Like Kja, we also stayed in Shojoshin-in and enjoyed our experience.

As a side note, if you decide to go to Miyajima, try not to go on a weekend. We were there on a Saturday and it was mobbed.

We stayed a Momijo-so and were not happy with the accommodations or the location. It was too isolated to walk around town after dinner as it was up a windy road in the middle of the park. It was also the most expensive place we've stayed at in Japan (aside from places where we used points) and while the food was good, the owners were nice enough and we were the only guests, we had wished we'd chosen another option. We've stayed at other ryokans that were much more enjoyable.

Just my two cents worth.

The location of auberge Watanabe (a ryokan) is very good, just a few minutes from the floating torii and art the base of the stairway up to Daisho-in.

@ internetwiz: What a contrasting perspective! One of the things I loved about Momiji-so was that it was set in such a private wooded setting. I didn't find the walk to town (through the wooded path, not the road) bad -- but I didn't try it with my suitcase (they picked me up and took me to the station). And when I was there -- back in 2006 -- the cost was well under 1/2 the cost of any other ryokan on Miyajima or, for that matter, any other ryokan that I was able to identify for the places I visited. But then, I travel solo and most ryokan don't accept solos. I'm really glad I had the experience I did -- and I'm also really glad that OP (and any other subsequent readers of this thread) will have the benefit of our different opinions and experiences. IMO, one of Fodor's strengths is the diversity of our viewpoints. :-)

It's worth noting that not all ryokan will accept children under a certain age (this is their attempt to keep things zen, peaceful ... ), so just be careful to double-check that before you make any bookings.

You won't be able to find any ryokan with views to Mt. Fuji in Tokyo. For that you would be better to head to the Fuji 5 Lakes / Hakone area where there should be plenty to choose from. They're probably not the cheapest of options, although with ryokan you're usually able to fit a whole family into one room which should keep costs down.

Personally, I would opt for a ryokan in Kyoto. Logistically just much easier. Access will be easier and rather than being stuck in an area where maybe there's not so much to do (evenings will be very quiet indeed), it's perhaps better to have access to a city where you can get out and take a walk around in the evening. You'll also have access to a wider range for food options. With a ryokan in the Hakone / Fuji area you might just be restricted to dinner in the ryokan itself, and food will be very Japanese (usually a good thing, but maybe with kids, perhaps not the best option - I don't know). I think in Kyoto, while there will surely be very very expensive ryokan, you may have a better chance of finding something cheaper.

There's a list of some recommended ryokan here which might give you some idea of what to expect.

How much to stay in a ryokan in Japan? Exploring Japan's 'Best in Class':

https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/City...M-living_money

IMO, TTjpn has offered a very helpful post, as it reminds us to think about what, exactly, we mean when we refer to a ryokan.

As I understand it, a ryokan isn't just marked by its decor, but by its tradition, and the tradition, as I understand it, entails an exception meal ... a meal over which one would linger. So to me, the idea of looking for a ryokan "where you can get out and take a walk around in the evening" or one where "You'll also have access to a wider range for food options" doesn't really make sense. But maybe that's just me....

I have decided to splurge on a Ryokan in the Hakone area. I am hoping not to pay more than $200-300 USD per person (but less is great too!!). My kids are older (14, 17, 22) and are adventurous eaters, so I am not worried about food. Any specific recommendations for that area? I chose it due to its proximity to Tokyo and Kyoto. Only staying one night... Thank you!!