Hakone's Hidden Gem: Uncover Shinanoki Ichinoyu's Secrets!

Shinanoki Ichinoyu Hakone Japan

Hakone's Hidden Gem: Uncover Shinanoki Ichinoyu's Secrets!

Hakone's Hidden Gem: Shinanoki Ichinoyu - My Take (and My Verdict - SPOILER: I'M OBSESSED!)

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to drop some serious truth bombs about this Hakone haven, Shinanoki Ichinoyu. Forget meticulously crafted brochures, this is the raw, unfiltered experience, the kind you get when you're sprawled on your futon, sipping green tea, and thinking…wow, this place is actually magical.

First Impressions (and a Few Hiccups):

Getting to Ichinoyu is pretty straightforward. Accessibility is solid. The elevator is your friend, and they've made a genuine effort for facilities for disabled guests. But hey, this ain't a sterile robot hotel, ok? Real life happens. The first thing I did? Miss the turn. Classic. (My fault, obvs). Found the car park - Car park [free of charge] is a godsend in Hakone, let me tell you. Finding a spot wasn’t an issue.

Check-in was smooth, with their contactless check-in/out. You know, the whole COVID thing. But, and this is a big but, I’m more of a "human interaction" kinda guy. I like the smile, the welcome. They were perfectly polite, but a little…reserved? (Maybe I just needed more coffee. Always a possibility).

Rooms: My Sanctuary (and the occasional dust bunny):

My room? Oh, my room! Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential in summer), Alarm clock (thank you, sleep is a precious commodity), Bathrobes (hello, cozy!), Complimentary tea (a Japanese must!), Free bottled water (hydration station!), Hair dryer (saved my hair – it looks like a bird’s nest if I don’t use it!), Non-smoking (yay!), Private bathroom (duh!), Seating area (perfect for contemplating the meaning of life), Slippers (because who wants to wear their outside shoes inside?), Wi-Fi [free] (needed!) and Window that opens (fresh air, people, fresh air!). There wasn’t a dust bunny. A tiny, tiny one I may or may not have blamed on myself.

Full Disclosure: I’m a sucker for a good bed. This one was heavenly. Extra long bed that was perfect. The blackout curtains were amazing. However, sometimes, those old-school windows in these traditional places…they let in a little bit of the sound. Not a deal-breaker, but I could hear the distant babbling of a kid and the occasional car horn. But hey, that's Hakone!

The Food: From "Meh" to "OMG, I Need More!"

Alright, let's talk grub. The Breakfast [buffet] was…standard. Lots of options, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, but nothing that truly blew me away. The coffee shop coffee? Forgettable.

But, the A la carte in restaurant for dinner? That was a revelation. I went for the Asian cuisine in restaurant, full of sushi and deliciousness! I was not expecting such deliciousness. The presentation! Each dish was a work of art. And the flavors! Swoon. I'll be honest, the desserts in restaurant - I indulged. Shamelessly. (And I might have ordered room service [24-hour] later for a midnight snack. Don't judge me.)

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:

• Restaurants: Yup, plural! Variety is the spice of life, eh?
• Bar: Needed to unwind after a long hike. It was a chill vibe.
• Coffee/tea in restaurant: Adequate. Could be better.
• Bottle of water: Always appreciated.
• Desserts in restaurant: Yes! More of this!
• Happy hour: I did not find it, but one evening, it could have been great..
• International cuisine in restaurant: Not just Asian!
• Poolside bar: Wish there was one.
• Snack bar: Could be better stocked.
• Soup in restaurant: Wonderful.
• Vegetarian restaurant: Options were available.
• Western cuisine in restaurant: Yeah, I stuck with the Japanese, but the options were there.

To Relax or Not to Relax? That is the Question:

Here's where Shinanoki Ichinoyu really shines. This is a sanctuary of zen. I’m talking Spa/sauna territory, people!

• Body wrap: Tempted, but got me feeling weird in a bath robe.
• Foot bath: heaven.
• Massage: Essential. Get one. Book it now. Seriously.
• Pool with view: Yes, a gorgeous swimming pool [outdoor]. I spent a whole afternoon floating, staring at the mountains. Pure bliss.
• Sauna: Great. Very hot.
• Spa: The best part.
• Swimming pool: (See above).
• Steamroom: Ah, the steam room - where all my worries magically evaporate.

