My Daiichi Takimotokan review for best onsen hotel in Noboribetsu. Experience the largest onsen facilities with different types of hot spring by staying one night in Noboribetsu.
Noboribetsu is a hugely popular onsen town in Hokkaido. There are many hotel spring hot and resort come with in house bath facilities.
During our visit to Noboribetsu, we decided to stay at one of the grandest ryokan for Japanese hot spring experience. The Daiichi Takimotokan is a is a great place to stay in Noboribetsu for onsen experience. It is the largest hot spring resort within Noboribetsu area. Located right at the entrance of Jigokudani or Hell Valley, you can also plan for a visit to the must-see attraction in Noboribetsu.
Read on our stay on Daiichi Takimotokan review. Overall the stay was pretty worth it for the whole experience.
Dai-ichi Takimotokan: Best Onsen Hotel in Noboribetsu
Dai-ichi Takimotokan
Established in 1858, Dai-ichi Takimotokan (第一瀧本館) is the first hot spring Ryokan in Noboribetsu. There are up to 7 types of spa which consist of different minerals composition. Most importantly, the natural hot spring water is very efficient for therapy treatment.
Dai-ichi Takimotokan is known as the best value of money onsen resort in Noboribetsu among locals and foreigners. It is a huge onsen resort with a total of 400 rooms and 35 hot spring baths. You are freely accessible to its hot spring facilities by staying in Dai-ichi Takimotokan. There are even heated pool and kiddie pool with a water slide for kids to enjoy their fun time. Do bring your swimming costumes if you want to go to the pool.
How To Get To Takimotokan From Noboribetsu Station by Donan Bus
There are two bus service will get you from Noboribetsu train station to Dai-ichi Takimotokan. From the station take the Donan bus bound to Ashi-yu Iriguchi (Footbath) or Noboribetsu Onsen direction. More frequent buses will get to onsen town and stop at Noboribetsu Onsen bus stop. From there, you need to walk for 7 minutes to get to Takimotokan.
It depends on your arrival time. Try to get the bus bound for Footbath Entrance as the bus will stop at Dai-ichi Takimotokan bus stop. It is located beside of hotel and only 2 minutes’ distance.
For those who are coming from Sapporo, you can use the shuttle bus service from/to JR Sapporo Station. It is very convenient and cost only cheap 500 yens per person. My return from Noboribetsu to Sapporo is using their shuttle service. Please take note that reservation is required.
Our Stay in Dai-ichi Takimotokan
Jigokudani aka Hell Valley
We continue with our Noboribetsu itinerary after a day trip to Lake Toya. From JR Noboribetsu station, we took a Donan bus and get off at Dai-ichi Takimotokan bus stop. The Dai-ichi Takimotokan is located in front of the bus stop with probably 1 to 2 minutes walking distance. So it’s very convenient even if you’re planning for Hokkaido self-driving trip.
The hotel location is very near Jigokudani Hell Valley. We had a wonderful sightseeing trip and get closer to the geothermal wonder in Noboribetsu. Added, we also made a 30 minutes hike to the Oyunuma Pond and Okunoyu Pond crater lake. We have a great time and ended our hike back to Dai-ichi Takimotokan for the onsen bath before our dinner.
Read on my Noboribetsu itinerary if you are planning on what to do and eat in Noboribetsu.
Our room is in Japanese style with tatami flooring and traditional futon bedding. It is located at South Building and farthest from the onsen. The room is very clean and spacious. As we stayed in the tatami room, the staff will come and arrange the futon when we out for dinner
The hotel itself is huge and dated but well maintained. There are even huge souvenir shop selling Japanese snack and local souvenir inside the hotel complex.
There is a tall gold pillar, called “Oo-Kanabou“. It is the symbol of a hotel located in the main building. There is little music performance with miniature men and ship every one hour start from 7:00 to 23:00.
Onsen Bath Facilities
Note: Photo above from the Dai-ichi Takimotokan website as no photo allow inside the onsen bathroom.
As per introduced earlier, there are many onsen baths from different hot spring sources. While I did not go and court on how many pools in total. But it is relatively huge with different types of hot spring water. I had fun dipping into all of the onsen bath tried out the pools randomly. I preferred the outdoor onsen bath. Each pool with information about the hot water source and medical treatment effects.
There are also complimentary premium shampoo and shower gel available at the bathing area for use. The bath is open 24 hours per day. So I enjoy soaking myself in the pools before and after dinner for the first day. Added, another dip at the next morning before breakfast. My vote for Dai-ichi Takimotokan for the best onsen hotel in Noboribetsu.
Dinner and Breakfast
During check-in, the staff asked about the most convenient time for dinner served. There are two times for the dinner buffet, either 6 pm or 8 pm. We recommended you get the 6 pm one. So that we managed to sneak in more soak time before our buffet dinner and then another one before sleep.
Overall the buffet food was excellent with a wide variety of dishes for both dinner and breakfast. Most importantly, snow crab was served for dinner. It is not cheap for having the snow crab leg even in the Hokkaido. Eat as much as you can.
