Since we paid for this hotel the same that we paid for a nice new hotel in Central Tokyo, I was expecting at least the basic service. The staff didn't speak any English with the exception of a lady who was called on the phone to give us basic information, but she said she was taking the day off. Thing is, she seemed to also take off the day after, and the one after as well. We had to prepare our own beds,with zero guidance on how to set up a Japanese futon. The hotel room smelled like mold, and it was almost impossible to find a corner without visible mold spots. The carpet was dirty with stains everywhere. Hotel is located very close to the railway station, and also next to a supermarket where you can buy something for breakfast, since the breakfast price was too high for our family (everyone including small children pay full price). All in all, I wouldn't come here again, and I wouldn't recommend it either.
The ryokan was close to the train and bus station but there were no signage. Also, we arrived during lunch time and there was no one at the front reception. It took us a while to find someone to show us to our rooms.
The ryokan was full on Friday night and half full on Thursday night. As the onsen was private type and they only had 2 onsen rooms to cater for about 7-8 rooms, so we had to wait for our turn on Friday night. Later, we were informed that we can use their other onsen facility (they have 3-4 other ryokan nearby and also a public type onsen near where we stay). We did not have the time to try the other onsen nearby.
There are some sundry shops nearby which was useful to stock up snacks.
Since Hakone is an expensive area, this ryokan's pricing was OK compared to the rest. We took the breakfast and dinner also which was good as they serve it in your room. (But this means, you'll have to clear the mattress etc. to make way)
Japanese style room, so sleep on futons on the floor. Difficult to get comfortable. Breakfast was great and served in the room. They have two private onsens: If one is vacant, you enter and lock the door behind you. That is inadequate for the number of people staying there.One has to go to a public onsen a couple of hundred meters away to get a bath. The area is fun to experience. A $45 per person card lets one take all of the buses, trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways in the area. This hotel is expensive, but worth the experience at least once in Japan.
This Ryokan was not bad if you consider the price. The Ryokan has two family private bathes and two more outside another building. They are open to the guests 24 hours. Only one woman could speak English well. The dinner was very nice and tea, water supply was nice. The room size is small but good for two people. Ryokan people were kind and their service was good. They also allow to borrow kimono to woman. The location is close from Ohiradai station of Hakone Tozan Train could be accessed from Hakone-Yumo station where Romance Car stop and Odawara where other cheap trains from Tokyo stop. If I will visit Haknone again, I hope to stay there again.
not a hotel, just a B&B with onsen. staff worked till 9pm, thus no late check in. but the room rate as if a hotel. the posted photo is misleading. only the staff in charge can speak english.