The hype
Travelers love the modern design, the 'choose your own yukata' station, and the massive buffet variety, but often mention the hotel feels busy and large.
Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
$200-400/ night
Book this if You want a modern, polished 'resort ryokan' experience right next to the Hakone Ropeway and Pirate Ship, with zero navigation stress.
Why People Love It
- The iconic 'Water Basin Terrace' in the lobby is the ultimate Hakone photo op
- Incredible location: 2-minute walk to Togendai Station (Ropeway & Lake Ashi Cruise)
- Massive, modern public onsen with open-air infinity baths overlooking the lake
Quick Take: It's more of a well-oiled corporate resort than a traditional intimate ryokan, but the convenience and lake views are unbeatable.
Reviewed by @swanxdiary: I stayed here for a romantic getaway and it was perfect. The private onsen on our balcony was the highlight—so relaxing to soak while looking at the lake. The buffet dinner was honestly better than some fancy restaurants I've tried. 10/10 would recommend for couples!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Casual Twin' rooms are quite compact (23 sqm) and can feel cramped for two people with large suitcases.
- You are nervous about 'traditional' ryokan rules and want a modern, bed-sleeping experience
- You want to be first in line for the Ropeway or Pirate Ship in the morning
- You love a high-end buffet with endless small-plate options
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Daily cleaning is thorough, and public areas are constantly maintained.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless. Even the public onsen changing rooms are kept dry and hair-free.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition. The hotel opened in 2017 and still feels very new and sharp.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, clean, and high quality. No worn edges or stains reported.
- Odors & scents: Fresh and neutral. No musty 'old ryokan' smells; lobby has a subtle pleasant fragrance.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway chatter from other guests
- Occasional ceiling/pipe noises (knocking sounds reported by some)
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel does NOT serve lunch; plan to eat at Togendai View Restaurant or Amimoto Oba nearby
- Free shuttle bus from Odawara Station is available but requires advance reservation
- Check-out is strictly 10:00 AM, which is standard for ryokans but early for Western hotels
What to pack
- Modest sleepwear if you aren't comfortable wearing the provided yukata to breakfast
- Comfortable slip-on shoes for walking between your room and the baths
Room Genie
Best picks
- Lake View rooms (Kosui Wing) for the stunning water scenery
- Rooms with Open-Air Baths (even though it's tap water, the privacy and view are worth the upgrade)
Rooms to avoid
- Casual Twin rooms if you have more than one carry-on bag (very tight)
- Garden View rooms on lower floors if you care about the view (mostly just trees/parking)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room in the 'Kosui' (Lake) wing on a higher floor for the best view of Lake Ashi. If possible, away from the elevator to minimize hallway noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the private bath in the room real onsen water?
No. It is heated tap water. Only the public baths and the rental family baths use real natural hot spring water.
Can I wear a swimsuit in the onsen?
No. The public onsen is strictly nude only. Men and women are separated.
Is there a convenience store nearby?
Not really. The nearest Lawson is about a 2.5km drive away. Buy snacks at Odawara Station or the hotel shop (which closes at night).
How do I get there from Tokyo?
Take the Shinkansen to Odawara Station and use the free hotel shuttle (book ahead), or take the Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto and then a bus/ropeway combo.
Do they have non-Japanese food at the buffet?
Yes, the buffet is 'Japanese-Western' fusion with plenty of cooked meats, salads, and breads, though it leans heavily towards Japanese seafood dishes.
Is the hotel wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the hotel is modern and has elevators and accessible rooms, unlike many older traditional ryokans.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Water Basin Terrace' is empty early in the morning—go before breakfast for a private photo session with the lake backdrop.
- ✨
You can choose your own yukata pattern from the 'Yukata Station' near the lobby—get there early for the best selection.
- ✨
The Dyson hair dryers and Panasonic face steamers are only in the public bath changing rooms, not in the standard guest rooms.
5 things to know before you go
💡The walk from the lobby to the furthest 'Lake Wing' rooms can take 5+ minutes down very long corridors.
💡The 'Open Air Bath' in the room is actually a ceramic tub on a balcony, not a rock pool.
💡Lunch options in Togendai are scarce and close early (around 2-3 PM), so don't arrive starving in the mid-afternoon.
💡The public onsen switches men's and women's sides daily—make sure to visit morning and night to see both the 'Lake View' and 'Garden View' baths.
💡There is a mandatory 'bathing tax' of 150 JPY per person per night added to your bill at checkout.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori is located and what's nearby.