Ochiairo

We've stayed at a few ryokan in Hakone, spanning from modern to more traditional and nothing has held a candle to Ochiairo. It's historically significant while being modern, renovated, and comfortable. To start, we booked months in advance (as soon as bookings were available for that date I wanted...I think it was ~7 months out) and stayed in Ukifune and also booked the package to include transportation to and from Shuzenji station. First off, the car ride was timely and luxurious. Upon arrival, we were seated in the gathering area with a drink and small sweet while dinner preferences were collected. I should also mention that there was an expert level English speaker on staff to assist us this entire time. We got a tour of the facilities, recommendations for the public onsen, and then shown to the room.||Ukifune is a large room and my favorite part was the sitting area. It's very quiet in the ryokan and the hallways smelled of incense and wood. Ukifune has what's advertised as an open air bath but it is closed on three sides by bamboo shades, connected to the shower. The fridge was well stocked with free drinks and snacks, including water, juices, and a hot water kettle for in room tea and coffee. You can also bring back the free snacks from the common area(s) to your room.||The common areas were thoughtful and had a little bit for everyone. Downstairs leading out tot he bridge, sauna, and cold plunge, there was an arcade with two retro game machines and also video game system. The upstairs had a manga library with mostly older series. The larger gathering area was very nice with free snacks, drinks, and alcoholic options. The fire crackling gave it a cozy cabin vibe. While I did not visit the public onsens, from what I could see in the email that Ochiairo sends prior to your check in, they look amazing and the women- and men- only onsens do switch during the day so you can experience both. There is also a mixed gender onsen that can be used with a bathing suit. If you did not bring a bathing suit, you can borrow one from Ochiairo! Also, tattoos are allowed in all public baths, affirmed by the Ochiairo staff! ||The kaiseki dinner has been the best I've had so far in a ryokan. The portions were appropriate, and I didn't feel tuckered out halfway through, which has happened with other meal service. I can't speak highly enough of the staff, especially a very kind Vietnamese team member that assisted us throughout most of the meal service. Dinner and Japanese breakfast (no Western option) is served in their dining room. ||Getting to Ochiairo from central Tokyo took a few train transfers but it's worth the journey. The ryokan is unforgettable. It maintains 150+ years of tradition while modernizing in both facilities, furnishings, and service. I hope to be able to come back in the future.

hotel in the country side on a beautiful river. They have an open bar all the time and so many staff. Dinner is a 7 course meal with fish meet and loads more in between. The room we had was really nice and big over looking trees and the garden. They have a wonderful spa area that’s both for men and women and on their own. They also have a sauna the overlooks the river and it’s really great. There isn’t much to do around the hotel but we did go for a hike up to a waterfall and a coffee shop.

Ochiairo was even more beautiful than expected - the entrance and hallways smell really nice and you get a feeling of calmness immediately. The staff is super friendly and helpful, the food was delicious and the onsen area outdoors is a really magical place - birds chirping around you, the river sounds in your ears and a bit of sunshine make you forget everything else. We had an amazing time and got very lucky because our room (Tokonatsu) had a brand new outdoors onsen bathtub right in the garden (it’s almost hard to decide where to take a bath first). The craftsmanship and history in every corner of the building, the fireplace and bottomless champagne, the massage chairs, the arcade with retro games in the basement - Ochiairo is simply magnificent. I would recommend to book 2 nights to really calm down, relax and enjoy this outstanding space. And be prepared to not bring too much stuff because you won’t need anything, the pajamas and daily japanese lounge wear are super comfy!

My family and I stayed 3 nights in room Tokonatsu and had a wonderful experience. The entire staff is extremely friendly and they did their very best to meet all our expectations (although their English was quite limited). Our room was well maintained and very quiet, with a nice garden. They have an excellent restaurant and served 3 very different, high quality, traditional meals during our stay. Breakfast and lunch were also included in the package, as well as the laundry, which was amazing. They also have a large and beautiful private onsen which we could book twice at the last minute without any problem. An unforgettable experience in the midst of the beautiful Izu peninsula. You did yo book well in advance though, as they are in high demand!

This is the most magical place I’ve ever stayed… at times it felt like the closest thing to heaven on earth. If you are thinking of reserving a room, don’t hesitate. I couldn’t recommend this beautiful ryokan highly enough.

Never been to a Ryokan before. This was so cool. The hot spring was so so so hot and very pretty. It happened to rain both days we were here but that actually really added to the vibes. The complex feels like this almost tropical oasis in the middle of a suburban area, so much so that you forget that you are just in this random town. The staff are extremely kind. Very accomodating to our dietary needs. Highly recommend.

This was the last stop of our 19 day Japan trip. We wanted to end refreshed and it did not disappoint. From our arrival which was spectacular, they met us outside and immediately took our things, to offering a drink in the most cozy living room to check in. Our family of 4 stayed in a family room that was so beautifully done. We had a river view and it was amazing. Loved hearing the rushing water while sleeping. Every meal we had, which is included, was tasty, fresh and a surprise. The fish, rice, fermented veggies and seaweed and all were so good. I don’t think there was much we did not like. We actually expanded our palate. Every worker makes sure you have everything you need, they are so friendly. The Onsen was an amazing experience as well. As an American it took me a little adjusting. Going into a hot spring in the nude. Just do it, it’s so relaxing. We walked the property and off the property, we hiked to Joren Waterfall, beautiful. I can’t say enough good things. As we were leaving, they stood outside and waved us off. I would definitely like to return. So relaxing, not a lot to do, but walk, read, Onsen, games, eat. It was an amazing end to our Japan trip. Love this place.

A healing onsen place. A bit off the main part of Shuzenji town but that makes it more quaint. Definitely a treat for heritage Japanese architecture lovers.