Kinokuniya Ryokan

we adored Hata-San, our helpful friend at the hotel. the dinner and breakfast were both incredible. bathhouses were relaxing and clean. the Hakone day pass made it so easy to get everywhere but don’t forget to take time at the ryokan to re-center after travel!

It was quite a journey from the station to the ryokan. Well worth it. Elaborate Japanese dinner and breakfast. Outdoor onsen. The new part of the lodge is 80 years old. It has been on this spot for 300 years. Quick bus ride to Lake Ashi next morning.

This was my first time staying at an onsen ryokan, but it was much better than expected. The staff was friendly, helpful, and professional. The room was roomier than what I imagined, but I guess I was staying at a place meant for two people by myself. Dinner was excellent, and the breakfast buffet was great too. Dinner was fully Japanese while the breakfast was continental with a heavy Japanese slant. The onsens were great. I'd recommend using the bath in the early afternoon or the early morning before people start arriving if you are not comfortable with stares. The outside bath was a bit small but charming. The only bad thing I can say about this place was the fact that it's a bit old, but that's to be expected from some place that's more than 300 years old. It was very clean though. Will stay again, next time with another person to play table tennis with.