＝ Annex ＝
Nature, history, and people.
Four hundred years of silence,
where these boundaries blend together.
About Us
Welcome to the “Time Liberation Zone” for adults.
The gentle murmur of the Hayakawa River gently washes away the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Just a few minutes’ drive from the gateway to Hakone, a different world
unfolds-one where time flows at a leisurely pace, unlike that of modern clocks.
Enjoy a truly special time
while taking in the natural beauty of Hakone
Since its founding in 1614 (Keichō 19), Motoyu Kansuiro has been a historic inn steeped in history, beloved by many great figures and literary giants. During the Meiji era, the first Prime Minister, Ito Hirobumi, named this ryokan "Kansuiro" (環翆楼) which means "A high building surrounded by emerald greenery." It still welcomes you today, more than a century later, with the same vibrant scenery and dignified presence as in those days.
Please enjoy a truly exquisite experience as the boundaries of everyday life dissolve, taking in the seasonal beauty of Hakone with all your senses.
The Private Spring Preserved by Our "Yuban" (Hot Spring Masters)
A soft, skin-nourishing hot spring with a velvety touch—the luxury of 100% natural spring water flowing freely.
Another point of pride that defines Kansuiro is our natural hot spring, which has flowed continuously since its discovery four centuries ago. Guided by the daily weather, temperature, and humidity, our "Yuban" (hot spring masters) masterfully blend water from our three private sources (Yumoto Springs No. 37, 50, and 110) to ensure the bath is always filled at the most comforting temperature.
With a pH of 8.9, this simple alkaline hot spring feels gentle and velvety on your skin, delicately exfoliating dead skin cells to leave you remarkably smooth, supple, and deeply moisturized.
We invite you to immerse yourself in these miraculous, skin-beautifying waters—warming you to the core while gently dissolving all physical and mental tension.
A Miraculous Wooden High-Rise Where History Comes Alive
Irreplicable master craftsmanship and the ancient beauty of thousand-year-old Jindai cedar.
Built in 1919 (Taisho 8), Kansuiro is designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property and stands as an exceptionally rare wooden high-rise structure in Japan. Its vast interior is supported without a single central pillar, utilizing "so-motase"—a traditional architectural technique of master temple carpenters. Adorning the ceilings is "Jindai cedar," a revered timber that lay dormant deep underground for over a millennium. It is a true architectural masterpiece, forged from priceless materials and traditional techniques that can no longer be replicated today.
From Princess Kazunomiya and Tenshoin to legendary authors such as Natsume Soseki and Shimazaki Toson, this inn has long been cherished by iconic figures throughout Japanese history. Here, you can immerse yourself in the very same serene atmosphere they once enjoyed—a unique luxury where the building itself serves as a living museum.
- A Scenic View of Lush Nature
The breeze sweeping through the valley weaves a rich sense of travel. -
The Hayakawa Gorge flows dynamically below. The sound of the river offers a soothing sensation—the more you listen, the more you feel yourself becoming one with nature. Open the shoji screens in your room, and you’ll be greeted by a vast expanse of vibrant greenery; in the fall, fiery autumn foliage paints the mountains in vivid colors.
You’ll be able to experience how the fatigue of the day quietly melts away to the rich melodies played by nature.
Annex
Enveloped by the deep greenery of the Hayakawa Gorge, simply listen to the murmur of the river and the sound of the waterfall.
Though it is a purely traditional Japanese-style wooden building crafted with refined elegance by Meiji-era artisans, the moment you open the door, you’ll find yourself immersed in European designer modernity.
A tranquil hideaway for adults, where the old and the new, as well as Japanese and Western styles, blend beautifully.
"Kansuiro Annex" offers a new, unprecedented concept in Japanese ryokan. The retro charm of the main building and the refined tranquility of the annex.
Let go of the unnecessary and sharpen your five senses to fully experience "this very moment." Welcome to this "quiet hideaway" for adults.
- The Aesthetics of Subtraction at the Kansui-ro Annex
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Our hotel does not have elevators like those found in modern hotels. Furthermore, we have deliberately chosen not to include bathtubs, toilets, or televisions in the guest rooms. This is not a matter of inconvenience, but rather an “aesthetic of subtraction” designed to allow guests to simply surrender to the atmosphere of history and completely disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The bathrooms on each floor are equipped with washbasins from top European brands and beautiful faucets, and are maintained with such cleanliness and aesthetic sensibility that you’ll almost forget they are shared spaces. It is precisely because these spaces have been stripped of all superfluous elements that the sound of the waterfall, the rhythmic breathing of the wooden structure, and conversations with loved ones resonate so deeply.
