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Byakudan

The embodiment of beautiful Japanese tradition, Byakudan lives up to its name, enticing and inspiring guests with the use and delicate scent of byakudan (which translates as “white sandalwood”).

Enjoy this stylish and serene Hakone hot-spring hotel with fine Japanese cuisine which uses freshly sourced seasonal ingredients.

The ryokan has 16 spacious suites, all with a slightly different layout and a mixture of Japanese and Western minimalist styling. Each suite features a wooden deck with a natural open-air, private onsen bath.

Conveniently located in Gora, only 2km from Kowakidani Station and 3km from the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Byakudan is one of Hakone’s newest ryokan-style accommodation choices. It’s a beautiful Japanese-style hotel with outstanding views in a secluded, peaceful setting. The location is wonderful, and the glass lobby offers some spectacular views. It is here that guests also enjoy their breakfast and evening meal – gazing out at the mist and rolling hills of Hakone is a real treat.

Staff dressed in kimono greeted us as we arrived and served a delicious, and much needed iced coffee in the hotel lobby as we admired the view in awe. Upon check-in, guests are welcomed with a drink and procedures are completed in the beautiful seating area. The drinks in the lobby are self-service throughout the stay. Byakudan has a very modern style, with its own signature scent wafting throughout the property. It is very popular with Japanese guests, making it a great choice for those looking to experience authentic accommodation, and something a bit less touristy. I particularly recommend the ground floor rooms, which offer a lovely garden terrace area too. Byakudan is a great choice for anyone looking for a Japanese style hotel but with western beds and onsen baths

Reviewed by Rebecca