Deep in Hakone, at Ashinoyu. Milky sulphur steam and the silence of mountain shadow weave a hidden-spring world—Gakueirou Matsuzakaya welcomes you.
ABOUT
Ashinoyu is one of Hakone's oldest spa resorts, appearing even in Edo-period documents. As the inn's name 'Gakueirou' (Mountain Shadow Pavilion) suggests, this inn nestled as if protected by the great mountain has offered quiet otherworldliness to all who come.
The milky white sulphur spring carries excellent benefits for skin conditions, neuralgia, and chronic fatigue. The attentive, thorough hospitality achievable only in a small 10-room inn—please come and experience it.
FEATURES
Family-scale closeness over hotel-scale convenience.
The milky white water rich in sulphur is a special spring quality found only at Ashinoyu within Hakone. Every time you immerse yourself, you feel the powerful blessing of this spring.
The inn sheltered by Ashinoyu's deep mountain shadow possesses a stillness completely removed from daily bustle. Wind sounds, birdsong—set your spirit free in an environment where only nature's voice is heard.
With only 10 rooms, we can give each guest our undivided attention. While preserving the dignity of a long-established inn, we offer warm, handcrafted hospitality.
The history of Ashinoyu hot spring dating back to the Edo period is the very depth this place holds. Experience at Gakueirou the power of the waters that have healed travelers across the ages.
ROOMS
MOUNTAIN SHADOW ROOM
A quiet Japanese room where the mountain's shadow is felt through the window
Gakueirou's standard rooms. Surrounded by calm ink-dark appointments, the deep mountain ridgeline spreads beyond the window. Spend the quiet hours of a hidden-spring inn at leisure in this room.
GAKU SUITE
Top-tier room with private open-air bath
A 12-tatami suite with direct access to a private open-air bath. The highest-grade room at Gakueirou, where milky sulphur waters are yours alone. In the silence of the mountain's shadow, enjoy a night of total immersion.
ONSEN
Milky white sulphur waters rich in sulphur compounds. In three bathing sanctuaries—grand bath, open-air, and private open-air—fully enjoy the hidden spring of Ashinoyu.
The grand bath filled generously with milky white sulphur water. With the mountain's shadow behind you, receive Ashinoyu's renowned waters with your whole body.
An open-air bath surrounded by deep mountain shadows. Enjoy bathing with the scent of sulphur amid the fantastical scenery of white steam dissolving into the cold mountain air.
The private open-air bath exclusive to the Gaku Suite. Monopolize the milky sulphur waters from your room. Enjoy a hidden spring experience entirely your own.
DINING
Gakueirou's cuisine is kaiseki centered on mountain bounty from the Hakone foothills. Wild greens, mountain mushrooms, clear-water fish—the rich nature of Ashinoyu breathes life into every dish.
Simple, powerful mountain ingredients prepared with careful hand-craft—that is the culinary philosophy of Gakueirou.
AROUND
From Ashinoyu deep in Hakone, venture out to the famous sites filled with nature and culture.
Lake Ashi, Hakone's symbol with its view of Mt. Fuji. Board an excursion boat from Moto-Hakone pier and gaze up at Fuji's majestic form from the water.
A park built on the site of a former imperial villa. The view from the hilltop overlooking the lake is magnificent, especially popular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
A historical facility reconstructing the Edo-period checkpoint. A popular Hakone attraction where you can vividly experience the travel scene of that era.
Hakone's foremost volcanic landscape with active steam vents. Famous for its black eggs. Access via bus through Gora.
Gora Park with its French formal garden. Especially beautiful in rose and cherry blossom seasons; you can also enjoy tea in the teahouse.
In autumn, Sengokuhara is one of Hakone's best scenic spots with pampas grass shining gold across the plain. Pola Museum of Art is nearby for art strolling.
ACCESS
FAQ
The milkiness is caused by sulphur compounds (hydrogen sulphide) that oxidize and crystallize in the spring water. You may notice white particles clinging to your skin during bathing—this is the proof of sulphur.
Check-in from 15:00, check-out by 10:00. Please consult us to suit your schedule.
From Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara Station, take Hakone Tozan Bus to Ashinoyu stop, then 3 min walk. Contact us for shuttle arrangements.
Yes, there is the distinctive sulphur spring smell. This is evidence of a genuine sulphur spring. Please note that it may cling to clothing and jewelry.
Yes, families with children are welcome. However, due to the sulphur spring, prolonged bathing by infants and toddlers is discouraged. Please discuss details at reservation.
Booking through our official channels (phone or email) often gives more flexibility than OTAs.