We had the seafood feast in Dai-ichi Takimotokan. Good range of fresh local food choice and quality is still good. Due to the large group, the dining area is quite crowded. This is something that I do not enjoy. You can opt for kaiseki dinner with a higher cost which served in the room.
While the breakfast, you can choose for western or Japanese breakfast. Of course, we opted for a Japanese breakfast. Many food choices and delicious.
Best Onsen Hotel in Noboribetsu
Overall, it was a pleasant and enjoyable stay at Dai-ichi Takimotokan. The baths at Takimotokan were the most impressive. I very enjoy the hot spring experience in Noboribetsu.
The price for one night stay in this best onsen hotel in Noboribetsu is not cheap. However, if you consider the huge onsen facilities, delicious half board dinner and breakfast with a wide selection of Hokkaido fresh seafood. Staying one night in Dai-ichi Takimotokan worth it.
Hopefully, my Daiichi Takimotokan review did help if you are looking for where to stay in Noboribetsu. It is an onsen paradise for hot spring lovers. I would recommend it to anyone!
The Daiichi Takimotokan is listed in Booking.com. It is popular among the locals and foreigners. Reserved your room as earlier as possible for the best price.
Ultimate one-day Hakone itinerary with Hakone Free Pass. This money-saving pass greatly helps us to plan on what to do and eat in 1-day or 2-days in Hakone.
Located in Kanagawa prefecture, Hakone is a calming onsen town with only 1.5 hours from Tokyo. It is a popular place among locals for a weekend gateway with a hot spring bath. Moreover, Hakone is also extremely popular among visitors to plan a day trip to Hakone when visiting Tokyo. A great place to treat your eyes to amazing views and Japanese culture.
In this Hakone travel blog post, I will explain how to plan your 1-day Hakone itinerary and travel tips. It will cover on transportation guide on how to travel to Hakone from Tokyo with money-saving tips, places to go, what to do, and eat in Hakone. Keep reading!
To save on your travel budget, we highly recommended getting the Hakone Free Pass when planning on a day trip to Hakone. It depends on your Hakone itinerary. You opt for a 2-Day (¥6,100) or 3-day (¥6,500) Hakone Freepass start from Shinjuku Station.
This must-have transportation pass will cover your round trip transportation fee at the discounted rate from Tokyo via Shinkuju station to Hakone. Additionally, it provides unlimited use of buses, trains, boats, cable cars, and ropeway within the Hakone area.
That’s is to say, you are free to access the famous eight transportation rides when getting around in Hakone. Added, Hakone Free Pass also provides a further discount on certain attractions in Hakone. For example restaurants, hot springs, museums, and historical landmarks.
Hakone Travel Tip: If you prefer not to worry about transport and would like to be shown around the site, then a guided tour is the way to go. We recommended the guided tour: Mt Fuji and Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo.
Best Value Transport Pass in Hakone: Enjoy unlimited use of buses, trains, boats, cable cars and ropeway within Hakone area with Hakone Free Pass from Klook. Choose from 2-Days or 3-Days to experience the true vibe of Hakone.
How To Get To Hakone From Tokyo
There is two way to get you to Hakone from Tokyo via Shinjuku. Both transport options are included with Hakone Free Pass. Besides, you are opted for paying an additional ¥1,090 for the panoramic scenic window train with Odakyu Romance Car.
From Shinjuku to Hakone via Odakyu Line The journey alone already takes about 85 minutes to Odawara station. Next, transfer to the Hakone Yuzan train and then get off at Hakone. It is the regular commuter express train with no allocated seats with more stops along the journey.
Pros: Budget option.
Cons: one-time transfer at Odawara Station
Getting to Hakone From Shinkuju with Odakyu Romance Car The hassle-free and most convenient option on how to get to Hakone from Tokyo is Odakyu Romance Car Limited Express. This option required to top up an additional ¥1,200 to ride on Odakyu Romance Car with a seat reservation. The journey takes about 80 minutes from Shinjuku to Hakone Yomoto directly. Added, it rewards you with a big panorama window along the journey.
Pros: Faster and the most convenient way to get to Hakone from Shinkuju directly. Scenic ride with a big panorama window along the journey.
Cons: Need to top up an additional ¥1,200 from Hakone Free Pass.
Hakone Travel Tips: Here’s the link for the Transfer/Fare search on Odakyu Line. The search function includes “Use Limited Express Romancecar” or “Do Not Use Limited Express Romancecar”.
Budget Way To Get To Hakone
How to Hakone from Tokyo? We purchased the Hakone Free Pass from Klook before our Tokyo trip. The redemption process is fast and simple at Odakyu Sightseeing center (Shinkuju Station). However, please take note that the counter is open at 8 a.m. For those who opted for the earliest train to Hakone, you may need to exchange one day before your Hakone day trip.
We decided to take the budget option as the difference between the 2 types of trains was about ¥1,200, 30 mins, and of course the paranoma view. The train is a normal commuter train from Shinkuju to Hakone. It is also very simple with a one-time transfer at Odawara Station.
