our stay was amazing! definitely recommend it. because it can be difficult to get there for non-Japanese speakers, I will share how we did the journey from Kyoto: Take a Shinkansen to Odawara Station. Follow the signs to the bus stop exit. Check the individual bus stops for "T" Togendai line. There might also be a service worker to help you. You will ride uphill for over an hour. Get off at stop #255 "Hakone Country Iriguchi", all stops will also be displayed in English on the bus. You need to walk 2-3 streets and the hotel has no English signage displayed. On the way back, you will be taken to the bus stop via car, that's nice. dinner and breakfast at the hotel was just perfect. we received a private dining cabin for the meals.

bathroom could be a little updated, especially bathroom storage space and a space to hang towels is missing

Staff were extremely helpful, warm and responsive to our needs. Shuttle is provided for free but we didn't take it as we didn't understand how it worked . We only used the shuttle service on the second day, the the Country Iriguchi stop... it is a manageable 10min walk from the bus stop to the hotel . Room was large, comfortable. Futon beds were the best. Toiletries were complete - shampoo, conditioner , face wash, face lotion face cream etc... just wow! Private onsen was the main reason we booked the hotel in the first place , but now, the reason would be everything about the hotel itself. It's just superb! Thank you to ALL the staff at Hakone Hoshi no Akari.

Nil

The private onsen was amazing as we could sit, enjoy and relax whilst seeing the breathtaking view of the mountainous range of Hakone. The staff were very attentive and kind. Breakfast and dinner were excellent! Plus, I got to pick different yukata to wear each day which was very lovely.

Ryokan was a little dated. Noticeable stains in the tatami and walls. The onsen privacy screen was rusted and falling apart.

It was the best hotel we stayed at in Japan, making it the highlight of our trip! We did not expect it to be so beautiful and luxurious. We paid for half board, which meant we were welcomed with a delicious dinner made up of countless beautifully plated courses. The next morning, breakfast was just as excellent. Our room was perfect, with a private hot spring bath on the balcony. We will never forget the view overlooking a lake at sunset.

We were slightly disappointed to find that the hotel's shared onsens are split by gender. Seeing we were a couple made going to the hotel onsen a bit lonely. However, we had a hot bath in our room, so we got to enjoy that together.

In a peaceful area 45 minutes on the bus from the main station on the 'T' bus. Easy to get to, then a 10 minute walk from the bus stop. The hotel has a shuttle that will drop you at the bus stop when you want to leave and explore the sights. Wifi had great reception, the onsen was nice and hot, and the meals were tasty and a lot of food. Loads of fish, tell them if you have dietary issues or allergies. Staff very friendly and helpful. You eat in your private area/room. They provide kimonos and house shoes, gives you a taste of traditional Japanese living.

The price is too high for the amenities that they offer. It's 300 plus a night and the place could do with some renovations or upgrades feeling more like a hotel rather than a ryokan. No space in the bathroom on the counter for your things.

The hotel offered a perfect mix of comfort and traditional Japanese hospitality. Our room had a breathtaking view of the valley, making every moment in the room feel special. The ryokan experience was authentic and peaceful, with kind and attentive service. A major highlight was the private onsen bath on our balcony, allowing us to relax while soaking in the beautiful landscape. The dinner was a delightful multi-course meal, rich in flavors and attention to detail, and the unique breakfast added to the overall experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality in a serene and beautiful setting.

Nothing, it was perfect!

Excellent private onsen experience. Food is great. Good service. Free parking space.

The shower room is located in the balcony. It would be too cold in the winter time.

Beautiful location, aesthetic, and views.

A bit out of the way from the main road but at check out they drive you to the nearest bus stop with your luggage.

The room was very traditional with a private onsen. Whilst the rooms aren’t equipped with all modern equipment this adds to the traditional theme is a very unique experience. The staff were amazing and so attentive. Not all staff spoke perfect English but even so they would try their best to help or call the English speaking staff. The food was so good, one of our best meals in Japan with the private dining experience. As a young couple this was unlike a anything we have done before and would 100% recommend, especially for the price!

The hotel was a short walk from the bus stop. The owner does not speak much English but there was always another member of the staff who did speak English. After checking in at around 3pm we were able to select the time for dinner and breakfast along with a departure time where a van takes us to the bus stop. We were then showed our room by a member of the staff. The room was great, a traditional Japanese room with the private spa on the balcony with amazing views. We were both given a traditional yukata to wear for relaxing and dinner. Once dinner was ready we got a call from the front desk on the room phone telling us to come downstairs. The dinner was served in a private dining room and was amazing! During dinner, the staff goes into the room and set ups the beds for the night (the coffee table was moved to the side and two mattresses were placed in the center of the room. The shower for our room was located on the balcony. In the morning we got another call for breakfast which was served in the same dining room. Breakfast was also very good. Overall this was a great experience and we would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Hakone.

The only thing that was a bit inconvenient was the shower. It was located on the balcony which made taking a shower at night a bit more difficult since the nights were cold, but after running the hot water for a bit everything was fine.