I REALLY loved the Spa. The whole experience, the smells, the heat, the water…the absolute serenity. Honestly, I spent so much time there, I felt like a prune. And I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Cleanliness and Safety: A COVID-Era Check-In:

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room (or, you know, the microscopic virus). Shinanoki Ichinoyu takes Cleanliness and safety, seriously.

• Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
• Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
• Hand sanitizer: EVERYWHERE. Check.
• Hygiene certification: Check.
• Individually-wrapped food options: Check.
• Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly adhered to.
• Professional-grade sanitizing services: Check.
• Rooms sanitized between stays: Check.
• Safe dining setup: Check.
• Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Check.
• Staff trained in safety protocol: Check!
• Sterilizing equipment: Check.

I appreciated the effort. I felt safe. But, let's be real: you can't control everyone. I saw a couple of people not wearing masks in the elevator. I'm just saying. I'm not judging, but it could have been stricter.

Services and Conveniences: Above and Beyond (Mostly):

• Air conditioning in public area: Yup.
• Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
• Concierge: Super helpful.
• Currency exchange: Useful for tourists.
• Daily housekeeping: Rooms impeccably clean.
• Dry cleaning: Good for travellers.
• Elevator: Essential.
• Ironing service: Perfect for travellers!
• Luggage storage: Easy.
• Safety deposit boxes: Good for peace of mind.
• Terrace: Lovely!

Things to Do (Besides Eat, Sleep, and Spa):

Hakone is a playground! Things to do are plentiful: hiking, art museums, the lake… the list goes on. The hotel is a perfect base for exploring. They offered information about Shrine and the other local spots I wanted to see.

And the Bad?? (Okay, Maybe):

Honestly? The Wi-Fi. Internet access – wireless was a little spotty. Not terrible, but definitely not consistent. The Internet [LAN] was there, but I needed the Wi-Fi. The Internet itself was not stellar. My job requires me to be connected so it was annoying.

But the Good..

Additional toilet was great. Air conditioning and Alarm clock were essential. Loved the Bathroom phone. Having the bathtub was a luxury. Loved the Complimentary tea. Did I mention, the Daily housekeeping – amazing. Desk – perfect for writing. Extra long bed – heaven. Free bottled water – yes! Hair dryer – definitely. Loved the In-room safe box. Internet access – LAN, good, too. Internet access – wireless was spotty. Ironing facilities were appreciated. Mini bar was there, too. Private bathroom was appreciated. The Reading light. The Shower. Soundproofing. The Telephone.

For the Kids:

I did not see any, but it had all the capabilities of being Family/child friendly.

The Verdict: Book It Now!

Listen, Shinanoki Ichinoyu isn't perfect. But it's damn close. It's a blend of traditional charm and modern comforts. The spa is pure bliss. The food, while not always mind-blowing, has its moments of brilliance. And the location? Well, you're in Hakone, surrounded by natural beauty. I left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and already planning my return.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

**Here’s

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Shinanoki Ichinoyu Hakone Japan

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, slightly chaotic, and definitely opinionated world of my trip to Shinanoki Ichinoyu in Hakone, Japan. Forget the pristine travel blog – this is the REAL deal. Prepare for whiplash, questionable decisions, and a whole lot of "OMG, I can't believe I did THAT."

Shinanoki Ichinoyu: My Hakone Hell-Yeah! (and maybe a little "Oh, dear")

Day 1: Arrival of the Slightly Unhinged

• Morning (7:00 AM): Ugh. The airport. The fluorescent lights. The soul-sucking beige. After a night of maybe sleeping on the plane, I battled my luggage through a sea of (mostly polite) Japanese people. First impressions? Efficient. Terrifyingly so.

• Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Train to Hakone! The scenery? STUNNING. Literally jaw-dropping. But me? I'm too busy wrestling with the vending machine trying to get a coffee that doesn't taste like rusty pennies, and then I find out that the train is already late. I'm already exhausted.

• Lunch (12:00 PM-ish): I find (barely) a small shop. I order something that seems safe. The food is… an explosion of umami I'm not sure I can handle. The miso soup, however? I could drink it by the gallon. In fact, I did. Slightly. I slurped. Judge me. I don't care.

