Cozy Inn Pension Hakonenoyama — Hotel in Hakone

Simply fantastic. Check any previous English reviews of Cozy Inn Hakone no Yama, and you'll get an idea of what Cozy Inn has to offer. Even if you do, it's completely different from actually staying there.||||Admittedly, I'm not much of a traveler. I don't know much about B&Bs, hotels, and the like. I've stayed in 5-star hotels, business hotels, and Air BnBs, and I'm generally fine with whatever. To give an idea of who I am, I'm an American who has been living in Japan for about 10 years. My girlfriend and I were planning a weekend trip to Hakone, and I was happy to leave the arrangements to her. When we arrived at the place, the owner, Mr. Watanabe, greeted us warmly and took us in. I absolutely loved the decor. Cozy Inn is a home. A lot of love and care went into the interior design over the 41 years that Mr. Watanabe has put into Cozy Inn, and the first thing I noticed and loved was the wood-burning furnace that kept the place warm. A couple Brambly Hedge (a series I had never heard of until then) books were lying on the table, of which Cozy Inn had a similar atmosphere. It may not be the perfect analogy, but think Redwall or Bilbo Baggins's home.||||Mr. Watanabe was incredibly accommodating. He suggested we go to the private hot spring. I'm a relatively even-keel guy, but when I stepped outside, it took my breath away. The view was phenomenal. After spending the better part of an hour there, my girlfriend and I returned to the room, then followed Mr. Watanabe to his house next door, where he had built another hot spring. I can't rate the two against each other. I enjoyed them both for different reasons. All in all, we went to the hot springs a total of 4 times in under 24 hours, and I had never slept better.||||When my girlfriend was asking me about the kind of place I'd preferred to stay, she mentioned that such-and-such place was more expensive since they serve dinner and breakfast. I told her that I'd be fine whether the place had meals included or not, and that it didn't matter to me. I didn't really care, but somehow she did. Halfway through dinner, I understood. I put down my fork and I told my girlfriend that she was right, and that she made the right choice. I was stuffed and satisfied. The meal was Western and very flavorful (check the pictures others have posted). Breakfast was delicious as well.||||Cozy Inn Hakone no Yama is phenomenal. As I said before, I'm not much of a traveler. Next time I do travel, though, I'll have to choose carefully. Do I try to have new experiences somewhere new, or do visit Hakone no Yama?||||(And so I've spent 45 minutes typing...

Simply fantastic. Check any previous English reviews of Cozy Inn Hakone no Yama, and you'll get an idea of what Cozy Inn has to offer. Even if you do, it's completely different from actually staying there.||||Admittedly, I'm not much of a traveler. I don't know much about B&Bs, hotels, and the like. I've stayed in 5-star hotels, business hotels, and Air BnBs, and I'm generally fine with whatever. To give an idea of who I am, I'm an American who has been living in Japan for about 10 years. My girlfriend and I were planning a weekend trip to Hakone, and I was happy to leave the arrangements to her. When we arrived at the place, the owner, Mr. Watanabe, greeted us warmly and took us in. I absolutely loved the decor. Cozy Inn is a home. A lot of love and care went into the interior design over the 41 years that Mr. Watanabe has put into Cozy Inn, and the first thing I noticed and loved was the wood-burning furnace that kept the place warm. A couple Brambly Hedge (a series I had never heard of until then) books were lying on the table, of which Cozy Inn had a similar atmosphere. It may not be the perfect analogy, but think Redwall or Bilbo Baggins's home.||||Mr. Watanabe was incredibly accommodating. He suggested we go to the private hot spring. I'm a relatively even-keel guy, but when I stepped outside, it took my breath away. The view was phenomenal. After spending the better part of an hour there, my girlfriend and I returned to the room, then followed Mr. Watanabe to his house next door, where he had built another hot spring. I can't rate the two against each other. I enjoyed them both for different reasons. All in all, we went to the hot springs a total of 4 times in under 24 hours, and I had never slept better.||||When my girlfriend was asking me about the kind of place I'd preferred to stay, she mentioned that such-and-such place was more expensive since they serve dinner and breakfast. I told her that I'd be fine whether the place had meals included or not, and that it didn't matter to me. I didn't really care, but somehow she did. Halfway through dinner, I understood. I put down my fork and I told my girlfriend that she was right, and that she made the right choice. I was stuffed and satisfied. The meal was Western and very flavorful (check the pictures others have posted). Breakfast was delicious as well.||||Cozy Inn Hakone no Yama is phenomenal. As I said before, I'm not much of a traveler. Next time I do travel, though, I'll have to choose carefully. Do I try to have new experiences somewhere new, or do visit Hakone no Yama?||||(And so I've spent 45 minutes typing...

If you are looking for a modern, impersonal experience, this place is probably not for you. This inn is run by an elderly couple and their sister who were so warm & friendly, it feels like you are spending time at your lovely grandparents' house.

When I arrived at the station, it had started to rain with strong winds and Watanabe-san met me halfway up the road, carrying an umbrella and greeted me by name. He quickly showed me around and told me I could use the open air bath first, then he'd take me next door to yet another open air bath! After dinner, I could use the bath again, and once again in the morning I wasn't expecting to be able to use the bath so many times so it was definitely a treat.

The shower area is showing its age but the open air bath is the most amazing bath. It looks out to the valley and surrounding mountains. The water is very hot spring water that flows continuously.

The inn itself is cozy, clean, and comfortable. The living & dining area is heated with a large wooden stove and filled with books and knicknacks. No TV, no wifi, so it was a good opportunity to detach. I was the only guest that day so Watanabe-san kept me company throughout dinner, chatting about his life & running the inn. The food was delicious too! It was filling & hearty.

My bedroom was simple, with shared bathroom outside. The weather was terrible throughout the night but there was a heater inside my room so I stayed warm throughout.

The next morning before I left, I was introduced to their handsome Akita dog, Shofuku. They sent me away with waves and waited until I got to the end of the road. Thank you for the amazing hospitality. I will be...