【Kanagawa】Why Locals Choose This Hidden Onsen Over Hakone | Fujiya Ryokan Yugawara

【Kanagawa】Why Locals Choose This Hidden Onsen Over Hakone | Fujiya Ryokan Yugawara

こんにちは、温泉が大好きな ハンセンです！ My name is Anette Hansen and welcome back to Ryokan Meguri – or Onsen with Hansen, where we explore some of the most exciting and fascinating hidden ryokan gems across Japan Today we’re escaping to somewhere truly special Fujiya Ryokan in Yugawara While most travelers rush past to Hakone those in the know stop here for something rare: a genuine taste of Taisho era Japan where three generations can find joy under one historic roof Standing proudly since 1876, Fujiya Ryokan whispers stories of nearly 150 years This isn’t just any ryokan—its magnificent Taisho-era wooden main building from 1923 is now a nationally registered Tangible Cultural property What does that mean? You’re literally sleeping in a piece of living history. The journey here feels intentional – take the JR Tokaido line to Yugawara Station just under 90 minutes from Tokyo then a scenic 10 minute taxi ride through winding streets that seem to transport you back in time . No rushing, no crowds. Just yukuri-yukuri—slowly, slowly. When checking in we were met by our friendly Nakai-san who after helping us with the check in procedure kindly escorted us all the way to our a room We chose the Kyūkan—the historic wing— and immediately felt the weight of tradition. These tatami rooms aren’t just accommodation they’re sanctuaries where sliding shoji doors frame garden views like living paintings. But Fujiya understands that comfort comes in many forms The Kyūkan offers pure washitsu tradition futons, tatami, and that unmistakable scent of aged wood. The Rakumiso bridges worlds with Western beds alongside private hinoki cypress baths. And the Shinkan (New building) provides modern comfort without losing the ryokan soul. Each guest finds their perfect kokochi-ii spot —that feeling of being exactly where you belong. Here’s where Fujiya surprises: while there’s no outdoor bath the indoor onsen creates something equally magical Picture this—soaring wooden ceilings, natural light steaming through generous windows and that sacred silence broken only by gentle water sounds The sodium-calcium chloride waters come from Fujiya’s own natural source 100% Genshin Kakinagashi – pure unfiltered healing straight from the earth. Your skin will thank you, your muscles will relax and your grandmother – trust me, she will not want to leave Dinner unfolds in Hyōrokutei— named after six lucky gourds symbolizing health and safety but tonight your luck is measured in Unagi. Fujiya’s secret? Kansai style preparation – no steaming, just pure grilling mastery. The result? Skin that crackles, Flesh that melts like butter and flavours that have made this ryokan’s reputation. The unagi donabe arrives bubbling – rice crowned with perfectly glazed eel, accompanied by seasonal sashimi that changes with the moon, delicate simmered vegetables and tempura light as mountain air. This isn’t just dinner – this is omotenashi hospitality that anticipates your need before you know them yourself. As evening descends slip into your yukata and discover Fujiya’s a greatest luxury – time itself! The garden glows softly under lantern lights, creating perfect “ma” (間) those meaningful pauses between moments. Here, watching my 80 year old grandmother’s eyes light up with each new discovery I understood why a Ryokan exists: not just for rest but for Tsunagari (繋がり) – connection across generations. Morning brings ichijusansai, the perfect Japanese breakfast. A harmony of one soup and three dishes, grilled fish still warm from the kitchen, silky homemade tofu rice that sparkles like pearls and miso soup that awakens every sense. Each bite prepared with the same care as last night’s kaiseki, because at Fujiya every meal honors the ingredients and the guest equally. While Hakone captures headlines, Yugawara keeps secrets. This onsen town offers everything its famous neighbor does: healing waters, mountain beauty, cultural depth – but with breathing room and authentic pricing. Don’t miss Manyō Park where foot baths meet poetry gardens, and you can soak your feet while reading ancient verses carved in stone. The intimate Yugawara Art Museum showcasing works that capture this region’s artistic soul. And Makiyama Park – Come February, 4,000 plum trees transform this Hillside into a pink and white paradise that rivals any famous Hanami spot. The best part? You might have these treasures almost to yourself Fujiya Ryokan calls to multi generational families seeking shared moments without generational divides – where grandmother, parent and child can each find their perfect comforts. Couples craving intimate escapes from modern life’s noise. Conscious travelers who understand that sometimes the greatest luxury is authenticity, not amenities. From those weathered wooden beams holding decades of stories, to the therapeutic embrace of natural hot springs, from that unforgettable unagi dinner to quiet garden moments – Fujiya Ryokan doesn’t just offer accommodation. It offers ikigai (生き甲斐) – A reason to pause, connect and remember what travel can truly give us. If this hidden gem speaks to your travel soul show some love with a like, and subscribe for more discoveries across Japan’s most authentic corners. This is Hansen reminding you that the best journeys aren’t always to the places most famous, sometimes they’re to the places that makes you feel most at home. それでは、また今度—see you again.

