Odakyu Hotel de Yama Overview
You know what struck me first about Odakyu Hotel de Yama? The way it sits right there in Motohakone without trying too hard to be impressive – which honestly makes it more impressive than half the flashy places around Lake Ashi. I mean, when you’re dealing with a 4-star spot that’s pulling an 8.8 rating, you expect something solid, but this place actually delivers on that promise in ways that surprised me.
The location is sort of perfect if you know Hakone at all. You’re literally a few minutes’ walk from the lake, but here’s the thing most people don’t realize – you’re positioned just right to avoid the worst of the tour bus crowds that descend on the main lakefront areas. The hotel’s tucked into this quieter pocket of Motohakone where you can actually hear yourself think, especially in the evenings when the day-trippers head back to Tokyo. Walking to Hakone Shrine takes maybe ten minutes, and you’ll pass locals going about their business instead of just fighting through selfie sticks the whole way. The staff seems to get that foreign guests might not know all the local tricks – they actually suggested the best times to visit the shrine (early morning, trust me on this) and which bus routes to take if you’re planning to hit the other valleys.
What really won me over was how the place feels lived-in rather than sterile. The rooms have this understated Japanese elegance thing going on – clean lines, quality materials, but nothing that screams “look how traditional we are!” The windows are generous, and if you’re lucky enough to snag a room facing the right direction, you’ll catch glimpses of the lake through the trees. The onsen situation is solid too, though it’s not huge – which I actually preferred because it never felt crowded, even during what the staff told me was peak season. Water temperature was perfect, and there’s something about soaking there in the evening while listening to the sounds of the forest that just… works. The breakfast deserves a mention – it’s this nice mix of Western and Japanese options, but they clearly put thought into sourcing local ingredients. You can taste the difference in the eggs, and the miso soup actually has depth to it instead of tasting like it came from a packet.
Honestly, if you’re the type who needs to be right in the thick of every tourist attraction, this might feel a bit removed – though I’d argue that’s exactly why it works so well. Hakone can be overwhelming if you’re staying somewhere that puts you in the middle of all the chaos. Here, you get the best of both worlds: easy access to everything you want to see, but a genuine sense of place when you come back at the end of the day. The parking situation is straightforward if you’re driving (which I’d recommend for exploring the area), and check-in was refreshingly efficient without feeling rushed. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to plan your next Hakone trip before you’ve even left.
Exclusive luxury healing resorts combine opulent amenities with therapeutic environments, offering personalized wellness journeys in some of the world’s most serene and beautiful locations.
Guest Reviews
I travelled through Japan for four weeks and, out of all the hotels I stayed at, Hotel the Yama stands out as one of the most memorable. Unfortunately I was only there for one night, but I feel that I was able to enjoy each hour I spent there to the...
The location is stunning, right on lake Ashi. Both an indoor and outdoor onsen!
Location is just perfect and facing Lake Ashi. The landscape is beautiful. Staff are helpful. Room is big which is good for two people. Nice view of Lake. WiFi works good. The onsen is not big but it’s good. The property is a heritage building and...
Onsen was beautiful and clean. Went during March and pretty much had it to myself 2 of the 3 times I went. Breakfast was good. Japanese breakfast had some interesting things I never tried. I loved the free coffee in the lounge every morning since I...
The view was good though toward the town vs toward Mt. Fuji. The Onsen looked inviting though we did not have time to use it. The Observatory view was excellent and clean. Breakfast at Vert Bois was exceptional, the orange juice was literally...
Charming old world style hotel with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the lake and Mt Fuji.
Great location if you want to be away from the hustle bustle. Nearer to nature n picturesque locale. We had a corner room which was nice with view of the lake. Room was spacious and very comfortable
The restaurants are uniquely special albeit somewhat pricy. But it's worth it. The room is cosy and classic, with a nice bathroom in a more traditional style.
We loved the location and the on premise onsen. The wonderful locker and clean stations for after Onsen use left me feeling clean and happy.
What could be improved: Nothing.
Unique, location. Exceptional service!
Odakyu Hotel de Yama Rooms
Choose from 4 accommodation options
Standard Twin Room
Standard Twin Room with Extra Bed
Special Offer - Standard Twin Room
Triple Room with Garden View
Facilities & Amenities
Everything you need for a comfortable stay
View 3
- Mountain view
- Garden view
- Lake view
Bedroom 1
- Wardrobe or closet
General 10
- Shuttle service
- Vending machine (drinks)
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Heating
- Chapel/shrine
- Lift
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
Kitchen 2
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Bathroom 8
- Towels
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Bath
- Shower
Outdoors 2
- Terrace
- Garden
Wellness 6
- Public Bath
- Open-air bath
- Hot spring bath
- Massage Additional charge
- Spa and wellness centre Additional charge
- Sauna
Activities 1
- Golf course (within 3 km) Additional charge
Living Area 1
- Seating Area
Food & Drink 2
- Bar
- Restaurant
Languages spoken 2
- English
- Japanese
Cleaning services 4
- Daily housekeeping
- Trouser press
- Ironing service
- Dry cleaning
Safety & security 6
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- Key access
- Safety deposit box
Media & Technology 2
- Flat-screen TV
- Telephone
Reception services 3
- Concierge service
- Luggage storage
- 24-hour front desk
Business facilities 1
- Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
Most popular facilities 10
- Non-smoking rooms
- 2 restaurants
- Free parking
- Spa and wellness centre
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Hot spring bath
- 24-hour front desk
- Bar
- Fabulous breakfast
Parking Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed). 1
- Electric vehicle charging station
Odakyu Hotel de Yama Location
250-0522 Kanagawa, Hakone, Motohakone 80, Japan
What's nearby
Restaurants & cafes
Top attractions
Natural beauty
Ski lifts
Public transport
Closest airports
Get in Touch
Have questions? We're here to help plan your perfect stay.
