Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori

What kind of resort hotel is Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori?

In June, when the hydrangeas were in full bloom, we took the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, got off at Odawara Station, and took a free shuttle bus at 14:15 from the West Exit of Odawara Station, which took about 50 minutes to the resort hotel where we would be staying tonight. This is a new resort hotel that just opened in the summer of 2017, so the entire interior and furnishings were brand new. As we walked in, the walls were decorated with ukiyoe prints depicting the mountains of Hakone, and there were sofas and chairs with modern designs. The large windows in the lobby overlooked a beautiful Lake Ashi to the mountains of Hakone, and in front of us was a water basin that seemed to be one with the blue sky and Lake Ashi. Today was a clear, cloudless day, so the water table was even more lush and beautiful than usual.

When we stepped out onto the water basin terrace, the refreshing weather was very pleasant. The sunlight was strong, but the air was still cool. June in Tokyo is usually hot and humid due to the rainy season, but in Hakone it was like early summer. The center of the water basin terrace was hollowed out, and a sofa and table were set inside. When we checked in, there was a line of guests taking pictures in front of the water basin terrace. The staff took turns taking pictures. We checked in at the lobby, enjoyed the view from here, and moved to the room we would be staying in tonight.

The large 154-room resort hotel has three buildings on the grounds, which are connected to each other by corridors. We stayed in a room in the furthest wing, which meant a five-minute or longer walk down a long hallway from the lobby where we checked in. There was no staff to guide us to our room. The staff explained about the resort hotel, meals, and communal hot spring baths when we checked in.

When we finally arrived at our room, we opened the door with our card key to find a small entrance and slippers were provided. There was a bathroom on the left, a closet on the right, and the room beyond that, with twin beds, tatami mats by the window, Japanese-style cushions, and a small tea table. The balcony was in a great location with a view of Lake Ashi. We stayed in a 31.5 square meter twin room with a lakeside view. It is not a luxury resort hotel and is a bit cramped, but considering the price range, it is adequate. There are some rooms with private open-air baths, but they are not hot springs and have smaller bathtubs, so we opted for the room without an open-air bath.

In our room, we made green tea and watched Lake Ashi from our balcony for a while while sipping green tea. It was unexpectedly enjoyable to watch the pirate boats that frequented Lake Ashi. June is the busy season in Hakone, so the pirate boats seemed very busy.

Before dinner, we decided to go to the communal hot spring baths with saunas on 2F of the public building. The outdoor communal bath was especially comfortable, with space to get into the hot water bath in a lying position. The changing room was clean. DHC amenities, Dyson hair dryers, Panasonic nano steamers, and lockers with locks were provided.

Also, there are two private family hot spring baths. They charge JPY3,000 for 40 minutes. We would have booked one if it had a good view, but there was no specific view on the website, so we did not use it. If you are with a wheelchair user, the private family baths are very useful. This is because wheelchair users can enter while seated. Unfortunately, the water basin terrace and garden are not accessible because of the steps.

Then, free cold tea and mineral water were available in front of the entrance to the communal baths. There were also wooden long benches. These long benches are said to be inspired by the waves of Lake Ashi.

After relaxing in the communal baths, we went to the café in the lobby to enjoy the spectacular view while sipping beer made from Hakone’s natural water. We almost lost track of time as we gazed at the white clouds floating in the blue sky, changing their shape every second and slowly drifting by. Then we sat on the sofa in the center of the water basin terrace for a while to enjoy the view from here. The view from the water basin terrace was different from the one seen from the lobby.

When we returned to our room, it was almost time for dinner, so we went to the restaurant on 4F of the public building. Dinner was a Japanese Western buffet style, and was served between 17:30 and 21:30 pm. When we arrived at our table, basket-like trays were prepared for us. First, we were told to choose some appetizers of our choice and place them in these baskets. The buffet was lined with a variety of appetizers served on small plates. For example, there was shark’s fin stewed rice, teriyaki yellowtail, shime saba sashimi, soaked komatsuna greens, ankimo, duck roast with honey mustard, and so on. We put our favorite appetizers in our baskets. All of the appetizers were labor-intensive. Next to the appetizer section was a vegetable salad section, which was fresh and crispy. Other than that, we also enjoyed the slightly different salad with salad dressing, such as cauliflower, red radish, marinated zucchini, and marinated shrimp and avocado. Other dishes included seafood yakisoba, caponata, grilled chicken wings, pork kakuni, and sesame inaniwa udon noodles. For the main course, we had a choice of Wagyu beef steak or fish. We especially enjoyed the wagyu beef steak that was grilled right in front of us. The beef steak is also all-you-can-eat. Desserts included jelly, panna cotta, pudding, fruit, green tea bavarois, peach shortcake, banana chiffon, and mango mousse, etc. The kids’ section also had fried chicken, french fries, beef hamburger steak and the buffet staple, chocolate fondue. Overall, the buffet area was a bit visually drab, but considering the price range, the flavors were all delicious and satisfying.

Breakfast is from 7:00 to 9:30. You can go at any time you like and have it buffet style. We were satisfied with the dinner, so we had high expectations for the breakfast as well. When we entered the restaurant on 4F of the public building, we could smell the aroma of croissants. The croissants were always posted with the baking time. There were also danish and toast breads, not to mention many others. The buffet had both Japanese and Western dishes. Western food included scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, bacon, soup and potatoes. The pancakes, which were cooked right in front of me, were especially delicious. Toppings include whipped cream, caramel sauce, maple syrup, and raspberry sauce. After breakfast, we enjoyed the communal baths again and checked out before 10:00AM. We then took Hakone Tozan Ropeway from Togendai Station, a 2-minute walk away.

