Uncover Hakone's Hidden Gem: Tounosawa Ichinoyu Honkan - Your Dream Escape Awaits!

Tounosawa Ichinoyu Honkan Hotel Hakone Japan

Uncover Hakone's Hidden Gem: Tounosawa Ichinoyu Honkan - Your Dream Escape Awaits!

Uncover Hakone's Hidden Gem: Tounosawa Ichinoyu Honkan – My Hakone Hideaway or Bust! (A Messy, Honest Review with a Touch of Obsession)

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to gush, rant a little, and maybe shed a tear or two over Tounosawa Ichinoyu Honkan, the supposed "hidden gem" that's been whispering sweet nothings in my ear about a Hakone escape. I’ve been chasing this place since I saw a picture of their onsen with a view and honestly, I’m still not sure if it's a dream or reality. (Spoiler alert: It IS real, and it's probably better than you're currently imagining.)

Let's get one thing straight: I'm not a professional reviewer. I'm just a regular human who craves a good bath, a decent cup of coffee, and a total escape from the daily grind. And Tounosawa Ichinoyu Honkan? It promises all of that. Let's dive in, shall we? (Warning: This might get a little…enthusiastic.)

First Impressions and Getting There: The Accessible Angle (and a Little Reality Check!)

Alright, so, Accessibility. HUGE deal for me, especially now that I'm getting older and my idea of a "vacation" doesn't involve scaling Mount Everest (anymore – used to be a thing, don't judge). The good news? Ichinoyu Honkan has some serious consideration for accessibility. Elevator? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Double check. They even boast facilities for disabled guests. Praise the heavens. I'm talking about CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property. That gives you a sense for how seriously they take it. Car park [free of charge]! Amazing. They offer car park [on-site]. They go above and beyond.

Here's a little (and I mean little) reality check: Hakone is mountainous. Getting there involves trains, buses, and potentially a taxi. The hotel itself might be a bit of a trek from the main transport hubs, so make sure you plan your route. They do offer airport transfer and taxi service, which is a definite bonus. Think of it as part of the adventure, not just the destination.

The Rooms: Your Personal Sanctuary (Potentially with a View That Will Make You Weep)

Okay, let's talk about the rooms. Now, I didn’t stay in every single room, but from what I could gather from the photos (and the slightly obsessive research I did before booking), they're… lovely. Seriously. They offer a range of rooms, from the traditional Japanese style to more modern options.

What they all seem to have in common: Air conditioning, Air conditioning, Complimentary tea, Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.

Oh, AND On-demand movies (because, priorities).

But here’s where things get interesting. The rooms also have Interconnecting room(s) available. And I’m betting a few of them offer something even more special: views. The kind of views that make you want to sit on the floor, cross-legged, and meditate on the sheer beauty of the world. (Or just Instagram it, let's be honest.)

Seriously, I’m dreaming of a room with a view. I need that. I need that window, that open space, and that feeling of being utterly, gloriously removed from reality. Hotel Chain is a plus for me. Couple's room? Yes please. Non-smoking rooms? A necessity.

The Onsen Experience: My Personal Nirvana (Seriously, I'm Still Recovering)

Okay, here’s where I truly lost it. The Spa, the Sauna, the Spa/sauna, Steamroom… but specifically, the Pool with view… I'm trying to find the right words here. It's… transformative. Healing. Life-affirming.

Imagine this: you're soaking in a hot onsen, the steam rising, the air crisp, and you're looking out at the mountains. The colors, the sounds, the whole damn experience is just… bliss.

I'm not going to lie, I spent a significant portion of my time in that Swimming pool [outdoor]. And the indoor one too, I’m not even gonna lie. The Foot bath? Heaven. I'm not sure how many times I went in the onsen, but if I could have, I would have moved in.

This alone is reason enough to book this place. The rest is gravy.

Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Happy Hour!)

Let's talk Dining, drinking, and snacking.

The hotel offers a variety: Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Breakfast service, Breakfast [buffet], A la carte in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Bottle of water. My stomach is rumbling.

I remember the Breakfast [buffet] well. All manner of deliciousness. They also have Happy hour, which is always a plus, and a Bar! I’m also a sucker for a good coffee shop, and a poolside bar sounds like a dream.

Hygiene, Safety, and Peace of Mind (Because We're in a Pandemic, People)

Okay, let's get serious for a sec. Cleanliness and safety is paramount these days. Here's where Ichinoyu Honkan shines:

• Anti-viral cleaning products. Check.
• Daily disinfection in common areas. Check.
• Hand sanitizer. Check.
• Rooms sanitized between stays. Check.
• Safe dining setup. Check.
• Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Check.
• Staff trained in safety protocol. Check.
• Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Check.
• Individually-wrapped food options. Check.
• First aid kit. Check.
• Doctor/nurse on call. check.
• Sterilizing equipment. Check.
• Cashless payment service. Check.