Getting Around in Hakone
There are 2 ways to make your perfect Hakone itinerary: clockwise and anti-clockwise. All the Hakone main attractions can be covered in a circle trip around Hakone. Most of the top attractions in Hakone that you hardly can’t miss with the round trip journey in Hakone. However, make sure to know where each attraction is located and how to get there. We will introduce the must-see attraction in Hakone and how to get there.
Most people will choose the anti-clockwise direction to start on a day trip in Hakone. This is the most ideal way starting from the Hakone Tozan train to Owakudani and ending with a bus ride back to Hakone Yumoto Station. But you are opted for the clockwise route to beat the crowd.
During our day trip to Hakone, we choose to follow the anti-clockwise direction. We took the early train and arrived at Hakone Yomoto Station in the morning. It was the starting point after 2 hours of train ride from Shinjuku.
From Shinjuku, train to Hakone goes to Odawara (小田原) and in Odawara, changed to another train to get to Hakone-Yumato Station (箱根湯本駅).
How To Plan Your Hakone itinerary (anti-clockwise direction) – A DIY Itinerary:
Start from Hakone Yumoto Station To Gora Station by Hakone Tozan Train. Visit French Garden, Gora Park.
From Gora Station To Sounzan Station by Hakone Cable Car.
Ride the ropeway from Sounzan to Owakudani station. Visit Owakudani Hell Valley.
Continue ropeway ride to Togendai-ko station.
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise in Lake Ashinoko from Togendai-ko to Motohakone-ko.
Pray in Hakone Shrine and stopped by the iconic Torii Gate Floating in Water.
A short stroll on Ancient Cedar Avenue.
Take the Hakone Tozan Bus to Amazake Chaya Tea house.
Enjoy a natural Hot Spring Onsen Bath by staying in the traditional ryokan in Hakone.
Here’s a map from the Hakone Tozan Bus website. Although this is the Hakone Tozan Bus map, we really like this map as it is very informative and easy to read. It gives us a brief idea of the Hakone area and transportation, especially since we took the public transport that was listed here too.
Sound confusing? Check out our Hakone itinerary with a transportation guide and top attractions to visit in Hakone.
Hakone Tozan Train
Most people might be confusing when planning transport when visiting Hakone. Your Hakone day trip itinerary is started once you reach the Hakone Yumoto Station.
From Hakone-Yumoto station, we boarded our first transport with Hakone Freepass: Hakone Tozan Train. It is Japan’s oldest mountain train for about 40 minutes of scenic train ride. The train will pass by many onsen resorts in the Hakone area. We booked our one-night accommodation for our onsen stay here. But we did not stop along the ride and choose to come back after completing the Hakone day trip.
This train went through the mountainous areas of Hakone with a scenic view. Along the journey, there were a couple of switchbacks which makes it a fun ride.
Hakone Yumoto Station To Gora Station by Hakone Tozan Train: Hakone Yomoto, Tonosawa, Ohiradai, Miyonishida, Kowakidani, Chokoku-ni-mori, Gora
French Garden: Gora Park
There is nothing much to see in Gora station. If you have more time, consider visiting Gora Park which is located on the steep slope above Gora Station.
Gora Park is a French-style landscaped park featuring a large fountain and a rose garden. A relaxing place to enjoy the scenery and garden view. We took a quick visit to Gora Park and spend about 20 minutes inside.
How to get to Gora Park Hakone:
Access: 5-minute walk from Gora Station
Operating Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Admission Fee: 500 yen (Free with Hakone Free Pass)
Hakone Tozan Cable Car
Next, we hopped on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car from Gora to Sounzan station. The cable car station is located adjacent to the train station.
Try to stand closer to the window for a better view once in the Tozan cable car. The 10 minutes uphill ride will get you to Hakone ropeway station.
From Gora Station To Sounzan Station by Hakone Cable Car: Koen Kami, Naka Gora, Kami-Gora.
Next, we boarded the Hakone ropeway to get to the peak of Mt. Hakone. The ropeway is an incredible way to enjoy the views of the mountains in Hakone. While the full ropeway ride will take you from Sounzan to Lake Ashi. Instead of getting off at the end of the station, we stopped and get off at Owakudani station.
Hakone Ropeway
From Sounzan to Owakudani and then Togendai-ko station by ropeway: Sounzan, Owakudani, Ubako, Togendai-ko.
Owakudani Hell Valley
Hakone Itinerary – View on Owakudani Hell Valley
The Owakudani Hell Valley (大涌谷) is one of the must-visit attractions in Hakone. It was a volcano valley that erupted three thousand years ago. From far, we can even smell the sulfur in the air.
After coming out of the Owakudani Ropeway Station, you’ll be greeted with a big black egg and a wood mosaic Hello Kitty. You can eat the black egg and enjoy the view of Hell Valley here.
The whole area in Owakudani is now an active volcanic zone, which explains the sulfurous fumes. The view at Owakudani is very serene due to volcanic activities. Also, many thanks to this active volcanic zone, we get to enjoy and experience hot springs at Hakone.
