The Fujiya Hotel

The Fujiya Hotel is the grande dame of Hakone, a resort hotel in the hillside town of Miyanoshita that has welcomed travellers since the Meiji era. Its brand site lists the Main Building from 1891, the Western Building from 1906, Hana Goten from 1936 and the Forest Wing from 1960, so the property is a walk through architectural history, with wooden corridors, carved detail and traditional Japanese gardens. Guests choose between historic rooms with period character and more modern forest-wing rooms, and the hotel has restaurants, a bar and the hot spring bathing that Hakone is known for. Miyanoshita itself is a quiet onsen village with antique shops and cafes, and the hotel stands out for atmosphere rather than ultra-modern minimalism. It suits couples, history lovers and travellers who want a smart base without the very top ryokan price.

Location and getting around: Miyanoshita is on the Hakone Tozan railway between Hakone-Yumoto and Gora, so it is simple to reach by train from Odawara and ideal for travellers using the Free Pass. From the hotel you can ride up to Gora for the cable car and ropeway, or down to Hakone-Yumoto for the day-bath onsen. The village's narrow streets are pleasant for a stroll, and bus services reach other parts of Hakone.\n\nThe rooms and the experience: historic categories give a taste of the old resort, with high ceilings, wood panelling and classic furnishings, while Forest Wing rooms focus on views of the surrounding trees and simple, comfortable design. The hotel has several dining options, and the hot spring facilities provide a relaxing end to a day on the loop. Gardens and public rooms are attractive for afternoon tea or quiet reading, and the hotel's heritage is part of the pleasure rather than a gimmick.\n\nWhat is good to know: historic buildings can mean stairs and older plumbing, so request a room that suits your mobility and expectations. Book early for autumn leaves and for weekends, and ask whether breakfast is included in your rate. The brand site and the FAQ pages cover practicalities such as yukata and facilities. If you want a more private, ultra-luxury ryokan, choose Gora Kadan, but if you want character and good value for a heritage hotel, the Fujiya is hard to beat.