Hakone - where to stay for two nights
Oct 31st, 2014, 09:21 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hakone - where to stay for two nights
We will probably be coming from Matsumoto to the Hakone area (this is not confirmed yet as I had planned to go to Takayama from Tsumogo, but am running into the festival in Takayama for the nights we wanted). Even after reading trip reports, etc. am still a little confused about where to stay for two nights. Most people seem to come for the day or one night.
From what I've read, Gora seems more relaxing. We're coming for the scenery and walking/hiking rather than nightlife. Should we stay at the same place in Gora for both nights?
Also, do you have recommendations for a ryokan or inn in Gora? We hope to spend $350 (about 40.000 yen) or less for a room with dinner. Can see that Hakone area is very expensive, so we can stretch that for the right place.
We should buy the Hakone Pass, I think. Where can you buy it in Hakone?
Any other advice will be very welcome!
From what I've read, Gora seems more relaxing. We're coming for the scenery and walking/hiking rather than nightlife. Should we stay at the same place in Gora for both nights?
Also, do you have recommendations for a ryokan or inn in Gora? We hope to spend $350 (about 40.000 yen) or less for a room with dinner. Can see that Hakone area is very expensive, so we can stretch that for the right place.
We should buy the Hakone Pass, I think. Where can you buy it in Hakone?
Any other advice will be very welcome!
Oct 31st, 2014, 09:47 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We stayed at the Hyatt, which is really lovely. It has a fabulous onsen!
You can buy the Hakone Pass at various train stations as you get closer to Hakone, I also noticed that we could buy it in Tokyo.
I hope Hawaiian Traveler will see your post as he has a wealth of information about Japan.
You can buy the Hakone Pass at various train stations as you get closer to Hakone, I also noticed that we could buy it in Tokyo.
I hope Hawaiian Traveler will see your post as he has a wealth of information about Japan.
Oct 31st, 2014, 12:42 PM
#4
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_008.html
I would take the JR Azusa train from Matsumoto to Shinjuku, get the HFP at Odakyu Shinjuku station and take their Romance Car train to Hakone-Yumoto.
I would take the JR Azusa train from Matsumoto to Shinjuku, get the HFP at Odakyu Shinjuku station and take their Romance Car train to Hakone-Yumoto.
Oct 31st, 2014, 06:02 PM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Super! The Hyatt does look beautiful. Any other ryokans you've stayed at?
Also, should we stay the two nights in Gora? Seems like that would be best, right?
By the way, what is the Romance Car I keep hearing about?
Happy Halloween....!
Also, should we stay the two nights in Gora? Seems like that would be best, right?
By the way, what is the Romance Car I keep hearing about?
Happy Halloween....!
Nov 1st, 2014, 07:04 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Hyatt doesn't qualify as a ryokan, but we loved our stay there so much we talk about returning.
Do you know about www.japan-guide.com ? It has a wealth of information.
Do you know about www.japan-guide.com ? It has a wealth of information.
Nov 1st, 2014, 07:12 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Everybody seems to rave about the Hyatt...Kathie, can you tell me more about why you loved it? I read a bunch of reviews and people seem to like everything about it except for the onsen, from what I could tell.
Yes, have been using japan guide extensively for planning this trip, thanks for mentioning it.
Yes, have been using japan guide extensively for planning this trip, thanks for mentioning it.
Nov 1st, 2014, 08:41 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,396
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not Kathie, but I have stayed at the Hyatt Hakone several times.
Things that I like about it have been the consistently welcoming attitude from the staff, the availability and excellence of service when you need it, and the spacious and well-equipped rooms. I especially enjoy the lounge area (open to all guests), which is a relaxing place to chill out after a long day. This hotel is considered to be a resort hotel, so it's perfectly acceptable to hang out in the lounge wearing the hotel-supplied yukata. I've never found anything wrong with the onsen -- it's nothing extraordinary (compared to, say, the one at Hoshinoya in Karuizawa), but it's been perfectly adequate for me.
Biggest downside of the Hyatt for me is that there's nothing of interest in the immediate vicinity -- it would be nice to have a few restaurants within walking distance. It's a 5- or 10-minute walk to the tramway (or you can use a taxi or the hotel shuttle), so Gora isn't that far away, but still.
