I liked the open air bath and used it every night of my stay! The location is next to gora station which has the cable car ride followed by the ropeway to lake aishi. Staff also spoke English and were really helpful. They also held our luggage for a few hours after check out so that we could explore Hakone a little bit more before leaving.

Unfortunately getting to the hotel was confusing for me the first time. A few kind locals pointed me in the right direction though!

the Women’s onsen was terrific and clean.

the waiters and waitresses rushed our meals. did not take the time to greet us and explain what the dishes were. For our Shabu Shabu dinner, the male waiter told us with his hands to just put the vegetables in the hot pot. did not explain what the dishes were. we asked and he had to check. the waiter was very in experienced, rushed us and wanted to get us to finish asap.

Everything

It was a very busy hotel, The staff were ok, but one of the female staff was very caring, my wife was injured during our trip and she not only provided us with a wheel chair to use in the hotel, she also came to our room to drop off some medicine as well, really appreciated her help.

It was a bit noisy during our stay, maybe it was local holidays as well, too crowded.

Loved the hot springs and the meals were incredible.

The property is tired. Old wallpaper and rugs. I was surprised that the staff did not come in to make up my futon each night. I had to do it myself. The futon was ok, but not great comfort as in other ryokan I have stayed at. As American visitors, no one offered to help with ryokan customs or how to properly eat the food. I had been to a higher service ryokan before so I knew what to do. I think this property would be a bit difficult for an inexperienced traveler.

friendly staff, spa and environment

1) food quality can be improved. 2) looks like the google map doesn't plot the route to the hotel using the train that is at the front of the hotel. it will be useful for the hotel to give a clear direction from the Odahara Eki. it will help others to save time and money to get to the station.

Private onsen inside the room is clean and reasonably sized.

The shabu-shabu provides at dinner was so-so, slightly too plain in taste

hot spring

nil