Kintokisan-so — Hotel in Hakone

This was our last stay in rural setting before heading out of Japan and it offered many unexpected surprises that we hadn't encountered in other ryokans. What made this stay special was the warmth we felt from the host Kutzimada-San and his wife who made us feel like we were family guests staying in their home. So much so that we went out together to dinner at an exceptional sashimi restaurant (Ikaya) owned by a chef friend of theirs - a fantastic night out. The accommodation is comfortable though not dressed to impress. The slightly shabby lounge/ dining area is reflective of the relaxed nature of the owners rather than neglect. There is an awesome massage recliner which is free, and we were able to use the dining space and facilities to make and eat breakfast. Onsen was great and accessible any time. As this place is not all that well known among travelers, we were the only guests for the first 2 nights, so we felt we had the whole building to ourselves. A handful of Japanese guests joined on Xmas eve but the place still felt very uncrowded. ||The location is up in the hills about 25 min drive from Hakone-Yumoto station. We had a car so weren't concerned about being further out. In fact grew to love the surrounding area. There's a cool hub approx 5 min walk away with about 5-6 restaurants, coin laundry, and 2 great large supermarkets. Also very close are the glass museum and little prince museum. There is a bus that passes just outside which would provide transport to other spots in the area. Thank you Kutzumada-San for your generous warm...

We went here after climbing Fuji! It's easy to get to from gotemba but quite difficult from the Mount Fuji 5th station (required 3 buses and all fairly expensive to buy). The place itself is a bit far out from Hakone but easily accessible via bus which is usually every 20 minutes. There are stops outside the place. The easiest stop is called kintoki (金时山）so you can get off there and it will be a short walk. However we passed it and got off at Sengoku （仙石）which is a 10 minute walk from the intersection. There are restaurants at this intersection such as daichi and 仔狸 which are good for a 3000 yen meal. Both very hospitable. ||The onsen in the place is lovely and generally quiet - didn't see anyone when using it. The ryokan is family run and speak some English and are very polite. There is free wifi and the family are very helpful in figuring out where to go etc. ||We found online there are not many directions so from Gotemba catch the Togendai bus towards hakone and get off at kintoki or Sengoku bus stops (characters in...

This is a kind os accomodation called Mintshuku similar to a guesthouse, the rooms are build with the traditional elements of japanese architecture, tatami, futon bed, paper sliding doors, etc.. ||||Inside the room it's very nice and original, the common areas and the outside are in a more standard western style. It also has an onsen bath included for free use. Actually the onsen in the bathing area, the rooms has no bath but a toilet. So you would think of it in a japanese way, as a self cleaning area with a hot pool, more tha a spa or wellness centre.||||As usual in japan communication in english...