Mizunoto

This was a great place to start our first trip to Japan, instead of rushing into a big city with busy sightseeing. A relaxing place with great food, this onsen set the bar for the service and food we would get for the rest of our trip. We stayed in a high floor in the new building (they have two buildings: new building and main building). The staff is very welcoming and good at explaining everything in each building, which is easy to understand and use. We couldn't understand the heating/cooling in our room and a staff member was there to help us with a few minutes. We got the package with both breakfast and dinner included, which made things really convenient. Each meal has so many components and servings, and so many things to try. We stayed for two nights so we could try both of their "hotpot" and "BBQ" dinners, both which have numerous courses and all-you-can-drink alcohol for the first hour. BBQ dinner area doesn't quite have adequate ventilation so you'll smell smoky after, but each of them are equally delicious. Breakfast was different each day as well, and you get to warm up your fish on the grill. Main building and new building each have two onsen areas that each have at least three pools each - these areas switch genders each day so you can try them all! New building onsens were larger and more spacious, but the main building onsens were recently renovated really beautifully, have gorgeous views of a bamboo grove, and also have cold pools and dry saunas (which new building doesn't). There are also three private onsens that you can go to if their door tags are available - morning had better availability for this. There is a shuttle that will take you to and from Kowakudani station so that you don't need to walk up a hill for 15 minutes. You can leave bags both before and after check in and checkout as well. Snacks like dango and bao available from 6-7pm, late night ramen at 9 or 10pm, and iced drinks and popsicles available outside of the onsens as well. All in all, this was a wonderful home base to explore Hakone from.

Disappointing experience for the high price. I would not recommend it. We payed around €600 for one night + dinner and breakfast. The staff was super friendly and nice but didn’t speak much English. The room was decent, the public onsens were decent. However everything is fairly worn out and old. The worst part was the quality of food. Dinner was cafeteria quality with exception of the meat. The breakfast we couldn’t even eat. Could be worth it if it was in the 200-300 euro range.