If the hotel is sold out there will not likely be an upgrade. One night is easier to upgrade than several. It helps if your agent has a relationship wuth the hotel. The breakfast and other amenities add great value as you don't pay mote than the best available flexible rate but you get more stuff.

Upgrades are bonuses and happen 75% of the time I'd say in my experience. I always advise people to book the room type they will be happy with if fhey don't get an upgrade.

Enjoyed your report, Smeagol. If you were staying at Hakone Ginyu on the 18th or 19th, we were there those dates too. Small world. The crystal clear views of Fuji-san and the foliage were wonderful! Glad you had a good trip.

Nicky, can you tell me how you got from Tokyo to Hakone Ginyu ryokan? I read that you dropped your bags off early, then went sightseeing…would you mind telling me which trains you took, how you got to the ryokan from the station, etc? Thanks…trying to iron out the little details.

Smeagol
Would appreciate your input on room types. When you say you booked a "standard" room, what room category does that equate to on their website? I can only see Tsuki (1st floor), Sora (2nd floor), Hoshi (3rd floor) and Kaze (4th floor).

Mumm not sure, let me see if I can find the booking and let you know ( it was a Japanese style rooms as opposed to a western room) .... I'll get back to you Kavey ��

Thanks, Smeagol!

Kavey it was a Sora room , STUNNING view from there..... HIGHLY recommend.

Smeagol
Just heard back from Japanese Guest Houses, they advised that I won't be able to book through them till October, and that Hakone Ginyu only ever give them Sora room type, no others. They also advised that they cannot guarantee that they will be given any availability, so I may try again via the online booking option.
Thanks again
Kavita

Try thru Ryokan collection I booked 9 months out with them ... You do get the we'll let you know email and think it took about a week to confirm, I even managed to book the wrong day at first but actually was easy to change, thankfully they had availability....
Don't let the Sora rooms put you off, the views are to die for. When is it again you are thinking of going?

Loved reading this. Makes me jealous lol. Billy, was there no karaoke room at Hakone Ginyu? Lot of ryokan have them :)

Aloha!

Smeagol, April 2016 and I will definitely try again via their website. Thanks for the tips. x

Tried their website again today from work and it allowed me to submit so will wait to hear back from them directly.

:-D

Good luck ��

Thanks, had a reply from Ryokan Collection saying not to expect to hear for 5-7 days.

Sit tight...then send a follow up email to them in 5 days. Good luck.

Don't fail to go on a boat cruise on Lake Ashinoko in Hakone.
The scenery is beautiful, and you may be lucky to view Mt Fuji. The Mt Hakone is warned for erruption, so be watchful with the local authority's notice.

In Kyoto, visit not-so famous temples in Arashiyama, Shirakawa,etc even though these places are bit out of the Kyoto proper. It is worth it.

Phuket, very touristic, lots of backpackers and drunkers. But if you are visiting friends, that is not a concern.
Next time plan a travel to untouristic spots in Thailand, too. Have fun, and get culture-shocked.

Kavey, I agree with booking Hakone Ginyu via The Ryokan Collection. I used them both times I've stayed and had no issues booking any room. I highly recommend the Kaze room if you can get it. I stayed in that one my first trip and it's the only room on the entire 4th floor. Just stunning. The last time we stayed in a Tsuki room since the Kaze room was booked, but it was still fabulous.

How many nights are you planning for Hakone Ginyu? I did one the first trip and realized it was just not long enough. Couldn't even do the whole loop with just one nights stay. So, the second trip we did two nights and it much preferred. We got to see and enjoy so much more.

Thanks, I've applied for two nights in SORA room type, but asked if they can advise availability of other types, and price differences.

I just couldn't get their site to let me submit a reservation request when I first tried but in the end I tried it on a work PC over lunch and it went through.

I'll follow up in a few days, as suggested.

Thanks all
x