Things to do in Japan

Susukinohara Ichinoyu, a hot-spring hideaway in Hakone

If you want a relaxing introduction to Japanese bathing culture in a beautiful setting, Susukinohara Ichinoyu is the place to come…

By Hirofumi Chiba and Masaki Nakano

Nakai-san at Susukinohara Ichinoyu

If you want a relaxing introduction to Japanese bathing culture in a beautiful setting, Susukinohara Ichinoyu is the place to come. Although the Ichinoyu name has a 390-year history as a pioneer in the field of hot-spring ryokans, we still maintain a casual and friendly omotenashi service that makes people feel at home. The group has eight ryokans in the Hakone area, but we recommend Susukinohara Ichinoyu, in particular the annexe which opened in August 2019. All the new rooms are equipped with their own open-air bath, which is perfect for overseas guests – especially those with tattoos – to enjoy privately. People often tell us how much they appreciate this – that and the excellent food.

It helps that we’re in such a beautiful part of Japan. Hakone’s different seasons offer a multitude of sights to be appreciated. In spring, there are the cherry blossoms; in autumn, there are the golden leaves; and there are always views of the ever-bubbling Owakudani volcanic valley, the beautiful Ashi lake and, of course, Mount Fuji to be enjoyed.

It’s a bit of a cliched response, but we are pleased when guests say nice things such as “I had a great time here,” “the food was delicious,” and “I was really able to enjoy the onsen here.” Because guests come all the way to Japan from faraway lands, we do our utmost not to disappoint their expectations, and these words of gratitude alone make it all worthwhile.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Best of Japan
by Claire Ross

Length14 Days

Price range£6,500 - £7,300pp
Itinerary

Japan Alps
by Malcolm Holcroft

Length11 Days

Price range£4,690 - £5,675pp
Itinerary

The Golden Route
by Malcolm Holcroft

Length9 Days

Price range£4,480 - £5,120pp

Alfred & Hirofumi Chiba and Masaki Nakano

Hirofumi and Masaki enjoy the opportunity their roles as part of the team at Susukinohara Ichinoyu give them to showcase the values of omotenashi hospitality to their guests from abroad. They are among a growing number of male nakai-san, a job that was traditionally performed by women.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Richard, who's travelled extensively in Japan. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the tea devotee who'll introduce you to the ceremony surrounding Japan's national drink, the noodle guru who'll teach you how to make the perfect bowl of soba and the ryokan owner who'll tutor you in the relaxing art of the onsen.

Richard Pearson

Travel Expert for Alfred&

The term ‘well-travelled’ is an understatement when describing Richard. They've been swept up in the cultural portals of Japan and China and fallen in love with Vietnam’s historical melting pot and romantic karsts of Halong Bay. Their mantra is ‘expect the unexpected,’ which is why they find India so attractive; its manic city streets, stunning yet seldom-visited temples and off-road safaris in the wildest tiger reserves.
Takeaki Shibuya

Experience coordinator for Destination Asia, Alfred&'s partners in Japan

After 14 years of experience travelling in more than 70 countries as a tour conductor and planner, Takeaki has come home to Japan, which he truly believes is the most unique place in the world to explore. His unusual experiences are a source of creation which draws out the esoteric and the hidden of Japan.
Ms Makishima

Nakai-san at Gion Yoshi-Ima

A long-time employee at Gion Yoshi-Ima and resident of Kyoto, Ms Makishima embodies the Japanese spirit of hospitality: a welcoming character, dedication to her work, and joy in the everyday. Care and devotion is given to her guests and she is always on hand to attend to needs or offer advice to adventurous travellers.
Fabien Fleury

Wine educator, oenophile and guide

Tokyo-based Fabien was born in Saintes, near Cognac, in the south-west of France. As a boy, he used to help his grandfather take care of his vineyard, which instilled in him a love of the whole process of wine-making. Fabien has been giving tasting seminars to wine lovers between Europe and Japan for 10 years and enjoys sharing his expertise on tours of Japan’s wine-making Yamanashi area outside Tokyo.
Ms Akira

Member of the hospitality team at Oyado Koto no Yume

Ms Akira is part of the hospitality team at Koto no Yume, a ryokan in the traditional town of Takayama. Living in a city steeped in culture, she enjoys helping guests to get to know a little more of the traditional arts and crafts, as well as the beautiful sites of Takayama.
Satoshi Inuki

Japanese literature enthusiast & one of Alfred&’s guides in Japan

Satoshi is originally from a small town in Hyogo prefecture. In his early 20s he lived in Edinburgh where he met many people from all over the world who asked him questions about Japan. This prompted him to study more about his own country’s culture, history and traditions. He moved to Kyoto around 10 years ago and became a licensed guide in 2011, since when he has come to know every inch of both his new home town and destinations such as Hiroshima, Okayama and Naoshima to the west.