During the clear time, you can have a scenic view of Mt Fuji. Unfortunately, luck on not on our side. The weather was not so good with thick mist and smoke in the air. Although we do not chance on Mt Fuji, the view in Owakudani is still very breathtaking.
Hakone Must-try Kuro-Tamago
Kuro-Tamago is one of the special specialties eaten in Owakudani. These black eggs were dipped and boiled in the natural hot springs water. The reaction of sulfur turned the shell into black color. But it is safe to consume the egg inside. Local belief eating one will extend your life for 7 years. It cost about 500 yen for a set of 5 Kuro-Tamago.
There are a few attractions at the Owakudani. We spend about 1 hour wandering around and enjoying the scenic volcano view.
After this, we continue our ropeway ride to the last station, Togendai-ko. Take note that Owakudani might not be visited due to the increase in volcano activities. Please double-check before your Hakone trip.
How to get to Owakudani:
Access: Get down from Owakudani ropeway station.
Admission Fee: Free
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise: Lake Ashinoko
Reaching Togendai Station, you’ll find yourself on the shores of Lake Ashi. Next, we were ready to board the pirate cruise to cross Lake Ashinoko. This Hakone sightseeing cruise is included in Hakone Free Pass.
Lake Ashi is a volcanic crater lake located at the heart of Hakone. It is one of the famous five lakes in the Fuji-Izu region. During the cruise ride, you can view the floating torii gate of the Hakone shrine from the boat. Again, spot the view of Mouth Fuji when the skies are clear.
The sightseeing cruise from one end of the lake to the other takes roughly 30 minutes. It leaves about 1 to 2 times an hour within three ports. Make sure to check on the boat schedule to plan on your Hakone itinerary.
From Togendai-ko to Motohakone-ko by sightseeing cruise:
Hakone Travel Tips: It is best to plan your meal in Moto-Hakone which is located by Lake Ashi (Ashinoko). This area with the Hakone’s great view where Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji sitting at the end of it.
Hakone Shrine
We next proceeded to Hakone Jinja (Shinto shrine) after getting off at Hakone Motohakone-ko. Located at the shore of Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine is a popular spot to pray for marriage life. It stands at the foot of Mount Hakone and is hidden in the forest. You will need to follow the path with a series of steps that lead you to the main building.
Hakone Shrine is beautiful and sits peacefully surrounded by trees. The original shrine is located at the summit of Komagatake and can be accessed by Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.
How to get to Hakone Shrine:
Access: 5-minute walk from Motohakone-ko
Operating Hours: Always open.
Admission Fee: Free.
Iconic Torii Gate Floating in Water
Don’t forget to stop by the grand Torii gate which is located at the edge of Lake Ashi. It is one of the most iconic symbols of Hakone with a torii gate floating in the water. To get to this famous spot, you’ll need to climb down a flight of stairs to get closer. Remember to wait for the queue to snap a nice photo on this iconic Torri gate in Hakone.
Ancient Cedar Avenue
There was a preserved stone pavement, called Cedar Avenue connected between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-Machi. This Ancient Cedar Avenue was used since the Edo period for travelers getting from Tokyo to Kyoto on foot. It is about 500 meters and lined with tall cedar trees. But you can also walk longer to Hakone Yumoto. We took a stroll to enjoy the Japanese forest in Hakone.
How to get to Ancient Cedar Avenue:
Access: Between Hakone Mochi-ko and Motohakone-ko Boat Pier
Operating Hours: Always open.
Admission Fee: Free.
Amazake Chaya: A Traditional Tea House
Next, we were ready to board the Hakone Tozan bus to proceed on our Hakone one-day itinerary. After spending a few hours sightseeing in Hakone, it’s time to take some rest with a nice cup of traditional tea. Amazake Chaya is a rustic tea house by the roadside, served a cup of warm amazake to travelers since Edo time.
Next to Amazake-chaya (teahouse) is an Old Thatched Wooden Traveller’s Rest House with some exhibits portraying times in the Edo period.
After we took enough photos at the front of the tea house and the wooden rest house, we went inside and feed our tummies.
The popular dish on the menu is Amazake and Chikara-mochi. It was said that the traditional tastes has been unchanged since historical times.
The amazake (甘酒) is made from fermented rice with alcohol-free. While the taste is similar to a sweet malted drink. It was perfectly drunk with their homemade mochi.
Chikara-mochi (力餅) comes in three flavors, which are ‘Isobe’ – soy sauce flavor, ‘kurogoma’ – ‘uguisu’ mixed with black sesame, and ‘uguisu’ – sweet young soybean powder. We only ordered the ‘Isobe’ and ‘uguisu’ to try on.
We have a good rest and then hopped onto the bus to the next destination. Friendly reminder, make sure you are boarding the bus in the correct direction.
How to get to Amazake Chaya Hakone:
Access: Take the Tozan Bus to Hakone Yumoto (2 buses per hour).