They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available… which is a nice touch.

They take it seriously, and that's a huge relief.

Services and Conveniences: Above and Beyond (Or Just the Essentials?)

They offer a decent range of Services and conveniences:

• Air conditioning in public area: Yep.
• Concierge: Always a plus.
• Cash withdrawal: Useful.
• Currency exchange: Good for international travelers.
• Daily housekeeping: Essential.
• Doorman: Makes you feel fancy.
• Dry cleaning: Helpful.
• Elevator: Necessary.
• Facilities for disabled guests: Awesome.
• Food delivery: Useful for a midnight snack.
• Gift/souvenir shop: For the obligatory trinkets.
• Ironing service: Because wrinkles are unacceptable.
• Laundry service: Essential.
• Luggage storage: A lifesaver.
• Safety deposit boxes: For peace of mind.
• Terrace: Nice for a quiet moment.
• Xerox/fax in business center: Because, business.

Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Beyond the Onsen (If You Can Pull Yourself Away)

Okay, so the onsen is the star of the show. But what else?

• Body scrub - Intriguing
• Body wrap - I'm in.
• Fitness center - Sure, why not?
• Gym/fitness - Fine.
• Massage - YES.
• Sauna - YES!
• Spa - More YES!
• Steamroom - Even more YES!
• Swimming pool - I'll see you there.
• Shrine - Cool.

For the Kids (Babysitters and Families):

*

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Tounosawa Ichinoyu Honkan Hotel Hakone Japan

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is me, about to descend upon the legendary Ichinoyu Honkan in Hakone, Japan, and you, my friends, get to come along for the glorious, gloriously messy ride.

Hakone Hustle: An Itinerary of Utterly Unrealistic Expectations and Delightful Disasters

Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ramen Regret (Plus, Maybe the Hot Springs Won't Be Terrible!)

• 6:00 AM (ish) - Narita Airport: The Great Luggage Scramble. Look, I'm a person of priorities. Coffee is number one. Finding the luggage carousel that isn't perpetually broken is a close second. Pray for me, because I inevitably overestimate my packing skills, and I'm pretty sure I've overpacked even for a zombie apocalypse.
• 8:00 AM - Narita to Hakone (Via Train): The Sleep-Deprived Shuffle. Okay, let's be honest, I'll probably be drooling on my fellow passengers by the time we're boarding the bullet train. Aiming for a "Zen" experience gazing out at the Japanese countryside. More likely: desperately battling jet lag and wishing I'd invested in a neck pillow that doesn't scream "cheap, desperate tourist".
• 11:00 AM - Odawara Station: Destination: Hakone! I'm going to navigate this transfer like a PRO. Yeah, right. I foresee myself wandering aimlessly, asking for directions in mangled Japanese, and potentially accidentally boarding a train to… I don't even know where. Somewhere scenic, though, probably.
• 12:00 PM - Tounosawa, Ichinoyu Honkan: Check-in and the Kimono Quandary. Okay, this is it. The real deal. I'm picturing serene tranquility, maybe some gentle harp music in the background. The reality? I'll probably struggle with the language barrier, the kimono will be a fashion disaster (I'm already envisioning getting it hopelessly tangled), and I'll be praying for a friendly face to help me avoid looking like a total klutz.
• 1:00 PM - Lunch Disaster (Ramen Edition). Okay, so, I was certain I could find a ramen place on my own. Ambitious? Maybe. Stupid? Probably. I'm expecting a transcendent bowl of noodle perfection. I'll likely end up wandering into a tourist trap, ordering something I can't pronounce, and somehow getting broth all over myself. Send help (and napkins).
• 3:00 PM - The Onsen: A Leap of Faith (and Possibly Humiliation). This is the moment I've been both dreading and anticipating. The onsen experience. I'm picturing myself: graceful, serene, effortlessly gliding into the steaming water. The truth? I'm worried about accidentally flashing everyone, struggling with the whole "naked in public" thing, and probably shrieking at the water being too hot (or too cold). But, you know, YOLO. Or, you know, maybe in this case, "YOLO if you want to survive jet lag."
• 6:00 PM - Dinner at Ichinoyu Honkan : Anticipation and the Art of Chopsticks Okay, dinner. I'm hoping it's better than the ramen. I have high hopes for Japanese food and I'm still pretty much a chopstick novice. I will try to at least maintain some level of decorum, but I can't promise the food won't end up on my face. The ambiance will be elegant, the food should be delightful, and I'll be silently judging anyone who's louder than me.
• 8:00 PM - The Nightcap (Probably Green Tea): I'll try to be all Zen and calm and peaceful. My brain will be too wired from the day to handle a relaxing experience. But I'll be trying!

