I didn't know you could "translate" on there - thanks again! I'm all set now except for Kurashiki area for one night if I keep that in itinerary from Hiroshima and then I still need Hakone - and decisions of the most logical are to pursue accomodations for Tokyo and then it's back to Hyper. for schedules. Thanks to you all over and over again. Barb

SO many choices in Hakone area. Any personal favorites out there and also for Kurashiki (was planning one night here on way from Hiroshima to Hakone? Two nights in Hakone. Looking for moderate again but might splurge for the more unique experiences here with hot springs, etc. I've checked weather charts for the mountain areas in October but any personal experiences? Can't be too heavily loaded with chilly weather clothes. Barb

What is your budget in yen for Hakone? Moderate is too subjective.

Oh I don't know I would of course love to have something for around $100-$150 each per night but not seeing that happen. ALSO if you just have a suggestion for regular hotel nothing special as a back up?? Barb

We stayed 2 years ago in a small place in Gora called Lalaca. Very nice, not fancy. Outstanding food. Dinner and breakfast served in dining room, or dinner in your room for a small extra fee maybe if I remember correctly. Bath is small with one soaking tub but can be reserved for your own private use which is nice. Owners very friendly. Price was under ¥15,000 per person with dinner with special ordered ise ebi and breakfast. I think it's a great value. They have one room with two beds if sleeping on tatami does not appeal to you.

Ii have no experience with the hundreds of other places in the area. You may just have to browse around and see what appeals to you. Your budget is low, so many places will be too expensive.

Another question - if I can cut off almost $200 by not staying a Saturday night in the Hakone region - would I be missing a lot by skipping my one night in Kurashiki and just going straight from Hiroshima to Odawara-Hakone for 2 nights then add a extra night in Tokyo at the end of our trip? Seems like wherever the w/e's fall they are a problem. Barb

Look at Ichinoyu Honkan and their associted inns in Hakone. We had a good experience there and it is in a good location. It was the most reasonable place I found that gave a nice Japanese experience, and I looked at a lot of places.