Tounosawa Ichinoyu Honkan Hotel

Whenever I travel to Japan I always try to book one ryokan to fully experience the traditional culture. I booked one of the small room with open air bath just this June with kaiseki dinner and breakfast for two nights. The hotel is very outdated but this is exactly what I am looking for. And compare to other ryokans in the area, this ryokan is way cheaper with the best Japanese vibes. Room - it’s big for a solo traveler like me. You need to set up your futon bed by yourself (unlike other ryokans I’ve tried, they set it up during dinner). Shower pressure is weak, but tolerable. Open Air Bath (my room) - I super love it ❤️♨️. The sound of the river while taking a bath is so relaxing. I also like that I can take a dip anytime I want. I did not try any of their public baths because I have a tattoo (not allowed). Food - super good for my taste. The kaiseki dinner and breakfast was different during my 2 nights stay. The shabu shabu and sukiyaki are my fave. The unlimited drinks is a plus. I enjoyed drinking cold sake while having my dinner. Staff - outstanding service from all the staffs in the restaurant. Very attentive. Very courteous. Btw, they also offer free popsicles and drinks in the lobby. 😊 After exploring Hakone's Golden Route, treat yourself to a traditional ryokan experience. You’ll gonna love it ⛩️♨️❤️

Very nice location, good dinner, also breakfast good (all real Japanese), own onsen, bus stop very close. Despite busy road quiet. Staff in restaurant very friendly and helpful Not so great: very inflexible with check-in time (3pm) we had to wait 3 hours, although the latest check-out was at 10am, rooms a bit old (mold in the bathroom). Staff at reception not very accommodating and rather unaccustomed to Japan unfriendly (had the impression somewhat indifferent).

This is a historic Japanese inn designated as a cultural asset in Tonosawa, Hakone. I used it this time for a day trip. 1400 yen for reception from 13:00. Use the bathroom on the first floor of the main building. Both the bathroom and tub are new only in the inner bath, and the tub and washing area are small. The hot springs are provided not by pouring hot spring water but by heating and adding circulation.