We got the main room in the pictures for our family and were quite happy about the space. It wasn’t obvious where to stock our things as the drawers stored the linens and yukata, but lots of room to pit it aside. The food spread was great ,but after a few days, we were happy to have other meals since the food is similar (fish done in many ways!) and we aren’t used to meals like these. The kids had lots of fun. Their baby chairs make funny (and annoying) noises, which of course they played with constantly. Loved using the onsen. Nice and relaxing. On one of our days, the ropeway was closed and it poured, which makes travelling a bit tricker even just to grab food. We were aware of the reviews and treated this place like an older rustic cabin-style place, and had a great time. We enjoyed the outdoor onsen the most, less humidity to bear.

It’s older and it shows. Probably could clean the onsen area more, but I guess you can only do so much unless it gets a proper renovation.

The staff was fantastic. We felt welcome and we truly enjoyed our stay. The room was very nice and necessary amenities were provided. They also offered to keep our suitcases a little longer while we visited Lake Ashi, which was very considerate. The meals were exceptional in both portions and quality of the food. There was a wide variety of foods in true kaiseki fashion and in no way did we ever feel like corners were cut. 10/10! The waiting staff was also very nice, and always very punctual. Just make sure you are ready 5 minutes early. The living room, entrance and lounge area were cleaned well, and we were provided new clean robes daily which was nice. The inside layout also gives studio Ghibli vibes which is amazing.

In our initial request we asked if it was possible to have one of the meals not come with fish (we were fine with paying the same price but just not getting the fish part thus getting a smaller meal). We just didn't wish to waste food. Unfortunately we didn't get a response back, and only after posting the request and making the reservation we saw the no meal change policy. The bathroom in our room smelled heavily like sweat. It had clearly been cleaned but there was also dirt in the corners. The room and the rest of the hotel looked pretty clean however. The one other place that needed cleaning was the smaller onsen.

The location with great views across to the mountains and convenience for the Hakone Ropeway. The authentic Japanese living and eating experience.

The Onsen was very shabby and not worth the extra cost. The toilet and bathroom were also poor.

This place was top notch! The ryoken was beautiful, up in the mountains of the Hakone area! What a view. The dinner was served in the room, and fantastic and seasonal and fresh. Breakfast was just as amazing, again in the room, and fresh and seasonal. The service and attention to guests was great. The onsen areas were also beautiful, although I think I would prefer that hot water in the late fall or winter. From here, we walked to the cable car station, and visited the beautiful caldera area, and caught a glimpse of Mt. Fuji in the background.

I don't think this hotel is very used to foreigners. The concierge spoke English and was fantastically professional, but did seem like he would have preferred Japanese customers, even going as far as telling us that "there isn't much to do around here", as he pointed us towards the ropeway station on a map we got from the hotel that promotes tourism.

If you're looking for what a traditional antique ryokan is, look no further. This place is definitely old, but with that age comes character. If you want a more modern stay you're going to need to look elsewhere. What it lacks because of age it makes up for in the incredibly friendly staff and delicious food. The woman who attended us for our meals was super nice and set everything up beautifully. She did not speak much English but sincerely made an effort to communicate with us. We didn't know what we were eating, but honestly didn't need to. It was all so delicious! My husband and I also took advantage of a private onsen. The bathroom itself was relatively small but that bath was GLORIOUS! After waking roughly 10 miles every day for half a week prior, it was so refreshing to soak. The water was hot and milky in color and left our skin feeling so smooth. This ryokan is also 2 or so minutes from the ropeway and end line of the cable car. If you get a chance, I highly recommend getting there by the Tozan train then cable car as the views are beautiful. I recommend this ryokan if an older building isn't off-putting, as I really do think that the rest of the experience far outweighs the age of the building and the fact that things clearly need repair in areas.

The very traditional half board (breakfast and dinner) was amazing and so wonderful to experience. It takes a bit of getting used to fish at breakfast. The Onsen was superb - my daughter and I were fortunate to be on our own, but both inside and outside bathing was lovely. There is no bathing facilities in the room. The staff are awesome - so beautiful and accommodating. Free shuttle from the station and it is quiet as there is really nothing else around.

