The food did not fit our taste, i would have expected for such a high value hotel to a western alternative- I’ve literally had to feast for 3 days

The location and the view were great ! Very beautiful place, comfortable beds, private onsen and very friendly stuff

Stayed in May 2025

Windows in eating area and bathroom needed cleaning.

All was lovely.

Stayed in May 2025

Property was clean and remote for a peaceful, romantic getaway. We were lucky to have good enough weather to see Mt. Fuji from our private onsen. Japanese breakfast and dinner were also delicious!!

Stayed in May 2025

Not really about the property but we had to wait 3 days until we finally saw the Mount Fuji. Food was very good but way too much.

The place is beautiful, staff is super kind and helpful and the food was amazing.

Stayed in May 2025

Needed English translation on how to work Room thermostat. Tried to call front office, but phone didn’t work or if I was doing it incorrectly with no instructions in Japanese or English. The information on the intelligent TV was good, but could be better with thermostat or how to contact the front desk. It was nice ordering Room service this way.

We loved the property. Having a private onsen that had a view of Mount Fiji was incredible. The food, both dinner and breakfast, was exquisite. For dinner, Our server was fluent in English and was able to explain all the nuances of the dinner, which was incredibly nice. additionally, since we had an early departure time, the staff arranged an earlier breakfast than the normal schedule. We had similar early departures with several other Ryokans in Japan who were not able to accommodate, so this was exceptional service. This also was the most involved breakfast with many courses that were not precooked. We were so happy we got to experience the breakfast.

Stayed in May 2025

The meals were very enjoyable, omakase style, and beautifully presented. The view from the dining room was peaceful and calming although we could not see Mt Fuji because it was a cloudy day. Lovely room with nice amenities, comfortable bed and enjoyed the provided pajamas and yukata. Really appreciated the in-room private onsen. Staff were polite, accommodating and very helpful with our requests to see the local sights.

Stayed in April 2025

The staff was very attentive and made extra little details into making our honeymoon special

Stayed in April 2025

Clean and good location Service Private Onsen

Stayed in April 2025

No negatives about the property itself; only, the travel between Odawara to the hotel was a bit confusing. Would recommend travelers do extra research on transportation and set a meeting time with the hotel at the station of choice (e.g., bus or ropeway).

Dining and bathing were very memorable. The onsen was a great experience and in addition to the good food, the dishware and glasses were high quality. We had a blessed day with clear skies and a solid view of Mt. Fuji.

Stayed in April 2025

Everything was perfect.

The nicest hotel we have ever stayed in - worth the money! Bath with hot springs on the balcony was wonderful, big enough with two people. We got the room with Fuji view and were lucky enough to get the clear skies during the whole weekend. There is free pick up from the bus stop/ropeway station so you don't need to come by car even though the location is a bit secluded. The dinner and breakfast were a separate experience - we don't love Japanese food but I must admit it was very cool.

Stayed in February 2025

Lovely place and amazing staff! Food was unbelievably delicious and nutritious!! Wonderful stay.

Stayed in February 2025

It’s bit pricy. Thus, we couldn’t have stayed longer. Otherwise, everything was perfect.

We greatly enjoyed such an amazing and once-in-a-lifetime authentic Japanese experience here! All staff members, I.e. the shuttle bus drivers, receptionists, waiters and waitresses, were polite, friendly and professional. The rooms were well equipped, spotlessly cleaned, huge for Japanese standards, offering a nice private onsen and a beautiful view of Mount Fuji. The 8-course dinner and 7-course breakfast were well prepared, presented and served. We also liked the short walk to the private Lake Ashinoko lookout from the front of the hotel car park. We will come back and stay here again in the future.

Stayed in January 2025

The service of ZEN was beyond the excellence. The staff picked us up from the bus station, more people greeted us at the property gate. We were drop off by a driver to the bus station the next morning. Since only one night was available for us at this property, we had to change to another hotel the next day. The staff even sent our bags to the next hotel at another corner of the town for free so we could enjoy the town free of bags. The meal was awesome! Hot spring was in the room and was so comfortable. The whole experience was just great. Thanks ZEN!

