• Brief description: Hakone is in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is very famous for its hot springs and landscapes. Sleeping at one of its Ryokans is an experience you will never forget as it involves being immersed 100% in Japanese culture. Upon arrival, you will immediately be given your kimonos and clogs, in which you can walk around the whole enclosure. The rooms are a place for rest and relaxation where dinner is served, dish-by-dish, according to a ritual you will love. The dining room is turned into a bedroom in a matter of minutes when the futons are set up. The best part, however, is definitely the bathroom ritual. Next to the showers are some wooden stools. Sit on them, beside a small bowl full of water. Immerse the towel given to you upon entering in the water and let it run all over you. The Japanese also use them to apply soap. You are now ready to relax completely in the thermal baths (without either clothes or a towel!). Our Ryokan Smart Choice has both outdoor and indoor baths (we definitely recommend the outdoor baths!). If you want to bathe as a couple, you will need to reserve a room with a private bathroom, as others are single-sex.
• How to get there: take the metro or train to Shinjuku station (15 min - 180¥). From there, go to Odakyu Railways and buy a 2-day Hakone Free Pass. It costs 6.100¥ and includes a return trip to Hakone, and unlimited usage of all means of transport in Hakone (you can also buy this ticket online at Klook). Take Odakyu's train to Hakone Yumoto.