If you know us, you know we are proper hotel people. Give us a star hotel, a loyalty program, and standard room service, and we are happy travelers. Usually our go-to in Japan was sticking to our usual Accor chains, which worked like a charm across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
But then came Hakone... and zero Accor presence in sight. 😅
Full disclosure: we are usually super skeptical about Airbnbs. We've faced our fair share of let-downs in the past — photos online look like a 5-star palace, and once you arrive it feels like a setup for a horror movie. Half the time you're playing detective on Google Maps trying to figure out if the house even exists or if you're sleeping on a street corner.
But Hakone proved us wrong. We stumbled onto absolute gold. Honestly, living here felt like stepping right into a childhood dream — it was our very own Doraemon house experience! 💙
The House: Doraemon Vibe, Spotless Clean
Located right on the first floor, this place welcomed us with open arms and zero stairs to lug heavy bags up. For anyone doing a Japanese road trip like us, the best part was having a dedicated parking spot right outside for our rental car — no hunting for paid parking garages at midnight.
Step inside, and the place was sparkling clean.
- The living vibe: A super comfy sit-out area with a plush sofa and a big TV preloaded with Netflix and other OTT apps (though please don't travel all the way to Japan just to binge-watch TV! 🙈)
- The setup: A comfy master bedroom, kitchen fully stocked with utensils, a coffee maker, washing machine, 2 bathrooms, and a bathtub
- Japanese touch: Extra tatami mats and cozy blankets stored away — the three of us slept comfortably thanks to a convenient sofa bed setup
Getting There: Easy Peasy
We took the train from Tokyo to Odawara Station, rented a car right outside the station, and took a smooth 45-minute drive up to the house.
If you aren't driving and are relying on public transport, don't worry — the host gives crystal-clear directions:
- Take the train to Odawara Station
- Hop on the Hakone Tozan bus from Odawara East Exit directly to "Sengoku-annaijo-mae"
- Get off, walk 2 minutes following the host's map, and you're there — it's directly opposite The Lalique Art Museum
Location, Location, Location
Location-wise, this house is a total winner:
Gotemba Premium Outlets (20-25 mins by car): The Mt Fuji views from here are unreal. The views at Gotemba are so breathtaking that you might not even feel the need to drive another 45+ minutes to Fujikawaguchiko.
Lake Ashi & Pirate Ship (20 mins away): Easy access to the famous pirate ship cruise, and right from there you can catch the cableway up to Owakudani for those famous black eggs.
The Host & Important Things to Know
The host was super responsive throughout our stay. Standard check-in time is 3:00 PM, but they were kind enough to grant us an early check-in when we arrived.
- Government regs: Due to Japanese regulations, you'll need to send photo copies of your passport, full names, and nationality prior to arrival
- Connectivity: Solid, fast Wi-Fi throughout the house
🛁 The Only Catch
If there's one thing this Airbnb lacks, it's an in-house onsen (hot spring), which is a huge reason people go to Hakone. But it wasn't a dealbreaker at all — there are plenty of amazing public onsens around the area for an authentic bath experience.
The Big Question: Jeb Kitni Dheeli Hui? 💸
Now for the thing every traveler actually wants to know: paisa vasool tha ya nahi? We paid ₹12,010 (approx. ¥21,500) per night. Considering standard Hakone hotels charge through the nose and give you half the space, this was an absolute steal for 3 people, especially with free private parking included.
💡 Pro Tip on Pricing
Prices for this house generally range between ¥18,000 and ¥35,000 per night depending on season, so book well in advance if you want the lower end of that range.
The Verdict
If you're heading to Hakone and want space, comfort, hassle-free parking, and a cozy neighborhood vibe, this one is highly recommended. You can check out the full listing here: Hakone Airbnb Listing.
For more honest reviews of stays like this — hotels, resorts, and the odd unexpected gem — browse the full Luxury Travel archive.
Have you stayed in an Airbnb in Japan before, or are you strictly team hotel like we used to be? Drop me a DM on Instagram @one_punjabi_binger and let's chat!
Until the next unexpected gem,
Reema 🇯🇵✨