Things that I like about it have been the consistently welcoming attitude from the staff, the availability and excellence of service when you need it, and the spacious and well-equipped rooms. I especially enjoy the lounge area (open to all guests), which is a relaxing place to chill out after a long day. This hotel is considered to be a resort hotel, so it's perfectly acceptable to hang out in the lounge wearing the hotel-supplied yukata. I've never found anything wrong with the onsen -- it's nothing extraordinary (compared to, say, the one at Hoshinoya in Karuizawa), but it's been perfectly adequate for me.
Biggest downside of the Hyatt for me is that there's nothing of interest in the immediate vicinity -- it would be nice to have a few restaurants within walking distance. It's a 5- or 10-minute walk to the tramway (or you can use a taxi or the hotel shuttle), so Gora isn't that far away, but still.
Nov 1st, 2014, 08:59 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
People didn't like the onsen??? We thought it was wonderful!
The Hyatt is beautifully designed, and many rooms have views of Fuji. We had a gorgeous suite (upgraded with Hyatt points) with a wall of windows facing Fuji. The rooms were large, and there was a glassed-in sun porch off the bedroom where we had breakfast both days. Staff were gracious and helpful.
In the evenings, they have free drinks - wide variety including champagne - and you can order food from a small menu and eat and drink the the two-story fire place room. It is a lovely atmosphere and a chance to chat with other guests from all over the world.
The onsen is very nice - rough granite on the floors, so it feels good on your feet without being slippery. The only thing I can think of that people might complain about is that the water is not very deep.
We bought our Hakone Free Passes at Odawara on our way to Hakone.
I do have a trip report here if it might be helpful:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...s-of-japan.cfm
The Hyatt is beautifully designed, and many rooms have views of Fuji. We had a gorgeous suite (upgraded with Hyatt points) with a wall of windows facing Fuji. The rooms were large, and there was a glassed-in sun porch off the bedroom where we had breakfast both days. Staff were gracious and helpful.
In the evenings, they have free drinks - wide variety including champagne - and you can order food from a small menu and eat and drink the the two-story fire place room. It is a lovely atmosphere and a chance to chat with other guests from all over the world.
The onsen is very nice - rough granite on the floors, so it feels good on your feet without being slippery. The only thing I can think of that people might complain about is that the water is not very deep.
We bought our Hakone Free Passes at Odawara on our way to Hakone.
I do have a trip report here if it might be helpful:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...s-of-japan.cfm
Nov 2nd, 2014, 10:34 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kathie - I re-read the reviews of the Hyatt to see why there were some comments about the onsen. Think they were about the fact that the onsen is inside...? Guess there are other onsen hotels with outside bathing. Otherwise, all great reviews.
Don Topaz - are there any other restaurants within walking distance of the Hyatt? Would be nice to have another choice.
Don't think we'd be bothered by the semi-remote location. We love being surrounded by nice scenery rather than buildings (so guess my question above about other restaurants contradicts this!).
Am really considering the Hyatt now, as it seems universally well-regarded. We usually avoid American chain hotels, favoring B&Bs and small inns. However, this Hyatt sounds like it is well-suited to the environment surrounding it and has some Japanese elements as well.
Don Topaz - are there any other restaurants within walking distance of the Hyatt? Would be nice to have another choice.
Don't think we'd be bothered by the semi-remote location. We love being surrounded by nice scenery rather than buildings (so guess my question above about other restaurants contradicts this!).
Am really considering the Hyatt now, as it seems universally well-regarded. We usually avoid American chain hotels, favoring B&Bs and small inns. However, this Hyatt sounds like it is well-suited to the environment surrounding it and has some Japanese elements as well.
Nov 5th, 2014, 08:13 AM
#12
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 6,369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love the Hyatt in Hakone. In fact I was just thinking how we can get the time to be there for a few days this in late spring with a short trip to Japan.
There are a other businesses such as other ryokan with onsen and a hotel across the street of the Hyatt Hakone. There is a little restaurant I know of just a 3 minute or less walk uphill of the Hyatt that serves coffee and sweets in the morning along with ramen and other Japanese lite lunches. I think spaghetti bolognese was the lunch special last time I saw. Located up the hill towards the funicular on the same side of the street as the Hyatt. The hotel shuttle will take you into Gora upon request after 10 or 11 am. That said you are isolated and the Hyatt your main source of food while staying there especially in the evenings.
With your budget you might be able to get into this ryokan in Gora.
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/r...n=Setsugetsuka
It is a modern ryokan though so you wont get the rustic Japan location but the ambiance/onsen and food would be great.
You will not be disappointed with staying at the Hyatt Hakone. We have stayed there on 4 different occasions now and cannot wait to return. Did anyone mention to you that there is a free flow champagne and wine (beer too) happy hour from 4 to 7 pm nightly
Aloha!