Station: Amazake-Jaya bus stop
Operating Hours: 7:00 to 17:30
Must-Do in Hakone Itinerary: Natural Hot Spring Onsen Bath
Lastly, we made our way back to the bus stop to catch the Hakone Tozan Bus. Also included in our pass, the bus took us back to Hakone-Yumoto station. While most of the travelers will end their Hakone 1 day trip itinerary and back to Shinkuju by train. We choose to stay one night in one of the onsen resorts.
Hakone is renowned for its hot spring resort to try on a Japanese traditional stay. Most importantly, overnight in a hot spring hotel will allow you to make use of the onsen facilities. Some hotels even have the facility for an open-air bath where you can enjoy your bath in a serene Japanese garden.
We stayed in Ichinoyu Honkan with indoor and outdoor onsen bath facilities. It is an authentic Japanese ryokan with 100% natural hot spring water from the valley. The best place to experience Japanese culture. Our stay is on a half-board basis. It includes the shabu-shabu dinner and a complimentary traditional Japanese breakfast. Although the price is not cheap but worth it.
Hakone Itinerary with Hakone Free Pass: Worth For Money?
All in all, our visit to Hakone was more than one day with staying in Ichinoyu Honkan. The transportation cost is higher if we purchased each transport ticket separately. The Hakone Free Pass not only greatly saves money but also energy and time to queue for the ticket.
Having the Hakone Freepass for unlimited access to bus, cable car, train in Hakone was even more worth it. If your Hakone itinerary is planning on a round trip journey just like us, make sure to get the Hakone Free Pass.
You can purchase the Hakone Free Pass from Klook and then collect it at Shinjuku station. English speaking staff is available to assist at the counter.
Where To Stay
A day trip to Hakone from Tokyo is a great travel destination. It was an action-packed day with a full itinerary in one day. We feel pretty exhausted by visiting all the must-visit attractions in one day. So it is good for staying one night in Hakone.
It depends on your budget. We highly recommended staying in accommodation with onsen bath facilities with a great view. Below is the best hotel in Hakone if you are looking for where to stay in Hakone.
Ichinoyu Honkan is a traditional ryokan stay in Hakone. The building was established over 380-years ago and registered as a Cultural Heritage. It was located nearby Tonosawa station and easy access by train and bus. Shuttle service is available from Hakone Yumoto Train Station.
Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori is another popular hotel for travelers who looking for a perfect gateway in Hakone. It is an amazing modern hotel with an incredible view and beautiful setting. The highlight of the stay is the awesome onsen facility that included an open-air bath with a lake-side view.
Fukuzumiro is a gorgeous four-star ryokan that sits alongside the Hayakawa river with Japanese rooms decorated in a traditional style that will transport you back in time. It is an old building that was built over 100 years ago but is very well-kept and maintained.
It is possible to complete the Hakone round course action-packed in one day. But we recommended staying one night in a traditional ryokan in Hakone to enjoy the natural hot spring bath.
Is Hakone a day trip from Tokyo?
It required about two hours of a train journey from Tokyo to Hakone, making it one of the perfect day trip from Tokyo.
Is Hakone Free Pass worth it for one day?
Definitely worth it even for one day! It greatly saves on the transportation fee and offers plenty of discounts on entrance fees in Hakone’s attractions.
How much for Hakone Free Pass?
Hakone Free Pass is valid for 2-Day at ¥5,700) or 3-day at ¥6,100 for adults and ¥1,500 yen for children from 6 to 11 years old.
Is Hakone Worth Visiting?
It is worth spending one day in Hakone when you’re in Tokyo. Hakone is the perfect weekend gateway even for locals and is famous for hot springs, natural beauty, and the view across Lake Ashinoko of nearby Mount Fuji.
Continue Read on
Last but not least, hopefully, my Hakone travel blog did help with your Hakone itinerary planning. Happy travel to Hakone. If you need further help to plan your trip, feel free to read below useful tips when traveling the Kanto region.
Looking for the best ryokan hotel stay in Hakone? Read on my review during my one night stay in Ichinoyu Honkan for traditional Ryokan experience with onsen facilities.
Hakone is one of Japan’s famous hot spring town with natural hot spring water. Many locals and visitors are visiting Hakone for weekend gateway. It is ideal to plan on 1-day or 2-days trip to visit the top attraction in Hakone. Most importantly, staying one night in the best hotel in Hakone for relaxing onsen bath.
In fact, I actually spending a lot of time researching on the best hotel in Hakone. The main reason is the accommodation in Hakone generally is very expensive especially those with traditional Ryokan stay.
The Ichinoyu Honkan is a mid-budget onsen hotel in Hakone. It is well known as value for money onsen ryokan in Hakone. So, it is very popular among locals and foreigners when looking for where to stay in Hakone. I am so glad that I managed to book one night stay in Ichinoyu Honkan. A memorable experience for traditional Japanese culture during my visit to Tokyo.
Ichinoyu Honkan
The Ichinoyu is the chain company with up to seven Ryokan within the Hakone area. It is also the hot spring resort pioneer in the Hakone region.
