Honke Bankyo - Ryokan, Nikko

Mikawaya - 100 years old Ryokan in Hakone

When my parents came to visit us we thought it would be a good idea to bring them to an traditional Ryokan. Not these new fancy Ryukans that are more hotels than Ryokans. We found Mikawaya both on the internet and in magesins and it looked very nice. So we made resevations for rooms with open air private baths and moonlight balconies. It all sounds good right.....

All in all this hotel/Ryokan was a big disappointment, and we almost felt a bit cheated by what we have seen on the Internet and in the guide books. The pictures look very good. We even saw a TV show a few months later where they compliments the Ryokan to the Sky….Shocked!I

would not recommend anyone to visit this place. We paid about 100.000 ¥ in total for four persons, which can be done much cheaper at better Ryokans around Hakone

You can find information and location below. You can also see the location on my overview map.

Address:

503 Kowakidani, Hakone-Machi,Ashigarashimo-Gun,Kanagawa. 250-0406 Japan

〒250-0406

神奈川県足柄下郡箱根小涌谷503

Tel:

+81 0460-82-2231

http://www.hakone-mikawaya.com/language/09en.htm

http://www.hakone-mikawaya.com/

September 2013 Yamanashi

Let's start with the view, because that was the most spectacular about the Hotel and the rooms. There was a nice view down on the hotel garden with the mountains in the background. And the moonlight balconies lived up to their name after sunset. The darkness in the area and a clear sky really shows a beautiful view of the night sky..

Okay, back to reality. You really need to go to the balcony and close the doors behind you to be able to enjoy the view to, because from inside the room your senses are distracted by the rotten smell that surrounds you wherever you are in the hotel/Ryokan.

I like the idea of keeping the old traditions, atmosphere and style but I believe that can still be done even you perform some sort of maintenance to your buildings and interior.

It seems like this place have not been maintained since it opened 100 years ago. The paint is coming off the walls in the hall ways, the rooms stink, fungus is everywhere and especially inside the baths. Here are some pictures to show you what you will not see on the internet or in any travel books. Sorry for the quality of the pictures. Click to enlarge

The dinner and breakfast is served in your room and it looks nice, but is nothing special. It is not bad, but I have had a lot better. You can select a western breakfast as well if your are not for fish and rice for breakfast.

The staff is mainly older ladies in Kimono, and they are very kind and helpful .