• Afternoon (2:00 PM): Arrive at Shinanoki Ichinoyu! The traditional rooms are beautiful. Like, seriously. The sliding paper doors, the tatami mats, the view… it’s all postcard perfect. And then I realize… I can't possibly work that toilet. Or the controls for the air conditioning. Or probably anything. I end up calling a very patient woman from front desk who comes to show me. It was embarrassing, but also, in a way, a bonding experience with the hotel.

• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): The Onsen. The public bath. I'd been warned. I'd researched. But nothing, nothing, prepared me for the sheer existential awkwardness of being naked in front of strangers who seemed utterly unfazed. I took a deep breath. Walked in. And then spent the next hour awkwardly trying to figure out how to sit in the water without drowning. Did I remember to wash properly? Did I splash too much? Did I stare? Definitely.

• Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. Multi-course Kaiseki feast. Tiny plates. Exquisite flavors. Some things I adored. Others? Let's just say my taste buds were on a serious adventure. I ate everything. I mean, everything, even if I wasn't sure what it was. I have no regrets. I tried it! The service was impeccable, the presentation artful, the atmosphere serene. I then crashed into the bed.

Day 2: Hiking, History, and a Near-Disaster

• Morning (8:00 AM): Wake up. Sunlight streaming through the paper doors. Feeling surprisingly human. Until I try to turn on the water and I somehow mess it up and spray water all over the floor.

• Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Hiking time! I bravely set off on the trail. The views were unparalleled. The air crisp and clean. The only problem? My sense of direction. Or, lack thereof. Ended up walking in circles, getting lost, and wondering if I was slowly dehydrating and heading into the forests.

• Lunch (12:00 PM): Eventually, I stumbled upon a small, local cafe. Everything was in Japanese (duh). But, the atmosphere was cozy, and the lady serving me smiles at me, as I attempt to order by pointing at things.

• Afternoon (2:00 PM): Hakone Open-Air Museum! I love it. The art is amazing. I spend far too long staring at a giant sculpture that seems to be made of… giant metal butterflies. I laugh so loudly I am sure everyone looks at me.

• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): The Lake Ashi cruise. Spectacular. The sky reflected the water. The breeze cooled my face. For a moment, I forgot everything. The crowds. The exhaustion. The near-disaster. Just peace… and the faint smell of diesel from the boat.

• Evening (7:00 PM): Another delicious dinner! More amazing food! This time, the server seemed to recognize me. We exchanged awkward smiles. I feel a little bit like a local.

• Late Evening (9:00 PM): I decide to take another bath in the onsen, because I'm on vacation. This time, much less awkward, and, dare I say, relaxing.

Day 3: Farewell, Hakone! (and a Sigh of Relief)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Last breakfast! I eat slowly, savoring every bite… and the fact that I made it through.

• Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Check out. I leave a small tip and a thank you note. I am pretty sure the wonderful staff I bothered are overjoyed to see me go. I already miss the view.

• Late Morning (10:00 AM): Train to the airport. (Not late this time!)

• Afternoon (1:00 PM): The plane. Goodbye, Hakone. Hello, home.

Final Thoughts:

Shinanoki Ichinoyu Hakone was… an experience. Breathtakingly beautiful, utterly disorienting, and filled with moments of both sublime joy and sheer, unadulterated panic. It's a trip I'll never forget. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Except maybe a translator app that actually works. 10/10. Would do it again. Probably. Eventually. When I've recovered.

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Shinanoki Ichinoyu Hakone Japan

Hakone's Hidden Gem: Shinanoki Ichinoyu - The Unvarnished Truth (and Maybe a Little Bit of Magic)

Okay, spill the tea. Is Shinanoki Ichinoyu *really* all it's cracked up to be? I see the Instagram pics...

Alright, alright, settle down, Instagram perfectionists. Look, the hype is real, BUT... it’s not the airbrushed reality you see online. Shinanoki Ichinoyu? It's a *vibe*. It's like, imagine stepping back in time, but with seriously comfortable futons. Okay, so the food... I had this *incredible* tofu dish, I swear it was like, the most flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth cloud I’ve ever encountered. And the onsen? Forget your perfectly manicured spa experiences. This is raw, natural, and the water feels... alive. Seriously. It's that good.

What kind of "vibe" are we talking? Is it all zen gardens and hushed whispers? Because honestly, I'm terrible at zen.

