I had the most amazing time here and can’t wait to come back next time! If you love Japanese cuisine, the chef here creates the most exquisite dishes. Nature was kind to us too—we were lucky enough to enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji right from the specific room we chose. A huge thank you to the incredible staff for their warm hospitality, especially Binod, who was absolutely spectacular. The onsen was a lifesaver after days of endless walking—it worked wonders on my tired body and got me ready to explore all over again. Hakone is truly a beautiful, peaceful getaway. We’ll definitely be back! It’s not cheap but It is well worth the price we paid. Take care, and see you again soon.

Nothing. I love everything.

We loved the property. Having a private onsen that had a view of Mount Fiji was incredible. The food, both dinner and breakfast, was exquisite. For dinner, Our server was fluent in English and was able to explain all the nuances of the dinner, which was incredibly nice. additionally, since we had an early departure time, the staff arranged an earlier breakfast than the normal schedule. We had similar early departures with several other Ryokans in Japan who were not able to accommodate, so this was exceptional service. This also was the most involved breakfast with many courses that were not precooked. We were so happy we got to experience the breakfast.

Needed English translation on how to work Room thermostat. Tried to call front office, but phone didn’t work or if I was doing it incorrectly with no instructions in Japanese or English. The information on the intelligent TV was good, but could be better with thermostat or how to contact the front desk. It was nice ordering Room service this way.

We greatly enjoyed such an amazing and once-in-a-lifetime authentic Japanese experience here! All staff members, I.e. the shuttle bus drivers, receptionists, waiters and waitresses, were polite, friendly and professional. The rooms were well equipped, spotlessly cleaned, huge for Japanese standards, offering a nice private onsen and a beautiful view of Mount Fuji. The 8-course dinner and 7-course breakfast were well prepared, presented and served. We also liked the short walk to the private Lake Ashinoko lookout from the front of the hotel car park. We will come back and stay here again in the future.

It’s bit pricy. Thus, we couldn’t have stayed longer. Otherwise, everything was perfect.

The staff went out of their way to make us feel like kings. Google classifies this hotel as a 3 star, but the treatment you get here is definitely 5 star. When we arrived in the pouring rain, the staff held an umbrella over us to walk us from the station to the pick up car, then from the car to the hotel. During check in, they gave us welcome drinks and dried our luggages while we waited. Then they took our luggages to our room for us. Food was also amazing, every meal was a luxurious restaurant experience, with over 10 courses for dinner and almost 7 courses for breakfast

If I had to nitpick, the lounge chair on the balcony next to the onsen is a bit uncomfortable, but I was able to remedy that by taking some of the many seat pillows they provide for some cushioning If you want pick up from the stations, make sure you have some way to call them by phone. I had to switch to my US sim card to make the call because we only got the data plan Japanese SIM card

It was an absolutely magnificient stay. We booked a room with a Fuji-san view and got lucky enough to see it both in the evening and morning of our one night stay. Pickup service (from and to) is excellent, we told them 10 minutes before we needed it and waited for line 2 minutes. Insane reaction. Got greeted by 3 employees outside. Welcome drinks at the beginning while they take all your luggage and send them into your room. you're then guided into your room where everything is thoroughly presented. Kaiseki meal is about 2h long, starting at 6 or 6.30. Prepare your stomach and eyes. It's gorgeous, gargantuan and delicious. Some (at least) are preared with very local food. Come with the provided traditional clothes too for the full experience ! Meal got adapted for Mrs who couldn't eat raw food. Food wasn't just cooked, some parts were completely changed to keep the feeling of each plate. The room was huge and clean. Onsen was amazing (and crazy hot but you can add some fresh water to the source water). After a grat night, you're up to an hour long japanese breakfast with 7 steps.

Absolutely nothing. Spectacular!

The service of ZEN was beyond the excellence. The staff picked us up from the bus station, more people greeted us at the property gate. We were drop off by a driver to the bus station the next morning. Since only one night was available for us at this property, we had to change to another hotel the next day. The staff even sent our bags to the next hotel at another corner of the town for free so we could enjoy the town free of bags. The meal was awesome! Hot spring was in the room and was so comfortable. The whole experience was just great. Thanks ZEN!

The nicest hotel we have ever stayed in - worth the money! Bath with hot springs on the balcony was wonderful, big enough with two people. We got the room with Fuji view and were lucky enough to get the clear skies during the whole weekend. There is free pick up from the bus stop/ropeway station so you don't need to come by car even though the location is a bit secluded. The dinner and breakfast were a separate experience - we don't love Japanese food but I must admit it was very cool.

Everything was perfect.

The private onsen was wonderful. It fits two people and you can adjust the temperature! The food was also amazing, dinner was a 10-course meal and it was a whole experience in itself.

The location is a bit far, but you can easily forward your luggage from the Yumoto train station. Without our big bags we really enjoyed the 15 minute walk from the ropeway station.

We had a lovely two night stay at Zen! We enjoyed every moment – with our favorites being the Kaiseki dinners and the private onsen with a view. The environment was relaxing and lovely, and the people were top notch! In particular, we greatly appreciated their help with various logistics questions (buses, trains, attraction closures, etc), along with his warm and attentive approach throughout the stay. Because one day of our stay involved torrential rain all day, we opted to hunker down in our pretty room, open the windows, and lazily nap on the uber comfortable bed, watching the gentle rain, hearing the birds still singing throughout, and dipping into our private onsen whenever the mood struck. Zen is located further afoot from the towns (such as Gora, where we first stayed). Our plan worked perfectly: Two nights in Gora first, followed by two nights of luxury in Zen. If the weather had cooperated, we would have been in an excellent position to see the black eggs up in Owakudani, and to walk in the grassy picturesque fields also within a short distance. If you get the Hakone Free Pass, you’ll be able to move around fairly easily between various areas of Hakone from Zen (they will pick you up from the bus stop if you have a phone plan that can call them) – you just need to be mindful of the time so that you can return back in plenty of time for the decadent meals!

There's nothing we didn't like! Only the thought that since it is a tad more remote, it's nice to experience two locations if you're able to split your time.

Dining and bathing were very memorable. The onsen was a great experience and in addition to the good food, the dishware and glasses were high quality. We had a blessed day with clear skies and a solid view of Mt. Fuji.

No negatives about the property itself; only, the travel between Odawara to the hotel was a bit confusing. Would recommend travelers do extra research on transportation and set a meeting time with the hotel at the station of choice (e.g., bus or ropeway).