Odakyu Hotel de Yama

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 full.

First of all, the building, which is full of character, is located right by Lake Ashi. As well as sitting on an extraordinarily large and well kept garden, which is open to the guests, the hotel features a panoramic room on the top floor with an unencumbered view of Fuji San in the distance - breathtaking in the warm glow of the early morning.

My bedroom was beautiful. Large - very large. I was touched by the attention and care that was put into every detail. The loungewear was gorgeous, and there was a dainty selection of tea and biscuits that looked like a present.

The room had a full view over the lake and I could also see Mount Fuji. Even at night, under a moonlit sky, I could enjoy the scenery: the fast moving mist raising from the hills and the nightlife of the creatures jumping out and in the water, each distant sound vivid and soothing in the serene surroundings. Watching the sunrise from there is a joy I won't forget.

The hotel's onsen is fantastic, I especially enjoyed the outdoor one, and there's a drinking water fountain in the changing room where the water is actually delicious.

The staff was warm and welcoming from the moment I arrived to the moment I left and I can say with confidence that the Japanese breakfast I ate at Hotel de Yama was the best and most memorable I had in Japan.

My only regret is that I had to leave so soon.

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 everything is clean and nice. Wanted to dine in the French restaurant but it was full😢 Will try next trip.
It was raining in the day we left and snowed the night before. My car was covered with snow and I was removing the snow, a staff came to me and gave me a wipe for doing my job. Thanks for his coming and saved me some energy ☺️

What could be improved: Overall none.

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 can't start my day without it. It tasted quite good/strong and not the typical watered down hotel coffee. The staff was excecptional and the shuttle service was alway on time.

What could be improved: Since the shuttles only run 9am-5pm, it is a little tricker to get around if you are leaving outside of these hours. Hakone Free Pass made travel around the area and to/from the hotel easier tho.