Guesthouse Tsutaya - A Tattoo-Friendly Hot Spring in Hakone Onsen, Kanagawa

Hakone Onsen Guesthouse Tsutaya (箱根つたや旅館) represents a unique bridge between Japan's illustrious past and welcoming present. Originally established in the 1600s as one of Hakone's seven historic hot springs, this former samurai bathhouse—which once soothed the battle wounds of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi—has been thoughtfully reimagined as a contemporary guesthouse. After extensive renovations in 2019, Tsutaya now offers travelers the rare opportunity to experience centuries-old thermal waters within a space that honors tradition while embracing modern hospitality. Nestled alongside the babbling Jakotsu-gawa River in Hakone's verdant Sokokura valley, this atmospheric retreat provides an authentic Japanese bathing experience where history literally seeps through the walls. For tattooed travelers seeking both cultural immersion and comfortable accommodation, Tsutaya represents the perfect balance of heritage and accessibility.

• Edo-Period Heritage: Bathe in the same waters that once healed samurai warriors, including legendary warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi
• Authentic Sokokura-Onsen Waters: Experience one of Hakone's original seven hot springs, flowing continuously since the 1600s
• Traditional-Modern Fusion: Enjoy centuries-old bathing traditions in a thoughtfully renovated space with contemporary comforts
• Nature-Immersed Rotenburo: Soak in an outdoor bath surrounded by bamboo groves while listening to the gentle sounds of the nearby river
• Budget-Friendly Options: Choose from dormitory capsules to private tatami rooms, making historic onsen experiences accessible for various travel styles
• Convenient Hakone Location: Perfectly positioned for exploring Hakone's numerous attractions, with excellent transport connections

Slipping into Tsutaya's thermal waters connects you directly to centuries of Japanese bathing tradition. The indoor bath features striking Izuaoishi stone that transforms into a mesmerizing deep blue when touched by the mineral-rich waters—creating a serene, otherworldly atmosphere beneath wooden beams that have witnessed countless bathers across generations. For a more immersive experience, the outdoor rotenburo offers communion with nature, where steam rises against a backdrop of swaying bamboo while the soundtrack of the nearby river lulls you into deep relaxation. The alkaline-rich Sokokura waters, maintained at a therapeutic 40–42°C (104–107.6°F), are historically renowned for their wound-healing properties—once sought by samurai and now available to soothe modern travelers' muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote skin health through their mineral content.

🚅 Tokyo → Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto Station (80 minutes)

🚉 Hakone-Yumoto Station → 🚌 Bus to Miyanoshita (15 minutes)

🚌 Miyanoshita → 🚶‍♀️ Short walk to Sokokura stop OR 🚖 10-minute taxi directly to Tsutaya

🚘 By car from Tokyo → Approximately 1.5 hours via Tomei Expressway (parking available)

Reservations can be made directly through Tsutaya's English website or via popular booking platforms like Agoda and Booking.com. For specific inquiries about tattoo policies or special accommodations, direct contact is recommended. 

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🌐 Website: https://hakone-tsutaya.com/en/ 

📍 Address: 240-1 Sokokura, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa 250-0403, Japan