While the Ichinoyu Honkan (一の湯塔ノ沢一の湯本館) is their first origin ryokan founded in 1630. The building itself is a Cultural Heritage for 350 years of history. There are 4 floors at this hotel with a total of 21 Japanese style rooms. Most of the rooms come with a private open-air bath, private panoramic bath. But there are also standard rooms without private bath facilities in the room.
Depends on your budget when choosing your room type. The private open-air bath is the best room type in the Ichinoyu Honkan. Added, you are free to enjoy the natural hot spring bath with a nice view of Hayakawa ravine from the window. There is also a private family bath with reservation required.
Take note that Ichinoyu Honkan is a traditional old-style Ryokan with NO elevator facility in this hotel.
Address: 90 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigara-shimogun, Kanagawa 250-0315, Japan
Tokyo Hotel Tips: When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Tokyo check prices for Tokyo Best Hotel from Booking.com. We found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.
How To Get To Ichinoyu Honkan
The Ichinoyu Honkan is located nearby Tonosawa station and easy access by train and bus.
Getting to Ichinoyu Honkan from Hakone Yumoto by bus:
The best way to get to Ichinoyu Honkan by public transport is by bus. Please take the Hakone tozan bus (bound for Tougendai/桃源台) and get off at (Kami-tonosawa/上塔ノ沢) station. The Ichinoyu Honkan just located within 2 minutes walk once you get off from the bus.
The Hakone Yumoto bus stop is located opposite the train station. You can will need to cross the road in the opposite direction to the bus stop.
Getting to Ichinoyu Honkan from Hakone Yumoto by train:
Another option is getting to Ichinoyu Honkan by Hakone Tozan Train. You need to get off at (tonosawa/塔ノ沢) and then walk for about 5 minutes to get to the hotel. For those carrying with luggage, this definitely not a great idea.
Besides, you also opt for the shuttle bus service run by Hakone Spa Associate at Hakone Yumoto Station. It runs every 30 mins from 14:15 to 17:45 and cost about 100 yen for one ride.
My Stay at Ichinoyu Honkan
Finally, we arrived at Ichinoyu Honkan after one day Hakone itinerary. It was an exhausted trip after changing on different transportation along the journey. And we were so glad that we planned on one night stay in Hakone.
We took the bus from Hakone Yumoto station and get off at (Kami-tonosawa/上塔ノ沢) bus station. Be careful and make sure to get off at the correct bus station. The hotel is located on the hillside and you need to walk if miss the bus stop.
A welcome card with hotel guests were write outside the building. And our name was on it. I feel so warm with this nice arrangement.
Traditional Japanese Tatami Futon
Warm welcome from the friendly staff once we stepped in. We done checked into Ichinoyu Honkan for one night stay. Added, we also reserved our dinner time and private bath.
The room is fairly spacious with a pretty simple design. It is a traditional Japanese room separated by a sliding door into two sections.
The dining area is covered by tatami mat with Japanese table. Complimentary Japanese mochi with green tea were placed on the table.
The mochi taste was not too bad. You can purchase it at the kiosk on the ground floor if you want to eat more.
As this is a Japanese room, this means sleeping on the futon on the floor. Our futon beds were set up when we returned back to the room after dinner.
Onsen Bath with Natural Hot Spring Water
Another section is the resting area equipped with a sofa set for 2 persons. Open the sliding door from the side, the private open-air hot spring bath is facing the Hayakawa river.
The bath is not too big and enough to fit for one person. Enjoy the natural environment with river flowing sound during bath time.
Although our room has a private bath, you can also opt to enjoy the public onsen bathroom on the ground floor. The public bathroom will be exchange between male and female at the next day. So that you can enjoy two different bath during your stay.
Added, we also reserved the private family hot spring bath during check-in. It is another private hot spring experience with your family during our stay in Ichinoyu Honkan. The bathroom is very spacious with a marble floor. The hot spring water is hot enough but i still prefer enjoy the bath with the natural environment in my room.
But it is still good to try on different bath facilities during our stay.
Dining in Ichinoyu Honkan
Our stay in Ichinoyu Honkan Hakone is on a half board basis where dinner and breakfast is included in our room rate.
We had some rest inside the room. Next, it’s time for our dinner. The dinner course was so nice with various dishes to serve. It came with an appetizer, pickles, rice, shabu-shabu with pork sliced and vegetables. We had a satisfying dinner in Ichinoyu Honkan. You also add on side orders such as sashimi boat, steamboat fish with additional charge. Advance reservation required.
At the next morning, breakfast was served at the same restaurant on the 4th floor. It is a complimentary traditional Japanese breakfast during our stay. There are dried Japanese Horse Mackerel, onsen Tamago, pork miso soup with steamed rice and pickles.
We very satisfied our dinner and breakfast in Ichinoyu Honkan Hakone.
Best Ryokan Stay in Hakone: Ichinoyu Honkan
Hopefully, my Ichinoyu Honkan review can give you some idea if you are looking for the best ryokan hotel in Hakone. Ichinoyu Honkan is one of the best stays I had in Japan. The view, the food, and the hospitality service.
