Hakone Highland Hotel

We’d absolutely love to stay again. The hotel is quite remote, but buses to Hakone-Yumoto station run often, even if they can get crowded. The grounds and setting are beautiful, and great for birdwatching: we spotted a kingfisher within twenty minutes. Our room was spacious and comfortable, the food was good, and the Fuji Kinka pork was some of the best I’ve ever had. Staff were efficient and helpful the whole time.

The mountain location makes getting here difficult, but the resort itself was beautiful, clean, and surrounded by greenery, with places to explore. My husband and I spent our honeymoon here, and it felt luxurious and relaxing. The staff were so kind and respectful, unlike any hotel staff I’d met before. The food was amazing, and I loved the historic feel. I’d highly recommend it.

The setting was absolutely beautiful, and the rooms were larger than at many other hotels in Japan, closer to Western-style rooms. The property has seen better days, though, and the rooms could use renovation. There’s a bus stop nearby, plus a store and 7-11 about a ten-minute walk away. I didn’t have time to try the onsen. It’s a public bath, not private, with a small fee due at the end of the visit, and tattoos aren’t allowed.

The meals were a real highlight. We had a lot of dietary restrictions, but the staff worked hard to put together a special dinner menu and a suitable breakfast, which made both meals enjoyable. They were helpful with other requests, too, and though their English wasn’t the strongest, they sincerely tried to assist. I also loved the onsen, with its indoor, jacuzzi, and outdoor options. The amenities, including hair supplies and makeup for women, were the best I’ve seen. It felt like a lot of care had gone into making the space relaxing and luxurious. The rooms were spacious and pleasant, if somewhat dated, and still comfortable and well maintained with charming decor. The yard was nicely kept and peaceful even at night. I only wished the walking path were bigger, though it was still lovely for a stroll. It was a very nice stay, with an elegant, comfortable feel and thoughtful accommodations.