Hakone Yutowa

The room was spotless, and the mini-bar and breakfast service were perfectly in line with the price. The staff's attitude was absolutely perfect. The hot springs were fantastic and really helped me relax~

This is a very spacious onsen ryokan with a kids' book corner and a manga nook. The private onsen baths are free of charge, making it perfect for family trips, though they are quite popular and require a queue. There are complimentary afternoon refreshments and late-night snacks. The courtyard features a bonfire and foot bath. From check-in in the afternoon, there are always facilities to use, and it never feels too crowded, even on weekends, as the space is very well-arranged and comfortable. The hotel is conveniently located right next to Gora Station, making it easy to get around by bus or train. The staff are very friendly, and snacks are constantly replenished, so you don't have to worry about missing out if you arrive late. After a hot spring bath, there's milk and popsicles available. The 24-hour self-service beverage bar also has hot water and hot tea, so those who prefer warm water are covered. The only downside is the lack of a full-length mirror in the room, which is a bit of a pity.

The hotel is conveniently located, just a 5-minute walk from Gora Station. If I had to pick one downside, it would be that the private onsen isn't great – it's not open-air. You don't need a reservation to queue up, and each session is 30 minutes.

This hotel has a classic Japanese design, and the rooms are clean and spacious. The staff are incredibly friendly and the lounge offers all-you-can-drink beer! The dango and sweets are also delicious. The public bath is very comfortable and roomy, and the amenities provided are top-notch. It's also very close to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. In the evenings, there's a lovely bonfire which creates a wonderful atmosphere. And the breakfast was amazing too! 😋 I loved it so much, I'll definitely be back.