If I were to raise a fault, it would be that the resort hotel was crowded, perhaps because we stayed on a weekend in late June during the peak season. I had the impression that there were many families with small children. When we checked in and checked out, we waited at least 10 minutes in the lobby. If you want a quiet and calm environment, this may not be the place for you. The resort hotel would be nice for families with children, groups, or couples, but not solo travelers or not romantic couples. Then, our room was far away from the public building, so it was a bit of a hassle to move around. If you are with small children or people with disabilities, it would be more convenient to have a room near the elevator.

Check Availability and Pricing for the resort hotel on agoda

Is the location easy to access?

There are several ways to get to the resort hotel, but I will write some simple directions. The easiest way to get there is to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to JR Odawara Station and then take a hotel shuttle bus.

Free shuttle service is available from West Exit of Odawara Station at 11:15, 14:15, or 16:45. As you exit the west exit, you will see Hōjō Sōun Statue. A shuttle bus departs from near there. It takes approx.40min by bus. You need to book it in advance. This is a convenient and free shuttle service and is popular. If you are planning to use it, it is best to let them know as soon as possible. Seating is limited.

Alternatively, take Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, transfer to Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at Gora Station. Then transfer to Hakone Tozan Ropeway and get off at Togendai Station. The resort hotel is a 3-minute walk from there.

Alternatively, take Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Togendai from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at Togendai Bus Stop. It is a 3-minute walk from there. The trip takes about 50 minutes.

If you take a taxi at Hakone-Yumoto Station to the resort hotel, it costs around JPY6,500.

Then, if you are taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to JR Odawara Station, you need to pay attention to your luggage. Please check here for details. When boarding the Shinkansen, luggage whose total of three sides exceeds 160 cm requires advance reservation of a seat with an oversized luggage space. Baby strollers, musical instruments, bicycles, surfboards, etc. are excluded. Items may be brought in as long as they are placed in a special bag and can stand up.

Passengers bringing oversized baggage without an advance reservation will be charged a carry-on fee of 1,000 JPY. In such cases, the baggage needs to be placed in an area designated by the crew. Also, large luggage is not allowed in unreserved seats on the Shinkansen. Then, children under 6 years old usually do not need a ticket, but if a preschooler uses the Shinkansen, a reserved seat ticket for preschoolers is required to be purchased.

On Odakyu Romancecars, the size of luggage is limited to a total of no more than 250 centimeters on three sides and no longer than 2 meters in length. The weight is limited to 30 kg, and up to two pieces may be carried on board as long as they do not interfere with the operation of the train or inconvenience other passengers. Exercise equipment such as ski boards, snowboards, bicycles, etc. may be brought in as long as they are placed in a special bag and can stand up. Strollers are folded and placed in front of the seats. Then normally, children under 6 years of age do not need a ticket, but when using a seat on an Odakyu Romancecar, a child’s express ticket and a ticket for children are required. However, if you hold a child on your lap, a limited express ticket and a boarding pass are not required. Please refer to the info.

Rooms I would recommend?

If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room with a balcon and a view of Lake Ashi on the highest floor possible. Some of the rooms on the lower floors seem to face a large parking lot. Then I wouldn’t recommend a room with an outdoor private bath.  Because it is not hot spring and the bathtub is so small. On top of that, there is no nice view.

How about toiletries & in-room amenities?

All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, samue outfits, bottled water, and a Japanese tea set, etc. There is no coffee machines, but you can also bring your own complimentary coffee, apple ginger water and cold sencha tea in the lobby. There are 3 kinds of pillows which you can choose.

Also, this is child-friendly. Staff can provide bed rails, baby cribs, and baby baths for small children if you request in advance. Free Wifi reception was excellent on the property. Room service is not available. There are vending machines for drinks including beer. There is no convenience store within 5min walking distance. You may want to buy your necessities before coming here.

How about In-house Facilities?

There are large indoor and outdoor communal hot spring baths. All of them are open from 5:00 to 24:00. *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the communal bathing areas.

Also, there are two private family hot spring baths. You need to book if you want to use them. They cost JPY3,000 for 40min.  They are open from 7:00-9:00, 15:00-22:00. 

Then this is a universal design and there are rooms for wheelchair users. Also, wheelchairs are available for borrowing. If you bring people with weak legs, you may want to book a room in Togen Building. Kosui Building is a away from the entrance.
  TOP5 Best Accessible Hotels and Ryokans in Hakone

My impressions

Overall, the resor hotel has great value for money. The staff was sophisticated, helpful and attentive, but may be understaffed during busy seasons. The property is very popular. There are many return guests all year round. If you want to relax here in a tranquil setting, you may want to avoid staying during Chinese New Year, late April to early May, weekends from June to August, weekends in October and November, and New Year’s holidays. At last, before booking a room, don’t forget to check the weather forecast.  That’s the most important if you want to see a beautiful mountain view with the lake from the property.

Have a nice trip!  Welcome to receive any questions about the resort hotel from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the resort hotel on agoda

Info about Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori

Style	Modern Resort Hotel
Check-in and out times	15:00/10:00
Estimated Price	40,000 JPY for 2 adults per room
Contact E-mail	info-ashinoko@hanaori.jp
Internet Connection	Free WiFi in the hotel
Facility Information	Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available
Location	Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori’s MAP
Access	Free shuttle bus from Odawara station Need to book in advance
Address and TEL	160 Motohakone Hakone-machi Ashigarashimo-gun Kanagawa, 250-0522  TEL +81 557-86-4716
Official Homepage	Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori’s HP

*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.

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