New Hakkeien — Hotel in Izunokuni

We were traveling as part of a tour for this trip.||||This place was amazing, even though it doesn't look like much on the outside. The grounds are small and the view was limited on the day I was there as it was cloudy. We were welcomed and given kimonos plus shown how to wear them correctly. I don't know if this was normal. The front desk staff was friendly and helpful despite knowing no English and my Japanese being poor. The loud sounds outside the hotel were crickets, in case you're curious.||||The rooms are a mix of traditional Japanese rooms and Western-style rooms. I stayed in a Western room but was a little disappointed after seeing the traditional rooms some of the other tour guests stayed in. Regardless, my room was perfect even if a little small. The hotel left us tea and treats in the room along with a comfortable bed. The bathroom was serviceable, but small by US standards. ||||We also had one (traditional-style) meal in the hotel. The food was varied, delicious and so filling that I couldn't finish it all, even by US standards. The staff was attentive and polite. The one woman helped fix my (apparently poorly tied) Kimono. Afterwards, several of us received gifts of origami balls of the type that adorn the hotel. The woman explained she makes them all. Hundreds of them.||||The public baths were phenomenal. I have no words for what a treat this was. By American standards, it's a little awkward at first but you get over that quickly. There's an indoor and an outdoor bath and we did the outdoor pool in the evening. We had a a gorgeous view and the summer temperatures were just perfect. Such a delight. I highly recommend it.||||Overall, I would definitely stay again if given the chance. I would send friends and family...

Got 2 special Mount Fuji view rooms in their west building (西館特別室 & 西館和室10帖)... incredible view from both! Yes, Fuji is just right there! ... plus not really more expensive than your typical ryokan stay! The multi-course meal was also very well done-they did a great job substituting many dishes for one of us who doesn't eat seafood by calling us ahead to confirm (in Japanese). Buffet breakfast has good Japanese and Western items. Reliable WIFI everywhere which is not always a given at a Japanese ryokan!||||One room is 10 tatami and the other is much bigger with a room separated by sliding doors with twin beds although they also set up futons in the very large tatami room for us anyway. Each room has a small tub which you can fill with hot spring water for your own private bath but of course the rooftop public hot spring baths with amazing Mount Fuji view are not to be missed! Even nicer than online photos and really exceeded my expectations!||||Definitely pay a little bit more for the bigger room - we were very impressed even though we've stayed at quite a few Japanese hotels and find most ryokan rooms very similar despite price differences. One of the best for sure! Don't be put off by the less than attractive exterior.||||The ropeway with unbelievable views up top is just a very short walk away. And the bus stop to the station is just down the hill (yes you have to walk up a steep hill for a couple of minutes to reach the hotel) - 10 minutes & 170 yen, no SUICA. For the bus back, walk right - it's diagonally...

My stay at New Hakkeien with the family was met with good service and nice hot springs.

Rooms: The rooms are traditional old room made for those who arent tall, lol, its expecting, but my 1 star issue is there is no smoke-free rooms, it stinks so much of smoke~ The hotel should separate the rooms. The handles on closets are painfully tight for larger people and there is no screens on the windows to leave them open. The futon was virtually no cushion, but the pillows were at least comfortable and firm or soft adjusments. My second room I reserved had dirty tatami mats and I had to request a quick wipe down.

Hotel: The hotel itself is built for the older generation, so there is nothing to do for younger crowds. The amenities are sub-par from great, but again you get to experience an old style hotel.

Hot Springs: The best part and wonderful night and morning view of mountain view of Mt. Fuji while relaxing on the rooftop onsen!

Breakfast Buffet: This was good, traditional yummy Japanese meals, no western junk around. The freshly cooked food is good. The hand made tofy is awesome and wasabi rice is great. Highly recommend you add it to your stay.

Location: The only reason I picked this place is for the Cable Car ride up the mountain nearby. There is some restaurants around and snack bars if your into that, and a 7/11 nearby all walkable.

Overall, it was a good experience to get that really old Japanese Ryokan feel that some traditionalists are looking for, but not for me, I need my luxuries like...