Stayed in December 2024

Not much to say, It was one of the best experiences.

Everything about it. My mother loved the hot onsen.

Stayed in December 2024

Amazing service, incredible rooms, great staff

Stayed in November 2024

We loved every moment of our stay.

The breakfast and dinner were fantastic but too much food. The menu was a great experience to Japanese food and culture. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful.

Stayed in October 2024

I could have stayed an extra day

The food was exceptional. It was Michelin Star quality in both presentation and taste.

Stayed in September 2024

Absolutely nothing. Spectacular!

It was an absolutely magnificient stay. We booked a room with a Fuji-san view and got lucky enough to see it both in the evening and morning of our one night stay. Pickup service (from and to) is excellent, we told them 10 minutes before we needed it and waited for line 2 minutes. Insane reaction. Got greeted by 3 employees outside. Welcome drinks at the beginning while they take all your luggage and send them into your room. you're then guided into your room where everything is thoroughly presented. Kaiseki meal is about 2h long, starting at 6 or 6.30. Prepare your stomach and eyes. It's gorgeous, gargantuan and delicious. Some (at least) are preared with very local food. Come with the provided traditional clothes too for the full experience ! Meal got adapted for Mrs who couldn't eat raw food. Food wasn't just cooked, some parts were completely changed to keep the feeling of each plate. The room was huge and clean. Onsen was amazing (and crazy hot but you can add some fresh water to the source water). After a grat night, you're up to an hour long japanese breakfast with 7 steps.

Stayed in October 2024

I’ll struggle to put into words how wonderful this place is and the staff were unbelievably lovely. What a beautiful place to stay, food was incredible (and huge amounts so bring your appetite!) rooms were excellent, private onsen brilliant (and insanely hot!)

Stayed in October 2024

Nothing. If you are new to the area and coming from Tokyo the trip may be a little confusing - this goes for all stays in the area. This comes with a unique and peaceful reward at the end!

An exceptional experience. The staff goes above and beyond (no exaggerating). I will remember my stay forever. The food, inclusions, and onsen were wonderful.

Stayed in September 2024

A very nice natural setting

Stayed in September 2024

You feel very welcome and the staff is very polite.

Stayed in July 2024

There's nothing we didn't like! Only the thought that since it is a tad more remote, it's nice to experience two locations if you're able to split your time.

We had a lovely two night stay at Zen! We enjoyed every moment – with our favorites being the Kaiseki dinners and the private onsen with a view. The environment was relaxing and lovely, and the people were top notch! In particular, we greatly appreciated their help with various logistics questions (buses, trains, attraction closures, etc), along with his warm and attentive approach throughout the stay. Because one day of our stay involved torrential rain all day, we opted to hunker down in our pretty room, open the windows, and lazily nap on the uber comfortable bed, watching the gentle rain, hearing the birds still singing throughout, and dipping into our private onsen whenever the mood struck. Zen is located further afoot from the towns (such as Gora, where we first stayed). Our plan worked perfectly: Two nights in Gora first, followed by two nights of luxury in Zen. If the weather had cooperated, we would have been in an excellent position to see the black eggs up in Owakudani, and to walk in the grassy picturesque fields also within a short distance. If you get the Hakone Free Pass, you’ll be able to move around fairly easily between various areas of Hakone from Zen (they will pick you up from the bus stop if you have a phone plan that can call them) – you just need to be mindful of the time so that you can return back in plenty of time for the decadent meals!

Stayed in July 2024

Nothing really that was displeasing. Was only hoping to have a lake view somehow but this location is more on the mountain side of view which is equally fantastic

It’s very serene and tranquil as it is hidden in the middle of the hill. Just perfect for some urban escapee like us. The condition of the facility is very well maintained and the staffs’ quality of service and attentiveness is just marvellous. The omakase dinner and even their daily Japanese style breakfast had never fail to surprise us on the level of detail and how elaborate they could be.

Stayed in June 2024