Discover a hidden gem in Kanagawa just before Hakone — Fujiya Ryokan in Yugawara.
This historic onsen ryokan has been welcoming guests since 1876 and offers the perfect blend of Taisho-era charm and modern comfort.

In this video, I travel with my mother and grandmother to experience Fujiya Ryokan’s serene ambiance, gender-separated indoor onsen, and unforgettable kaiseki dinner featuring their specialty: Kansai-style unagi (grilled eel).
A true three-generation stay we’ll never forget!

Yugawara is an underrated onsen town often mistaken for Hakone — but with fewer crowds and better value, it might just become your new favorite retreat.

🛀 Indoor onsen with natural spring water
🏯 Taisho-era architecture (built in 1923)
🍽️ Dinner at Hyōrokutei — eel lovers, take note!
🌸 Perfect for multi-generational trips, couples & seasoned travelers
🚉 Easy access from Tokyo via JR Tokaido Line

✨If you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic stay without the tourist bustle — this video is for you.

📍Fujiya Ryokan (富士屋旅館)
📍Location: Yugawara, Kanagawa Prefecture
🔗 Official Website: https://fujiyaryokan.jp/
🚉 Access: From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tokaido Line to Yugawara Station (approx. 90 mins), then a 10-minute taxi or bus.

🧭CHAPTERS
00:20 Intro
00:55 About Fujiya Ryokan & How to Get There
01:48 Room Tour – Taisho Vibes
03:06 Indoor Onsen
04:02 Kaiseki Dinner with Unagi
05:12 Evening at the Ryokan
05:49 Breakfast
06:30 Exploring Yugawara
07:28 Final Thoughts & Who It’s For

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　4. 🗾 Japan’s 5 Hidden Ryokans You Won’t Believe Exist! | Cave Baths, Tengu Guardians & Lamp-Lit Retreats — Discover the secret side of Japan’s hot springs, from Tengu legends at Kita Onsen to a digital detox at Aoni Onsen, and Tokyo’s only hidden hot spring at Takarasou! 👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZbzO_QTPQw&t=78s

　5. 🍊 Kyoto’s Best-Kept Secret: Yuzuya Ryokan in Gion – A Historic Japanese Retreat — Unwind in a yuzu-scented bath at this hidden gem 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfn9qAg_cpM&t=40s

　6. 🍁 A Living Piece of Meiji History | 150 Years of Tradition at Arai Ryokan Shuzenji — Experience a ryokan steeped in centuries of history 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Qa46eI5Lc&t=141s

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👋 YOUR HOST (認識主持人):
I’m Hansen, a Scandinavian who has lived in Japan since 2010 and worked in the Japanese travel industry for 5 years. I created this channel, Onsen with Hansen (Ryokan Meguri), to share my passion for traditional ryokan, onsen and cultural experiences across Japan. 我是漢森，一位在日本生活超過15年的斯堪的納維亞人，並在日本旅遊業從事了5年的工作。我創立了這個頻道「日本旅館：漢森的秘境探索」（Onsen with Hansen），旨在分享我對傳統日式旅館和日本各地文化體驗的熱情。

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more ryokan adventures.
👍 喜歡影片的話，別忘了按讚、訂閱並開啟小鈴鐺！您的支持是我持續探索的最大動力。
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✨ Let’s relax, rejuvenate, and rediscover Japan, one ryokan at a time.
和我們一起放鬆身心，重新發現日本，一次一個日式旅館的故事！
✨ 温泉が大好きなハンセンでした。次回も一緒に湯っくりしましょう！

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✋ Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored, and there are no affiliate links. I feature only ryokans that I have personally stayed at and genuinely loved, so everything you see on this channel is 100% based on my own experiences and preferences.

🎥 Disclaimer 2: Please note that filming in onsen areas is generally restricted to respect the privacy of other guests. Always remember to check with the ryokan staff for permission before filming. Ensuring everyone’s comfort and privacy is a key part of the Japanese onsen experience!
この素晴らしい旅館の美しさをお伝えするために、温泉での撮影を快く許可してくださったことに感謝します。お客様のご迷惑にならないよう、常に最優先で配慮しております。