HAKONE-GINYU

“Hakone Ginyu”, nestled in Hakone Miyanoshita Onsen area, draws its waters from two private hot spring sources. One source is a spring well located about 200 meters from the inn, and the other is near its sister facility, “Musashino Bekkan”, approximately 1 kilometer away. The spring quality of Hakone Ginyu is sodium-chloride springs with weak alkalinity (pH 8.4). First of all, note that it is weak alkaline. Because human skin is generally slightly acidic, soaking in alkaline hot springs dissolves old cuticles on the skin and makes it feel smooth. Because of this property, hot springs that are (weak) alkaline are called “hot springs for beautiful skin (bihada-no-yu)”.

It should not be overlooked that it is a chloride spring, that is, a hot spring that contains salt. Indications by spring quality of chloride springs include cuts, peripheral circulatory disturbance, sensitivity to cold, depression, and dry skin.

When you soak in a hot spring containing salt, the salt covers your body like a pack. This pack blocks the sweat glands (organs that secrete sweat), so the body temperature drops slowly after bathing, and the feeling of warmth continues for a long time. For this reason, “Chloride spring” is also called “Hot springs for warmth”. Sensitivity to cold can be recognized as an indication for other springs also, but the “Chloride spring” is particularly effective. At the same time, the warming feeling that continues for a long time will help improve Peripheral circulatory disturbance. This salt pack also reduces skin dryness after the bath due to the coating effect of hot spring components and their moisturizing effect. The effect of sustained warmth helps to balance autonomic nervous system and brings about a sense of mental stability. Also, increased body temperature reduces the secretion of stress hormones, which may contribute to mood improvement and have a positive effect on Depression. Also, after bathing in hot springs that remove dead skin cells, such as (Weak) Alkaline simple hot springs, Hydrogen carbonate springs, Sulfate springs, and Sulfur springs, which are so-called “Hot springs for beautiful skin”, then bathing in “Chloride spring” is also called “Hot springs for finishing touch” due to its salt coating & moisturizing effects. It is also called “Hot springs for cuts” “because of the bactericidal effect of its salt content, which is effective against Cuts and burns.

Also note the metasilicic acid. This is because it contains 103 mg of metasilicic acid per kilogram of spring water. According to the Japanese hot spring standard, hot springs must contain 50 mg or more of metasilicic acid per 1 kg of spring water to be approved as a hot spring. This means that this hot spring contains more than twice the standard value (50 mg) of metasilicic acid. It is said to be a natural moisturizer and is sometimes used as an ingredient in lotion. One of the conditions for being called “hot springs for beautiful skin (bihada-no-yu)” is that it contains an abundance of metasilicic acid. This spring also contains 14.8 mg of metaboric acid, which is also nearly three times the Japanese hot spring standard value (5 mg). Metaboric acid has a cleansing effect on the skin and is thought to be effective in treating skin problems such as acne. It also has antibacterial properties and is used as an ingredient in eye drops.

At this inn, the large public baths and the private open-air baths in guest rooms utilize a circulation and sterilization system. However, the baths in the esthetic treatment facility “Ginyu Spa” are 100% natural hot spring, flowing directly from the source without any circulation or additives. Although “Ginyu Spa” is primarily reserved for spa treatment guests, it can be exclusively rented at night by a single group per day, offering a luxurious private experience. If you want to fully experience the power of the hot spring, these baths come highly recommended. As mentioned earlier, the hot spring water here gently envelops the body like a natural beauty mask, making it the perfect finishing touch after a spa treatment.

Even in the areas where sterilization is used, the inn doesn't rely on standard chlorine-based chemicals like many other ryokan. Instead, it uses a multifunctional sterilization device that incorporates silver-infused ceramics. This advanced system not only eliminates aerobic bacteria, including Legionella, which causes sliminess, but also breaks down chlorine and nitrogen compounds, preventing the formation of harmful substances such as trihalomethanes and dioxins. If disinfection is carried out this thoroughly even in large public baths used by a wide range of people, everyone, regardless of age or gender, can bathe with peace of mind.

“Hakone Ginyu”, located in Hakone Miyanoshita Onsen, is a popular hot spring inn(Japanese onsen ryokan) that often described as “a Japanese inn that is difficult to book” by various media.
The exotic atmosphere of Miyanoshita onsen resort and the oriental style of Japanese onsen ryokan simply matched perfectly.
Looking out from the inn, the view of the Hakone mountain range is magnificent; gaze at and you will find it looks like a greenish mossy garden.
Or, like an island in a vast ocean.
Both dinner and breakfast are basically served in the guest rooms.
You can enjoy kaiseki ryori (one type of Japanese course meal), in which the ingredients are carefully selected to give a sense of the goodness of Japan.
For breakfast, you can choose between Japanese and Western food, which is a nice touch.
After this inn was born, people in the inn industry came to inspect it, learning about its great success, and similar inns were created all over Japan.
However, after all, they cannot surpass the original Hakone Ginyu.
This is because Hakone Ginyu is the pioneer who created the current trend of Japanese inns by adding a superb view and hospitality to all rooms having an open-air bath.