This was my second visit to Yama no Chaya, and the ryokan never disappoints. My last visit was during the winter, so I was looking forward to the summer experience this time.

Check In

The ryokan only has about a dozen or so rooms, so check-in is a relaxed and quick affair. Upon arrival, I was greeted in the driveway and a staff member helped me bring my bags up to the reception area. After identifying myself and showing my passport, there were no other check-in formalities. I dropped off my shoes and was whisked away to my room to begin relaxing.

Service

Each room is assigned a room attendant, who caters to your needs during your stay. The room attendant is also responsible for serving your meals. Aside from this person, there is also a staff member who mans the bar, and service is quick. The room attendant also checks you out at the end of your stay, from within the comfort of your room. It's a wonderful system that makes you feel well taken care of. 

Room

I stayed in Special Room B, which includes an in-room onsen. All guests also have access to the shared onsen, according to the schedule (more on that later). As I was traveling by myself and this was a peak vacation period, I chose this room to be able to really unwind. The room included traditional yukata (a type of robe) to be worn around the property.

The room consisted of several parts: the entryway, a toilet and sink, the covered onsen, the main room (which included the table and futon for sleeping), an indoor sitting area, and a small balcony. Because of the hot weather I made use of the indoor sitting area more than the outdoor, but both were pleasant.

Onsen

The bath where I spent the most time was the private bath included in my room. As I was the only user, I was able to get a few photos of the area. The entrance to this bath was located across from the sink. Each bath contained a large area for soaking, as well as showers for cleaning yourself before entering the bath.

I was also able to snap a few photos of some of the outdoor baths. There are 5 public baths available to guests at Yama no Chaya. Because it is customary to bathe nude, it was only possible to take a photograph when the bath was completely empty, so I only got a few. The public baths rotate on a set schedule between men and women. One of the public baths becomes private during certain times, guests can reserve it for blocks of one-hour.

Dining

Each rate at the ryokan includes dinner and breakfast, with the option to purchase additional food and alcohol. The dinner is served as a traditional kaiseki meal, which consists of several small dishes arranged in an elaborate manner. The food is traditional, and the ingredients are high quality. Dinner also includes an option of either plain white or mixed rice.

Breakfast involves a choice of Japanese or Western cuisine. The last time I visited, I had an amazing western style breakfast, so I wanted to see if the return would measure up. It did. Like the kaiseki the previous night, the ingredients were simple but tasted delicious. The corn potage in particular was wonderful.

Location

Yama no Chaya is located within walking distance of Hakone-Yumoto station, it's a great way to get a bit of exercise before lounging about for a day or two. If you're taking the Romancecar from Shinjuku, it's a very convenient option. Cabs are also available. Coming in on the Shinkansen to Odawara station, the ryokan is a convenient cab ride away.

The closest Hakone-Tozan line station (for exploring Hakone) is also Hakone-Yumoto, so it's easy to get out and about if you want to see more of the surrounding area.

Overall

I can say without a doubt that I've enjoyed both my visits to Yama no Chaya. While there are many ryokan in Hakone, I think you can't go wrong with this one.