Hakone Retreat VILLA 1/f, recently reopened in 2019, is an accommodation facility made up of 11 separate villas. It is located in a lush forest, about 40 minutes from Hakone Yumoto Station by bus and 5 minutes from Tawaraishi Hakone Glass Nomorimae Bus Stop.

One of the features of VILLA 1/f is that each villa has its own Hakone hot spring! Soak in an open-air hot spring surrounded by the birds, the breeze, and the nature of Hakone during the day, or underneath the starry sky at night.

Each room is built differently according to the terrain on which it stands. The warm, wooden structures decorating the living room and bedroom will leave you feeling as if you are still surrounded by Hakone's nature, even while indoors.

Course meal from VILLA 1/f's Restaurant, Tawaraishi, can be served in your room (reservation required in advance). Enjoy authentic kaiseki cuisine, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients from Kanagawa and Shizuoka, in the comfort of your own private space.

There are also many activities that let you experience Japan's nature and culture, such as tea ceremonies, trekking tour, and kayaking on Lake Ashi. Please see the official website for information in English. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel.

Manrai Hakone Sanso is a mountain villa in the Sengokuhara area, and is surrounded by museums. It is about 25 minutes by bus from Hakone Yumoto Station, and about 3 minutes on foot from Kozuka-Iriguchi Bus Stop.

This mountain cottage boasts a 200-square-meter space with six Japanese-style living rooms, a lounge area with a sofa, a terrace, two Japanese-style rooms, and one Western-style room. With so many rooms, it can safely accommodate a large number of guests!

The semi-open-air bath draws its water directly from the natural hot springs, and has a great view of Hakone's seasonally-changing nature. Its rocky interior gives it the feel of an authentic Japanese inn.

You can even rent the entire 2,100-square-meter garden! Take a walk in the quiet Japanese garden during the day, or go out to stargaze at night. In this private rental space, you will feel as if you were in your own private villa!

Meals are not included, however there is a spacious kitchen with a refrigerator, a pot, and cooking utensils. There is also a supermarket 4-5 minutes away by bus. Why not try cooking your own authentic meals?

You can contact the owner before your visit with any concerns. Available in English, Japanese, and Chinese. Free Wi-Fi is also available in the rooms.

Hakone Hoshizora no Oka is, as its name suggests, a bungalow-style inn on a hill surrounded by forest. It is about 25 minutes from Hakone Yumoto Station by bus, and about 10 minutes on foot from the Sengokuhara Elementary School bus stop.

The interior is decorated with handmade furniture and a warm, homely vibe. The moment you arrive, you will feel as if you had been invited to the villa of an old friend.

The indoor bath draws its water from the natural Hakone hot springs. It is compact yet clean, and will surely ease any stress accumulated on your travels.

The bedroom on the second floor is an authentic Japanese-style room with tatami mats and shoji screens. You can look out over the lush green forests of Hakone from the windows.

There are several restaurants within walking distance that you can visit for dinner. However, there is also a kitchen you can use, complete with cooking utensils and seasonings!

After dark, step onto the terrace and look up at the stars. The clear, unobstructed Hakone sky appears to stretch into eternity!

The manager is a lover of travel, and can speak English, Japanese, and Chinese. While you won't meet in person when entering or leaving your room, you can still feel the owner's welcoming hospitality. Free Wi-Fi available in rooms.

All three inns support foreign languages, however with automated check-in and check-out, you won't have to worry about speaking to anyone at all. Enjoy a high-class accommodation at a hot springs rental inn in Hakone, and spend some time in solitude with peace of mind!

*This article was published based on information available in January 2021 and updated in October 2023.