Around Tokyo - The Rough Guide to Tokyo - page 222

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE HAKONE

By train Most people visit Hakone aboard the Odakyū-line
train from Shinjuku, using one of the company's excellent-
value travel passes (see box opposite). The basic trains
terminate in Odawara ( খాݪ ), but for ¥870 extra one-
way you can take the more comfortable “Romance Car”,
which goes directly from Shinjuku through to Hakone-
Yumoto (1hr 30min). If you're using a JR rail pass (see p.22),
the fastest route is to take a Shinkansen to Odawara, from
where you should transfer to an Odakyū train or bus into

the national park area.
By bus The Odakyū express bus (¥1950) from Shinjuku
bus terminal will get you to Hakone in a couple of hours.
Buses stop first at Hakone-Yumoto, then Moto-Hakone,
then the Prince hotel (see below) and finally Tōgendai.
It's also possible to visit by bus from the Fuji Five Lakes area,
in which case you'll enter Hakone through Sengokuhara to
the north, passing through the major town of Gotemba;
passes will save you money (see box opposite).

INFORMATION
Tourist of ce You can pick up a map of the area and plenty
of other information at the very friendly tourist of ce (daily
9am-5.45pm; T 0460 85 5700, W hakone.or.jp), which is

across the street from Hakone-Yumoto station, in the
buildings at the bus terminal.

ACCOMMODATION
Excellent transportation links allow you to stay pretty much anywhere in the national park and still get around easily.
There's a good range of budget options and some top-grade ryokan that are well worth splashing out on, as well as the
Fujiya Hotel , certainly one for heritage buffs.

ASHINO KO
Moto-Hakone Guesthouse ݩശࠜήετϋ΢ε 103
Moto-Hakone T 0460 83 7880, W motohakone.com.
Simple guesthouse a short bus ride (get off at Ashinokoen-
mae) or stiff 10min walk uphill from Moto-Hakone village.
The reward for the journey is spotless Japanese-style rooms
(all twins, no doubles) and extremely friendly service - a
cup of coffee will be plonked in fr ont of y ou in no time at all.
Breakfast costs ¥840 per person. ¥6250 per person
The Prince Hakone βϓϦϯεശࠜ 144 Moto-Hakone
T 0460 83 1111, W princehotels.com. This hotel boasts
a prime location on the Komaga-take side of Ashino-ko,
and a multitude of facilities, including access to an outdoor
hot bath with a view of the lake. Renovations have seen all
rooms m odernized, with the addition of new suite rooms.
¥20,000

the largest rooms in Hakone and elegant facilities, including
a lounge, two restaurants and the Izumi onsen spa. There
are even dog-friendly stone-floored for oms for g uests who
can't bear to be parted from their pooch. ¥30,000

20

HAKONE YUMOTO
Ì Hoeiso ๛ӫ૳ 227 Yumotochaya T 0460 83 1111,
W hoeiso.jp. Hugely atmospheric ryokan that's by far the
best place to stay in the wider Hakone-Yumoto area. It's
almost next door to the Tenzan Notemburo (see p.219),
though you won't need it since there are excellent bathing
facilities on site, including outdoor pools with a river
view. Pheasant often features in the superlative evening
meals, ta ken in their large and strikingly beautiful rooms.
¥37,000

MIYANOSHITA
Fujiya Hotel ෋࢜԰ϗςϧ 359 Miyanoshita T 0460
82 2211, W fujiyahotel.co.jp. The first Western-style
hotel in Japan, the Fujiya is a living monument to a more
glamorous era of travel, and boasts lots of Japanese
touches, including traditional gardens and decorative
gables like those you find in temples. The plush 1950s-style
decor is retro-chic and the rooms are good value, especially
from Sunday to Friday , when foreign guests qualify for a
cheaper rate. ¥16,000
Hakone Ginyu ശࠜۛ༡ 100-1 Miyanoshita T 0460
82 3355, W hakoneginyu.co.jp. Outstanding luxury
ryokan, where guests are assured maximum comfort. The
views across the valley are stunning and the interiors are a
tasteful blend of old and new. Huge hinoki wood tubs on
private v erandas are a major plus. Rate includes two meals.
¥68,000

CHŌKOKU NO MORI
Chōraku ௕ָ 53 Chōkoku-no-Mori T 0460 82 2192.
This appealing, modern ryokan has simple tatami rooms,
onsen baths and a friendly man ager who speaks a little
English. Rate includes two meals. ¥15,000

GORA
Gōra Kadan ڧཏՖஃ 1300 Gōra T 0460 82 3331,
W gorakadan.com. One of Hakone's most exclusive
ryokans is the stuff of legend, which means you might have
to wait an eternity to secure a reservation. Expect beautiful
tatami rooms, antiques, exquisite meals and a serene
atmosphere. Rate includes two meals. ¥100,000
Hyatt Regency Hakone ϋΠΞοτϦʔδΣϯγʔശࠜ
1320 Gōra T 0460 82 2000, W hakone.regency.hyatt
.com. This slickly designed hotel is a treat, offering some of