Name: Hakone Shiunso
Address: 92 Tounosawa, Asigarashimogun, Hakone, Hakone, Hakone, 250-0315, Japan
Rating: 7

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Hakone Shiunso

Hakone

Our stay in Hakone was just right after the 2019 Typhoon Hagibis. So there was little to do in Hakone area since most hikes, trains etc. were closed due to damages. So we spend a lot of time in our Ryokan. The Shiunso is a quite traditional one, with great spa (hot spring), fantastic food and traditional tatami rooms. Staff was all great. I didn't mind there was just one person English speaking. When you're in Japan, get used to it. Or use a Google translator app which helps in every situation. The stay was quite pricey and what I really appreciated was having a room right at the river with a nice hot tub with hot spring water. Our place to be. On the downside, I must admit the facility and rooms seem dated. I guess last update was late 90s. For the price I'd expect better. Nevertheless, everything was clean, working and the room service was amazinggly taking care for breakfast/dinner on suite, beds and cleaning.

Great Ryokan, needs little turnover

We were looking for a few days on our trip to experience a bit more of traditional Japan and wow did we find it. I read other reviews which were negative and arrived fearing I would be disappointed but fortunately nothing could be further from the experience we had. 
We were warmly greated by our hosts who couldnt have been more welcoming. After a welcome drink we were shown to our room, which was river facing and simply perfect. From here on in we enjoyed the Japanese experience that we expected from a Ryokan including a very nice dip in the private Onsen. 
Our hosts were helpful throughout the trip even allowing us to switch to the western breakfast. 
I would recommed this to anyone who wanted a traditional taste of Japan.

Simply fabulous!

Similar to other reviews, we were extremely let down by the condition and location of this ryokan.  While the staff were well intended and hard working, the facility does not warrant the price point or effort to get to the location.  The condition of the rooms, carpets throughout and the baths are startling poor, particularly considering the price point.  If you are not on the river side you will have to contend with the sound of cars and trucks driving immediately outside of your window.  To walk anywhere from the hotel involves walking along a narrow busy road which is not enjoyable with kids.  
The surrounding area of Hakone is stunning and the open air museum was one of the highlights of our Japan adventure.

Extremely disappointing

We had the most friendly, attentive hosts who really made the Ryokan experience for us. Could not have asked for better staff. Unfortunately, the furniture, baths, buildings, towels, kimonos (yukata), etc, are all very tired and not up to scratch for accomodation at this price point. And certainly not befitting for a Ryokan where the rest of the service was pretty much flawless. 

Exceptional hosts let down by tired hotel

We actually booked another ryokan across the street but for some reason when we got to that hotel they said they had some maintenance problem and and took us to Shiunso.  

So we were shocked and disappointed as we found this hotel was quite old.  However after talking to my travel agency, we were given the type of room that we originally booked at the other hotel which was the largest room of Shiunso that had two beds and a large tatami area for two people with a private onsen.  

We stayed at this hotel for two nights and had three meals (two dinners and one breakfast).  The food quality was great, especially the second night's dinner.  The service was outstanding.  Well maybe it was just regular Japanese ryokan food service but we felt we were treated as royalty.  

The Tonosawa train station was very close to the hotel and the next day we took the train to see the Open Air Museum (which in Japanese was, "forest of sculptures"), and also took the Gora cable car to get to a high mountain top.  Because it was raining and windy, we did not find the hiking trail if there was one.  

The hotel staff did not speak much English.  However every time I asked them a question they tried their best to "explain" and offer a solution.  I somehow managed to be able to communicate with them with my limited Japanese vocabulary and Google translator.  

On the day we departed, the front desk called a taxi to send us to the Odawara station, and the hotel's general manager came out himself to say goodbye and went to the middle of the street to stop the traffic so our taxi could go.  I turned back and saw them bowing to the leaving car behind us.  You don't see this type of courtesy anywhere else in the world.  I really appreciated that. 

That being said, I don't think Hakone is worth a visit for first time visitors to Japan.  It would be a nice retreat place if you live in a nearby city for a long time, but for first time visitors, there are many more good places to see.

An Extraordinary Ryokan Experience

Enjoy my first traditional ryokan stay very much where we sleep on the tatami mat and have a keisaki meal after a hot soak.  Was warmly welcome from the time we drove in to the time we left by every staff there .

Bonus: Free juices is available before 6pm, good to rehydrate after long soak in the onsen 

Based on the photos by other travellers , i noticed there is not much changes in the food served ( i may be wrong ) . This may be a bummer for those who stay longer or a returnee.

Suggestion is to change the lighting in the toilet , a little too dim to my liking and improve on the Wifi ( spotty connection ) .

The night river light should be "on" early during winter since it get dark early. Those having a soak after dinner will have better view .

Hakone Shiunso

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