This mid-range hotel is situated along the Hakone Ropeway, an aerial lift that offers gorgeous views of the mountainous surroundings. It's a scenic spot, and even affords views of Mount Fuji on fair weather days, but there's not much in the area in terms of restaurants or shops -- though the hotel offers both, providing free breakfast and dinners at two on-site restaurants, as well as a couple of shops selling an array of items. The hotel's hot spring baths, or onsen that the area is known for, includes both indoor and outdoor facilities. Both Western-style hotel rooms and traditional Japanese-style rooms are available here -- some with private outdoor spring baths -- but decor is a bit tired and bathrooms are tiny. For a more convenient location with onsen, check out the Tenseien.

This historic ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, occupies an atmospheric wooden building on the banks of the Haya River in Hakone, within walking distance of two train stations. A tranquil atmosphere permeates throughout the three-pearl property, and rooms offers beautiful views over the inn's lovely garden or the river and mountains beyond. The 17 traditional rooms have tatami mat floors and spare furnishings that include futons laid out by staff nightly. All units have flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, but only one room offers a private en-suite bathroom -- the rest share communal hot spring baths, or onsen. A free breakfast is served in-room, and traditional Japanese-style dinner can also be included in rates. There's also a karaoke bar on-site. For rooms with Western-style beds, check out the nearby Tenseien, which also has hot springs.