There are a other businesses such as other ryokan with onsen and a hotel across the street of the Hyatt Hakone. There is a little restaurant I know of just a 3 minute or less walk uphill of the Hyatt that serves coffee and sweets in the morning along with ramen and other Japanese lite lunches. I think spaghetti bolognese was the lunch special last time I saw. Located up the hill towards the funicular on the same side of the street as the Hyatt. The hotel shuttle will take you into Gora upon request after 10 or 11 am. That said you are isolated and the Hyatt your main source of food while staying there especially in the evenings.
With your budget you might be able to get into this ryokan in Gora.
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/r...n=Setsugetsuka
It is a modern ryokan though so you wont get the rustic Japan location but the ambiance/onsen and food would be great.
You will not be disappointed with staying at the Hyatt Hakone. We have stayed there on 4 different occasions now and cannot wait to return. Did anyone mention to you that there is a free flow champagne and wine (beer too) happy hour from 4 to 7 pm nightly
Aloha!
Nov 10th, 2014, 09:37 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi H.T,
Had hoped to hear from you.
Despite the universal acclaim the Hyatt gets, I just couldn't convince dear hubby to reserve it. He somehow thinks it will be too "American" and nothing I can say will dissuade him!
As things were getting booked fast, I finally reserved two nights at the Fujiya Hotel. Not Gora, but fairly near it. Older and funky, not as expensive, etc. It got mostly good reviews but several saying it's gotten a little too "tired." We generally don't stay at hotels even in the States, preferring B&Bs.
I did look at Setsugetsuka per your suggestion, which looks great but I think is booked.
Might go back and work on hubby again, as the Hyatt does sound fantastic! Slightly above what I had hoped to spend, but I found this great apartment above a potter's studio in Kyoto for 4 nights at less than $100 per night - that can offset some nice ryokans! In fact we're staying the last night in Kyoto at the Tamahan ryokan which looks really nice.
Thanks for the advice, and will let you know what we finally decide.
Had hoped to hear from you.
Despite the universal acclaim the Hyatt gets, I just couldn't convince dear hubby to reserve it. He somehow thinks it will be too "American" and nothing I can say will dissuade him!
As things were getting booked fast, I finally reserved two nights at the Fujiya Hotel. Not Gora, but fairly near it. Older and funky, not as expensive, etc. It got mostly good reviews but several saying it's gotten a little too "tired." We generally don't stay at hotels even in the States, preferring B&Bs.
I did look at Setsugetsuka per your suggestion, which looks great but I think is booked.
Might go back and work on hubby again, as the Hyatt does sound fantastic! Slightly above what I had hoped to spend, but I found this great apartment above a potter's studio in Kyoto for 4 nights at less than $100 per night - that can offset some nice ryokans! In fact we're staying the last night in Kyoto at the Tamahan ryokan which looks really nice.
Thanks for the advice, and will let you know what we finally decide.
Nov 12th, 2014, 10:46 PM
#14
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 964
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Leslie,
I'm coming a little late to this party, but for what it's worth, we stayed at the Gora Hanaougi Sounkaku ryokan last May and really enjoyed it. If you want more detailed info, I've included it in my trip report from that trip:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...e-to-japan.cfm
Scroll down to day 5 for Hakone. Have a great trip!
I'm coming a little late to this party, but for what it's worth, we stayed at the Gora Hanaougi Sounkaku ryokan last May and really enjoyed it. If you want more detailed info, I've included it in my trip report from that trip:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...e-to-japan.cfm
Scroll down to day 5 for Hakone. Have a great trip!
Nov 16th, 2014, 01:29 PM
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Russ,
The ryokan you stayed in looks gorgeous! I loved your trip report, too. Very detailed and helpful.
As you can see, we did book the Fujiya Hotel for now. Looks interesting and funky, and the price is right. I checked the Sounkaku and it's sold out via Booking.com. I checked the ryokan site and the price would be about $700/night which is a little too steep for us given the number of nights we'll be in Japan.
Thanks so much, Leslie
The ryokan you stayed in looks gorgeous! I loved your trip report, too. Very detailed and helpful.
As you can see, we did book the Fujiya Hotel for now. Looks interesting and funky, and the price is right. I checked the Sounkaku and it's sold out via Booking.com. I checked the ryokan site and the price would be about $700/night which is a little too steep for us given the number of nights we'll be in Japan.
Thanks so much, Leslie