Although Ichinoyu Honkan can be considered one of the best budget onsen hotels in Hakone, it comes with quite a hefty price. But don’t forget our stay was on half board basic where dinner and breakfast were included. So it is still well worth the money. In short, we enjoyed the Ryokan stay experience in Ichinoyu Honkan a lot.
Renting a car for self-driving in Japan is the best way to explore its sightseeing attraction, especially in Kyushu, Hokkaido, Nagano, and Takayama. Here are our tips for renting a car in Japan to help with your Japan self-driving road trip itinerary.
I am back in Japan again. Japan is an addictive country and I keep planning my next Japan trip once back to my home country. Instead of getting around by public transport, this time I will rent a car and self-driving in Japan to explore the stunning beauty of Hokkaido with my family.
Self-driving in Japan gives you the chance to explore the place at your own pace. It is best to plan a self-driving to Kyushu, Hokkaido, Nagano, or Takayama for its natural sights. Although traveling around by public transport is doable, it is best to plan for a self-driving itinerary due to lesser public transportation.
In this travel guide, I will provide tips on how to rent a car and drive in Japan! Our car rental was rented through RentalCars from Booking.com with the best price guarantee. Continue reading the tips for renting a car in Japan. Added, a separate travel post will be a document on how to pick up my rental car on Hokkaido self-driving trip. Stay tuned!
Overall the transportation system in Japan is well connected by shinkansen, train, highway buses, and even local buses. However, certain amazing attractions can’t be accessed by public transport. Or some are limited with only 1 or 2 buses per day. So, having your car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace.
I am highly recommended to rent a car to Kyushu, Hokkaido, Nagano, and Takayama. These places are hard to get there by public transport. It is very ideal for planning a self-driving trip when traveling with kids or the elderly. Additionally, you have the freedom to plan and change your itinerary during your trip. Sometimes the travel budget can be even cheaper for group travelers and families.
Best Place For Self Driving in Japan
Driving in Japan Village
Again we highly recommended renting a car to Kyushu, Hokkaido, Nagano, and Takayama. Besides, Okinawa is also another good option to plan on a self-driving itinerary. Those places are very suitable for self-driving in Japan for laid-back holiday trips. Generally, you don’t need to self-driving if you are getting to Japan’s bustling city areas such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The transportation system is well connected with the subway, local, and JR train systems. Added, the parking fee in the city area is not cheap.
Chubu Region (Takayama, Shirakawago, Hirayu Onsen, Kanazawa)
Nagano and Kamikochi
We try to self-driving in Hokkaido and it was truly enjoyable. We can travel at our own pace as we were traveling together with our parents. So it is a better option for us and we were free to adjust our schedule and time. Besides, the transportation fee is also cheaper after the divide instead of getting the JR Pass separately.
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Tips For Renting a Car in Japan
Driving in Japan City
There are a few important things to do if you are planning for driving in Japan:
International Drivers Permit
Choosing your rental car
Car Rental Price
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
GPS Navigation System
What are ETC and Highway Pass
International Drivers Permit
For foreigners driving in Japan, you must possess a valid International Drivers Permit (IDP) issued under the Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva. This is mandatory and can be applied from your home country.
Besides, there are exceptions for seven countries such as Taiwan, Switzerland, Slovenia, Germany, France, Belgium, and Monaco. You can drive in Japan with your original driving license accompanied by its Japanese translation document. This document is required translated by a legally authorized person such as the embassy and consulate.
Make sure to bring the above requirement document and passport to the rental car company. You will be asked for it when picking up your car rental. Additionally, you will also need a credit card for payment upon picking up your rental car. Generally, no cash or debit card.
Choosing Your Car Rental
Budget Rent A Car
To be honest, I am not too much worry about the car rental company in Japan. For sure the company will provide the best service as advertised. This is the best part of visiting Japan. So, the only requirement when looking for my rental car for a self-driving trip is the best price guarantee.
We highly recommended looking for your rental car via RentalCars from Booking.com. It provides a user-friendly website where you can make a reservation in English, Chinese, Korean, or even Thai. You can compare car rental fares from various famous car rental providers in Japan. For examples Nissan Rent-a-Car, Toyota Rent a Lease, Nippon Rent a Car, Times Car Rental, and some other options. Get the best price on your ideal rental car that meets your requirements and book it in a region of your choice.
That’s simple on how to rent a car in Japan. You can amend or cancel your car rental booking anytime without any charges.
Car Rental Price
The car rental price depends on the car type. Additionally, it may vary at different seasons. RentalCars from Booking.com is a good source for viewing prices at major Japanese car rental car companies. It is easy to read with a wide selection of car options. The additional add-on such as GPS, snow winter tire, or additional driver normally is included. While child seat requires additional charges.
In my experience, normally Daihatsu Move is the one if you are looking for the cheapest car in Japan. This small car can fir for 4 people but limited space for only two small pieces of luggage. If you are planning a travel itinerary for a larger group, please look for a medium or large car that can also fit your luggage.
