Hakone Onsen Ryokan Yaeikan

The room was lovely. We stayed in the Hibari room with a private onsen. It was spacious, with a separate dining area. The futons were really comfortable and we loved the tatami flooring. The food was beautifully presented and we kept the evening menu as a souvenir. People with tattoos are allowed in the public bath as well. The bookable private onsen isn’t worth your time if you have one in your room. We just walked back out and went back to our room though. Wasn’t a negative for our stay and I think it’s a good option if you don’t have one in your room.

We arrived at the same time as several others and it felt a bit hectic. If you have size 11 feet, you won’t fit in the provided slippers which you have to wear inside the building. Be careful on the stairs. Our private onsen did seem to be facing another room, so close the blinds before you get in or out if you don’t want to flash your neighbours. It is an old building and feels like it. I enjoyed the charm, but heard other guests complaining.

The kaiseki dinner and breakfast were absolutely outstanding. Three onsens in-house were great. The architecture and design of the ryokan was beautiful. The tatami mat rooms were very spacious and clean. The location was just walking distance from the train station. Every time we were heading out, they got our shoes prepared and placed them on the front steps for us.

It is showing some signs of age, but still very charming. For example, the toilet was malfunctioning (but they quickly fixed it). The staff are not Japanese and while their customers service was great, it didn’t have the usual attention to detail and custom we had experienced in other parts of Japan.

The staff were amazing and welcoming and the ryokan offered an unique traditional experience. The food was extremely high quality and led us to try authentic Japanese foods we wouldn't have otherwise.

Its location

Poorly maintained.