Ichinoyu Honkan

We stayed for 2 nights and had the most delightful stay- true Japanese style! We had a room with a private onsen - to sit in the onsen listening to the river was truly magical- we feel lucky to have experienced this. Enter into the spirit of the ryokan to experience this hotel at its best - wear the traditional slippers and kimono . The meals are an experience! I'm not a fish lover but the food was presented so artfully, many courses which were worthy of a Michelin star. The staff take huge pride in serving local delicacies and the service was 5* Yes the hotel is old but that is part of its charm that does not distract from a fabulous stay

We stayed here for 2 nights on a full board basis near the end of our 14 nights in Japan We travelled from Osaka on the bullet train to Odawara then took the local bus on the Hotels recommendations I think everyone wanted on the same bus and after a 2.5 hour wait in the bus station we then journeyed for about 50 minutes to the Hotel which was 100 metres down the hill on the opposite side of the road Shoes off at the door and we were in Room Take with it's own hot spring pool overlooking the river The room is traditional Japanese and you have to make up your own futon to sleep on - not to my western comfort I am afraid and with the noise of the river outside both nights were disturbed sleep. Food for breakfast & dinner was Japanese set menu with no choices. My wife is a more adventurous eater enjoyed most of it but in all honesty I struggled and only had water for breakfast If you like traditional Japanese food that's not westernised you will love it Alcohol is only served for 75 minutes when eating a glass of beer wine or sake being the options but is included within the overall deal - you can get a bottle of beer for your room but it must be ordered before 8pm and the cost is added to your bill Ceilings on doorways are lower than normal so a few bangs of the head We used the Hakone travel pass and ventured to Lake Aschi on the bus about 45 minutes where there is a boat trip a cable car ride and a funicular railway down into Gora I enjoyed the experience but maybe I am too westernised as I have eaten Japanese food at home but seen nothing on the menu like the last 2 days