Make sure to book your rental car well in advance for the best price and to ensure availability. It can be sold out during the hot season, such as the summer holiday, year-end, and New Year’s holidays. It’s best to make your reservation one month ahead of the trip.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
When renting a car in Japan, the basic protection with Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is already included in the fee. However, for cases such as car is stolen, serious damage that exceeded the protection value, Non-Operating Costs (NOC), and road assistance are not included. You opt for Full coverage protection at minor charges. If you prefer full protection, I highly recommended you go for this option.
GPS Navigation System
Most car rental in Japan comes with a GPS navigation system. Make sure to get the multi-language GPS that supports your comfortable language. For popular places like Hokkaido with many foreign travelers, this GPS is very common and in place. But for safety, please double-check on the GPS when you look for a rental car.
A telephone number or map code can be used to find your destination. The most reliable way is to ready the Google map codes before your trip. Normally, I am using the Japan Map Code website to navigate. It works like a google map. Just input your destination and it will generate the Map Code. So far, it is almost 99% accurate and able to get me to my desired destination.
Japanese highways have a service called ETC (Electronic Toll Collection system). It is a convenient card that works automatically when using a toll service. It will save time when passing through the toll without waiting in line.
Some car rental companies will offer the ETC Card with additional charges. But for me, it is good to have but not mandatory. But this ETC system is particularly helpful if you are planning to use the expressway for a long hour drive. The ETC system will give you some discount during nonpeak hours (midnight) or Japan public holiday. Besides, the ETC system is a required system for highway pass with unlimited use of expressway at a flat fixed rate, only for foreigners.
List of Japan and Regional Expressway Pass:
Japan Expressway Pass: Price: ¥20,400 (7 days) or ¥34,600 (14 days)
Hokkaido Expressway Pass: Price from ¥3,700 (2 days) to ¥11,500 (14 days)
Kyushu Expressway Pass: Price from ¥3,600 (2 days) to ¥11,700 (10 days)
Tohoku Expressway Pass: Price from ¥4,100 (2 days) to ¥12,200 (14 days)
Central Nippon Expressway Pass: Price from ¥5,100 (2 days) to ¥16,300 (14 days)
Sanin-Setouchi-Shikoku Expressway Pass: Price: from ¥6,100 (3 days) to ¥13,200 (10 days)
Take note: All Expressways with certain coverage areas. Please check whether it is best for your Japan self-driving trip.
Where To Pick Up My Rental Car
Where To Pick Up Rental Car in Japan
Depend on where you select to pick up the rental car. The full detail on how to pick up your detailed car will be explained and emailed to your email. It is simple with clear sight posted if you are renting a car rental at the airport. Simply follow the signs for the car rental counter and look for the car company you booked. The assistant will verify your booking and assist you with the next step.
There are two ways of pick up process if you choose to pick up at the airport. The first one is that a free shuttle service will pick you up and takes you to the office. Another is that you can directly take the car from the airport. Normally almost all of the car rental companies in the airport belong to the first one. Added, the car rental price with the first option tends to be cheaper. So it is up to you for a convenient or budget option. But take note that please allocate some buffer time to drop off your car before flight departure.
Certain car rental companies provide different pickup and drop-off locations with a certain amount of charges, which is called one-way pickup. Prices start from ¥1,500 and range for a different companies. Some even are free if the drop-off location is within the same area.
Driving in Japan
The three important tips when driving in Japan:
Sterling Wheel On Right Hand Side
Staying connected with mobile data
Stay in a hotel with parking
Sterling Wheel On Right Hand Side
Driving in Japan is similar to England, Austria, Malaysia, Singapore, and India country. The steering wheel of the car is on the right-hand side with vehicles driving on the left side of the road. So it is different for Taiwan, America, Korea, and Europe on the left-hand side. But it is super easy to shift over. Just need to pay more attention once you get the car.
Staying Connect With Mobile Data
Staying connected with mobile data by SIM Card or WIFI router is extremely useful in the rental car. It is very useful for real-time navigation and research for the place to visit and the best food to eat. We highly recommended prebook it before your trip. Most importantly, the price is cheaper than purchasing on arrival.
Make sure that car parking is available when looking for where to stay during your road trip. The parking fee in Japan is not cheap. It can be costly for an overnight park. Well, most of the hotels will be provided free parking for hotel guests. However, some may apply additional charges for the car park, especially in the city area. So please double-check when you are booking your accommodation.
Overview: Driving in Japan
So, you’ve done with the tips for renting a car in Japan. You are ready for your self-driving trip to Hokkaido, Kyushu, Nagano, Takayama, and many beautiful places in Japan.
Japan is known internationally for its high driving moral standards. Added, traffic is usually low in those recommended places. As long as you do some research and read through our tips for self-driving in Japan. You should have no problem. So, why wait? Go ahead to book your rental car and plan for your self-driving trip to Hokkaido, Fukuoka, Takayama, and more. Enjoy an amazing Japan road trip!