As the accommodation is at Sounzan the end of the of the Cable Car and Hakone Ropeway, it is both convenient but limiting. There is not much around the area without trying to find a taxi, and both the Hakone tourist transports end quite early, which did enable us to get back for 6.30 dinner - so mixed feelings. The accommodation is quite tired with basin areas, holes in paper screens, etc. It was the most expensive accommodation for our 18 day stay in Japan.

The staff were the friendlest, most welcoming people of any venue I have stayed in. They went over and above to ensure that we were comfortable, had everything we needed and were so considerate of us and our needs. They communicated well from the time we booked, picked us up from the train station when we arrived, took us to the hotel and checked us in while they took our bags up to the room. They explained all the available amenities, including use of the shared onsens within the hotel. We booked the traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast during our stay and both were excellent - prepared with care by the staff and each component explained to us for both meals. Could not recommend this property highly enough and that is primarily down to the kind, caring staff there. The location is great and easy to walk to and from the Hakone Ropeway / Cable Car.

We were looking for a more traditional experience in a mountain area. Hakone seemed like a good choice for that, conveniently located close to Tokyo. The staff's attention and quality of service is amazing! We arrived under a cold rain. From the moment you enter the hotel, we felt warmly welcomed. We were greeted by someone at the door and asked to leave your shoes there and wear comfortable slippers. A nice, mild incense smell floated in the air. The front desk greeted is, as well as a groom boy who took our luggage and a woman who led us to our room and offered us some tea. Shortly after dinner the same woman served dinner in our room. What an amazing experience! The table was set in our room with so much care and attention to details. It was amazing to watch her at work, a ceremony that made us feel special. The meal was scrumptious and different on our second night. Everything looked and tasted great. Shortly after dinner, the 2 boys who took care of our luggage sat up the futons for the night. Again, we watched them proceed with care and precision as they were setting us up for the night. The hot baths on the 3rd floor are nice, I had them for myself on our first night and bathing in that hot, steamy milky water in open air, listening to and watching the pouring rain from this terrace felt very relaxing. It's even better on the 4th floor, with a nice mountain view. They rotate women and men's hour between the 3rd and 4th floor. We didn't hear any of the other guests voices or noise during our 2 nights stay. The price is reasonable considering that dinner and breakfast are included. You'll pay easily 2000+JPY per person for meals in this area. Here, it's included and in the comfort of your hotel room. We were not fond of fish for breakfast, and the front desk kindly offered bacon and eggs instead. I wish I had asked the 2 boys and the woman their names, to thank them more personally through my review.

Like the other reviews say, the building is a little old and the bathroom has quite a lot of moisture. We could hear the gushing winds through the windows, but we never felt cold in the room thanks to the portable gas heater. As western people, we didn't sleep very well on the futons, but that's only because we are used to soft mattress. Don't choose this place for the bathroom. Use the bathroom just for the toilet, and use their public baths to clean your body and your soul.

A very traditional hotel, in a good location, a few minutes walk from the Hakone-Tozan ropeway, so easy access to all areas. Limited parking on both sides of the road. Warm welcome from the staff, who provided guidance on the services of the place. No elevator, so it was a walk up a steep ricketty staircase to your spacious room. Food was an excellent menu of local dishes, served in your room, both dinner and breakfast, but no coffee was available. Futons were laid out by staff, with comfy pillows, while a small onsen bath was close by. High speed free wifi was easy to log on to. Companions were available, if ordered in advance!

Onset bath could have been hotter.

I really liked they sent a shuttle to collect my husband and I from Gora station. This was great as Sounzan is an uphill walk even with simple carry on luggage. It was also nice they make you traditional dinner/ breakfast in room. It was also nice to find an employee who chatted to my partner in his native language. They were also very kind when my Klook pass for Hakone would not load at Sounzan station ropeway and let me get it working before heading to Owakudani, Hakone shrine and Lake Ashi cruise.

This may have been because of the time we stayed but it felt very cold even with the heater but I admit it was incredibly foggy during the day we checked in. We were also a bit confused about what the blinking green light meant.