root hakone Bar & Guesthouse

2 stars only, but I genuinely believe this establishment could deserve more with some improvements.
First, customer service really needs attention. The check-in experience was extremely poor. I understand that language can be a barrier, but basic politeness and a simple, friendly greeting should be the minimum.
Second, accessing the common lounge requires going outside via an old wooden staircase. While I appreciate a bit of adventure, the space itself is very poorly equipped: no sink, no tissues, and no proper trash facilities. Does that mean guests are expected to eat there and then go back downstairs to the toilets just to clean glassware and dispose of rubbish? This could definitely be better organized.
Third, the extra charges are frustrating. Instead of charging 100 yen for a towel and requiring cash-only payments, it would be much more reasonable to simply include this in the room price. It feels unnecessarily inconvenient.
Finally, regarding parking: the listing states “first come, first served. ” However, this doesn’t seem to be applied correctly. We parked in an available spot upon arrival, only to be told it was already reserved for another guest. This is confusing and inconsistent. A proper reservation system would be much clearer.
Maintenance was good overall.
This is a long review, but I hope it will help improve the overall standards, which currently feel lacking in several basic areas.

Amazing service by the owner! The place was more than enough to accommodate 4 big dudes, the view from the room was insane, and the owner was such a fun dude to drink and talk with! Made our experience in Japan unforgettable.

I really enjoyed my stay here at this guest house/hostel. The owner was really nice and made excellent drinks at the bar. He was also very friendly and fun to talk to. I'd recommend Root Hakone to anyone who wants to stay at a welcoming place at an affordable price. 5/5 stars, I'd give more if possible :)

Absolutely lovely time with my girlfriend here. Found this place randomly and we were greeted with the owner who showed us a bunch of different drinks. Recommended!

Came in for a drink one night whilst staying elsewhere — service from the bartender was amazing, really calm and relaxed atmosphere. We ended up coming back the next night, everybody was talking to everybody and enjoying the drinks.

Didn’t think that place would be one of my top highlights from my trip. Location is great, in a super peaceful walkable area, and walking distance from fun2drive. Staff is incredible, rooms are nicely sized and have a relaxing comfy feel. The bar was great and the bartender is super chill. Will definitely be coming back every time I come to Japan. Will never forget my time here!

This place was the highlight of my trip, the host yudai was insanely helpful and friendly, he called a local restaurant for me to see if they were open, he gave us all his favorite recommendations for places around the area, and helped us figure out the bus routes, all around this was an amazing experience and would absolutely come back here.

Really enjoyed my stay at Root Hakone. I reached a little late (around 7:30-8pm) and the walk to the hostel was a little dark (roads on Hakone aren't that well-lit at night due to it being a forested area). So recommend to reach earlier if you're not that comfortable with walking in the dark alone!
The accommodations were comfortable, single futon bed with lockable room doors, separated by a divider. Was initially expecting just a cubbie with a curtain so this was a pleasant surprise. There's also a direct bus nearby to Togendai Station if you're keen to take the sightseeing cruise and ropeway.
The drinks made by the staff were also wonderful, enjoyed a cassis soda, cassis oolong and fuzzy navel at a great price. The management also gave a guide of nearby recommended places to travellers too (had the best coffee at Amaze Coffee, recommendation of the staff)! Overall would come back to stay again if I'm ever back in Hakone.
A downside is perhaps the lack of availability of food options at night and no near konbini so be sure to grab some supplies at the station prior to heading over.

Great place, staff is very friendly we partied in the bar till moning drining whisky (impressive collection). Price is very reasonable and rooms are clean.

A fantastic little hostel in a great location close to the bus stops and convenience stores. The room was clean and comfy and was an absolute bargain for the price I paid.
As others have said, the staff are fantastic and really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. I had a great time getting to know everyone in the whiskey bar next door and would definitely recommend to anyone planning on visiting the Hakone area.

Walked all the way from Sengoku bus station for 10 mins in very cold climate and finally checked in to a warm ryokan! I absolutely adored the place and vibes.
I'm not a back sleeper, so my shoulders were tensed from sleeping in the dorm. For me, the futon is a bit too thin and it added extra pressure on my body as there's no tatami.
Regardless, 1 night stand is fine for me. If I'm going for more nights, I'm definitely getting a room with tatami instead.
Incredible service too!

We had a fantastic stay at the Root Hakone! The location was great. There is a convenient 7/11, lots of food places in walking distance, plus a walking track up to a Mountain where you can see Mount Fuji. We were lucky and managed to go up to the view point on a perfect day so we had a clear view. The double room was also nice and spacious. The shared areas were also kept nice and clean. And the shower was also quite a nice space and it had pretty good water pressure. The highlight of the stay however, was the host and the bar! We had some great cocktails and the host was super friendly and welcoming. Both nights we were there we went in for a couple of drinks. We would absolutely come back again. Highly recommend staying!

My husband and I had a great time in the bar. They had a unique selection of Japanese and Scottish whisky which we had one two many of. But the bartender was very friendly and we had a great time with the locals who were there too.

Highly recommend! Hidden bar, cosy and intimate with a friendly bartender. It was pouring rain the night we came and we couldn’t have asked for a better atmosphere while sipping whisky and umeshu.

We had an incredible experience at this bar in Hakone! We asked the staff for recommendations, and they suggested a Japanese whisky and a Japanese gin—both absolutely delightful. The two young men working there were exceptionally friendly and made us feel welcome from the start. Not only did we chat about our travel, but when they noticed us eyeing the selection of gin bottles, they even brought a few over for us to see up close. It’s these thoughtful details that made the evening memorable.
The drinks were top-notch, and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. As we talked, we also learned they run a hostel next door—definitely a spot we’ve marked down for our next trip to Hakone!
A heartfelt thanks to one of the guys who kindly offered to drive us back to our hotel, as it was already dark. Truly a kind gesture that left a lasting impression. If you ever find yourselves in Barcelona, “mi casa es tu casa. ”
Kanpai and “Sant Hilari”! Mucho gusto 🥃

I am genuinely floored by the service and hospitality I experienced here. My friends and I were simply taking a day trip up to Hakone, staying in an unrelated Onsen, and everyone here was so accommodating. Willing to drive us multiple times throughout our trip to the grocery store or back home after us simply drinking in their establishment. 11/10.

These guys were incredible. Yudai and ryo were phenomenal, we didn’t even stay at their hotel/hostel and they went so far out of their way to help us out. Absolutely incredible.