Kinreisou

The location worked really well for exploring Gora, especially with the cable car station so close by. Our room felt cosy, and having a sink in it was handy. The hosts were welcoming, and the toilet was clean. They supplied towels and yukata, plus a simple breakfast of tea and hard-boiled eggs. The onsen was lovely and very hot.

It's a handy place for a solo trip or a couple, partway along the route to Sounzan Station. Staying here makes it easy to get to the cable car station early, and Hakone Museum is nearby. There’s just one onsen for the whole house, for two people at a time, or three if one is a child. A tag saying “Now using” helps keep others from coming in by mistake, and making a bit of noise helps too. Plan your food and drinks ahead: there usually isn’t anything to buy at the hotel at night, and finding food nearby is difficult. The closest convenience shop is around a 15-minute walk, closes fairly early, and often runs out of food quickly.

There weren't restaurants open around 7 PM, and I couldn't find any convenience stores nearby. When I asked the woman in charge whether the hotel served dinner, she said it didn't, so I ate my souvenir and went to bed hungry. About an hour later she knocked and brought me two pieces of onigiri. They were piping hot and delicious, and it seemed she'd made them after I asked about dinner. She wouldn't take any money. That kindness really touched me. The place itself was clean, peaceful, and had a private natural onsen, unlimited free tea, and a lovely atmosphere. A good spot to rest after a full day around Hakone, and well worth the money.

The host was so kind and attentive, which made this beautiful place in Hakone even more welcoming. After a cold winter day, having an onsen right at the accommodation was especially nice. I’d definitely recommend Kinreisou to anyone staying in Hakone.