursion, stop by the souvenir shop to get something to remember Hakone by.