Day 2: Hakone's Hordes, the Art Museum Angst, and the View That Almost Made Me Cry.

• 8:00 AM - Breakfast Battle: I'm hoping for a delicious Japanese breakfast but will be happy with coffee. I'm picturing myself trying to figure out how to eat all the tiny, perfectly arranged dishes without looking like a caveperson.
• 9:00 AM - Hakone Ropeway: Heights and Hysteria: The Hakone Ropeway! Supposedly, gorgeous views of volcanic hot springs! Secretly, I'm afraid of heights, and I'm picturing myself clinging to my seat and hyperventilating the entire time. I'm going to try to focus on the scenery, but mainly I'll be praying the cable doesn't snap.
• 10:00 AM - Lake Ashi Cruise: Picturesque and Possibly Seasick: The gorgeous lake! The iconic red torii gate! The gentle rocking of the boat! The potential for me to turn a lovely shade of green! I'm prepared (sort of) with ginger candy. Pray for me.
• 12:00 PM - The Hakone Open-Air Museum: Art and… Mosquitoes? I love art, but I also despise mosquitoes. I'm hoping the art will distract me from the inevitable onslaught of buzzing, biting insects. I’ll fake my way through appreciation for modern sculpture while surreptitiously swatting.
• 2:00 PM - Late lunch in Hakone Town: The Mystery Meal. Gotta find somewhere to eat lunch again! I hope I don't make any mistakes.
• 4:00 PM - The Impressive mountain view: Time stop. I walk near the the mountains and I just stop and stare. I won't move for a while. I am emotionally exhausted.
• 6:00 PM - Second Dinner at Ichinoyu: The Sushi Showdown. Sushi! It's an art form! I'll have to fake a lot of knowledge. I'll try not to embarrass myself.
• 8:00 PM - Evening onsen time. Maybe I'll have gotten over my fear by now.
• 9:00 PM - Sleep. Maybe.

Day 3: Farewell, Hakone (and the Laundry I Forgot to Do)

• 8:00 AM - Breakfast and the Final Kimono Struggle: One last attempt to gracefully navigate the breakfast spread. And then, the dreaded task of getting out of that kimono. I'm already anticipating a struggle.
• 9:00 AM - Hakone Souvenir Shopping: The Panic Sets In. I'm terrible at souvenirs. I'll wander around aimlessly, buy a bunch of stuff I don't need (and probably some that break immediately), and then regret it all when I see the bill. (But I'll get a souvenir, I promise!)
• 11:00 AM - Check Out and the Train Back to Reality: A bittersweet farewell. Okay, time to leave this paradise. Maybe I'll have learned some Japanese. Maybe I'll have conquered my fear of onsen. Maybe I won't have lost all my money. The train ride back to Tokyo will be a mixture of sadness that it's over and joy to return to my bed.
• After: Life.

Stuff That Will Probably Happen (Because I Know Myself):

• I will lose something important.
• I will get lost. Frequently.
• I will embarrass myself in some spectacularly awkward way.
• I will overpack. (Did I mention that already?)
• I will eat too much.
• I will not speak fluent Japanese.
• I will love every messy, imperfect, utterly human moment.

This, my friends, is not a travel itinerary. It's a promise. A promise of adventure, of mishaps, of laughter, and of a whole lot of "what-was-I-thinking?" moments. I can't wait. Wish me luck! (You'll need it.)

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Tounosawa Ichinoyu Honkan Hotel Hakone Japan

Uncover Hakone's Hidden Gem: Tounosawa Ichinoyu Honkan - Your Dream Escape REALLY Awaits! (Mostly)

Okay, spill the tea! Is Ichinoyu Honkan REALLY as amazing as the Instagram ads make it look?

Alright, alright, settle down, Insta-lurkers! Let's get real. The photos? Yeah, they're stunning. The reality? Well… it's complicated. Let's just say it's not always a perfectly filtered experience. You're in the mountains, people! There will be… bugs. And potentially, the occasional grumpy guest (I *may* have been one of them after a particularly rough night of jet lag). But, and this is a BIG but… it's pretty darn special. I mean, imagine waking up to the sound of the river, a steaming cup of something delicious, and a view so breathtaking, it almost makes you forget you're a human being currently failing at life. Almost. It's a yes, with a side of "bring bug spray and a sense of humor."