Zen is a suggestion, not a requirement. Honestly, the vibe is more like... comfy chaos. There's the occasional giggle from a shared hot spring. The chatter of a family, and the kids with their pure energy. My stay involved a loud, boisterous group who were having their dinner, which I later realized was just adding to the experience. There's the crinkle of paper lanterns, the clinking of sake cups, the gentle murmur of conversation in Japanese... it's a living, breathing kind of tranquility. And yes, the gardens are gorgeous, but I spent more time wandering around in my yukata, feeling a bit lost and slightly disoriented, and loving it. It was a good blend of peace and not-perfect-ness.

Let's talk rooms. Are we roughing it, or is it at least *somewhat* luxurious?

Okay, luxury is relative. My room wasn’t some massive suite with a private onsen. It was a super cozy Japanese-style room – tatami mats, sliding paper doors, the whole shebang. The futon was surprisingly comfortable, and I slept like a rock. There was a private bathroom, which I was especially thankful for, though it wasn’t exactly a marble palace. It was clean, it was functional, and honestly, that’s all I needed. Think of it more as a comfortably curated experience than a five-star experience.

The onsen. *Please* tell me about the onsen. I'm a total onsen newbie.

The onsen, oh the *onsen*. Buckle up, buttercup, because this is where the magic really happens. Okay, so, first things first: nudity is mandatory. Don't panic! Embrace it! The public outdoor bath... oh my god. The steam, the crisp mountain air, the feeling of the warm water on your skin... It's pure bliss. The water itself felt incredibly clean, and it had that slightly sulfurous smell that lets you *know* it's doing you good. Pro-tip: try to time it so you're soaking as the sun is setting. The colors in the sky... *chef's kiss*. And the feeling of the cold wind hitting your face... and the hot water... it felt like I'd been completely reborn. The communal bath was a fantastic experience!

OK, food. They always talk about "traditional Japanese cuisine." Does it actually taste good? I'm a picky eater.

Okay, here’s the deal. "Traditional Japanese cuisine" can be intimidating. But, at Shinanoki Ichinoyu, it's an adventure. I'm not even going to lie, there WAS a little bit that was, let's say, *challenging*. The, um, fermented bean dish? Let's just say I "experienced" it. But the majority of the food? Absolutely delicious. I mentioned the tofu already, right? Pure heaven. They also had incredible fresh fish, perfectly cooked tempura, and some of the best rice I've ever tasted. I also got to eat a small plate of tempura veggies, that was absolutely incredible. Is it worth the risk of trying food you're not sure about? Absolutely. You might discover your new favorite dish! Or, you might just spend a lot of time staring at your plate. Either way, it's part of the experience.

Is it a good place to take kids? What about solo travelers?

Honestly? It's great for both. I saw a family with two adorable kids who were clearly loving it. They ran around a bit, played in the gardens, and seemed perfectly comfortable. The staff is remarkably accommodating. Now, for solo travelers, like myself... it’s *perfect*. You can relax in the onsen at your own pace, people-watch if you're so inclined—I admit I did—and generally just recharge your batteries. It's a very safe, comfortable environment. You might end up chatting with some other guests, or you might just blissfully keep to yourself. Both options are totally fine! It was a fantastic experience for a solo trip.

How do I even *get* to Shinanoki Ichinoyu? Is it a trek?

Getting there is part of the fun! Hakone is fairly accessible from Tokyo. You can take the train, which then turns into the Hakone Ropeway. The Hakone Ropeway itself is a must-do – the views are incredible, especially if you're lucky enough to see Mt. Fuji! The Ryokan is a short bus ride away from the ropeway's final stop. Ask the staff for details. They're used to helping bewildered visitors! Getting lost is part of the adventure though, right? I *may* have wandered off the bus for a bit, enjoying the crisp mountain air, before realizing I was, shall we say, *slightly* off course. No regrets!

What’s the biggest downside? What’s the *truth*?

Okay, here’s the unvarnished truth. The biggest downside? The price. It's not dirt cheap. It’s a special occasion kind of place. It's an investment. Additionally, since it is an older facility, it may lack some of the modern amenities you might be used to.

Is it worth it? Should I book it RIGHT NOW?

Ugh, yes. Absolutely. Even with the potentially challenging fermented food, the slightly dated decor, and the price tag, yes. I mean it. I'm already planning my return trip. It's more than just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a break from the noise,Rest Nest Hotels

Shinanoki Ichinoyu Hakone Japan

Shinanoki Ichinoyu Hakone Japan

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