What's the *best* room to book? Don't just tell me about the views, I want the *goss*.

Ooh, getting down to the nitty-gritty, are we? Okay, so the best rooms, let's be honest, are those with the private onsen. No shared soaking sessions with a guy who's, let's say, *overly* enthusiastic about his hairy back. Pure bliss. I was in one of those, and I gotta tell ya… it's life-changing. You can't beat it. Privacy, hot water, a view of the gurgling river… I basically became a prune. The smaller rooms? They're charming, but you do get a bit of that "sharing is caring" vibe in the communal baths. Also, a small warning: some rooms are *loud*. I mean, REALLY loud, because the river's right there. Which is amazing, unless you're a light sleeper. (I'm a light sleeper, as it turned out.)

Those onsen… are they intimidating? I'm a little shy.

Look, I get it. Nakedness in public? Terrifying. That's the thought. But here's the deal – the onsen are *mostly* fine. There's something about the shared experience… you kind of relax. Everyone's in the same (ahem) boat. Just remember the towel etiquette (cover your bits!), and if you're really nervous, go during off-peak hours. I went at like… 7 AM. Practically had the whole place to myself. Bliss again. I’ll be honest though, the first time I did it I was a twitching wreck. I kept wondering if I was supposed to know some secret onsen handshake. Did I look like a tourist idiot? Probably. But after a few dips, you forget about all that and just… soak.

What's the food situation like? Give me the lowdown!

The food, ah, the food. Okay, so, you can choose to have meals included. DO IT. Seriously. The kaiseki dinners are… an experience. Tiny, beautifully presented dishes you're never quite sure how to eat, let alone *what* you're eating. But it’s all part of the fun! I remember one meal, I saw something that looked like a tiny, perfect, shimmering jewel. Turns out, it was a fish egg. I ate it. And it was… surprisingly good. You'll try things you'd never dream of trying at home. And be warned – you might need a second dinner, especially after all that onsen-ing. Pack some snacks!

Okay, alright, what about getting there and out? Is it a logistical nightmare?

Getting there isn't too bad, actually. Hakone is fairly accessible from Tokyo. The train ride is beautiful – especially if you can snag a window seat. The hotel is a bit down a mountain path, though. You might feel like you’re taking a wrong turn, going to a place that doesn't even exist. It's a winding thing! But fear not, the shuttle is free! Pay attention when it comes to your luggage. The hotel staff will help. Just make sure you have your wits about you and remember you're in the mountains. Don't expect Uber Eats, people. Embrace the adventure (and maybe bring a portable charger, because you WILL be taking pictures.)

Anything I should pack that isn't obvious?

Oh, yes. Besides the obvious (toothbrush, passport, sanity), pack these things:

• Bug spray: Seriously. You're in the mountains. They will find you. I got bit about a million times.
• A lightweight robe: The hotel provides yukata, but a robe is handy for nipping out to the onsen.
• Flip-flops or sandals: For getting around the hotel.
• A waterproof bag: For your phone/camera at the onsen!
• Earplugs: If you're noise-sensitive (like me). The river can be LOUD.
• Patience: Things run at a different pace here. Embrace it!
• An open mind: For the food! And trying new things, like not being embarrassed to be naked. (ish)

Tell me your *best* memory of Ichinoyu Honkan... Don't hold back!

Okay, alright. Fine. My *best* memory? Easily, that private onsen. I'd spent the entire day hiking (and nearly getting lost). Soaking in that perfectly hot water, the mist rising from the river, the trees… I actually felt… relaxed. For the first time in months, maybe years, I felt utterly… *okay*. I even managed to turn off my brain, which, as a chronic overthinker, is quite the feat. I sat there, just… breathing. And then, a tiny, perfectly formed snowflake landed on my nose. I kid you not. Like, a movie moment. It was cheesy, it was perfect, and it was exactly what I needed. That single moment made the whole trip worth it. And yes, I’m still gushing about it. Shut up!

If you *had* to change one thing, what would it be?

Hmmm. Okay, tough one. It’s hard to complain, honestly. The staff were lovely, the food was (mostly) amazing, the views… stunning. But if I *had* to nitpick? Maybe some better soundproofing in the rooms would be… appreciated. Or maybe, just maybe, a slightly larger selection of snacks in the little shop. Because oneHotel Near Airport

Tounosawa Ichinoyu Honkan Hotel Hakone Japan

Tounosawa Ichinoyu Honkan Hotel Hakone Japan

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