Unbelievable Hakone Views: Rakuten STAY FUJIMI TERRACE Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into Unbelievable Hakone Views: Rakuten STAY FUJIMI TERRACE Awaits! - or as I like to call it, "Mount Fuji or Bust…and Everything Else Besides." Forget the polished brochure, let's get REAL. I'm going to spill the tea (and maybe a little sake) on this place, warts and all. Because let's be honest, perfect reviews are BORING.
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First impressions… alright, let's get the housekeeping stuff out of the way. Accessibility
Alright, so first and foremost, I have to mention this is a Rakuten STAY property. Which means…it's a bit of a mixed bag.
Accessibility: Well, the website claims to be accessible. And they list "Facilities for disabled guests.” But the nitty-gritty? That's where it gets dicey. I wouldn't go in expecting the ramps to match the views. Important Note: Call and ask about specific accessibility details. Don't just assume that a "claimed" accessibility means a truly usable setup. This is a HUGE, HUGE asterisk here. (Important! If accessibility is your primary concern, double-check this with the hotel directly before booking. Otherwise, prepare for potential letdowns.)
It’s essential to inquire about specific accessible features, like the elevator access to rooms, room types, and any other pertinent features.
- Wheelchair accessibility and elevator access: Ask, ask, ask. This isn't a guarantee.
Internet Access - Thank God for the Wi-Fi!
Free Wi-Fi in all the rooms! Praise the internet gods! In this day and age, it's a MUST. (And, yes, as a blogger, I need it more than most! Imagine posting these thoughts offline… the horror!)
Internet [LAN]: Yep, wired access is also a thing. Back to the old days, eh?
Internet services: Standard fare here, nothing to write home about, but it works.
Wi-Fi in public areas: You'll have it, thank goodness! Because, well, let's be honest, we're ALL addicted. (Guilty!)
Cleanliness and Safety – Because, You Know, COVID (and the Realities of Life)
Anti-viral cleaning products: Good. Reassuring. Hope they are actually using them and not just saying they are!
Breakfast in room: Possible! If you can't face the crowds, this is a fantastic option.
Breakfast takeaway service: Another great option, especially if you have a little one. (More on kids later…)
Cashless payment service: Essential these days. No fumbling with yen, just a swipe.
Daily disinfection in common areas: As it should be!
(Important Note): Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Good to see. It’s always good to know you’re covered.
Hand sanitizer: Expect it everywhere.
Hot water linen and laundry washing: Standard.
Hygiene certification: Okay, at least they are trying.
Individually-wrapped food options: A must-have in today's world.
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Let's hope guests actually follow it!
Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays: Reassuring.
Safe dining setup: Another must-have.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Double-check. (I always do!)
Staff trained in safety protocol: A good sign.
Sterilizing equipment: (Hopefully) used properly.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking
This is where this place COULD really shine… or fall flat on its face, depending on the execution.
Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, and Snack bar: That's a lot! More choices = more fun, right? (Or more decision fatigue… the struggle is real!)
Breakfast [buffet] YES! Because every good vacation starts with a mountain of food. (Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant).
A la carte in restaurant: Gives you options!
Alternative meal arrangement: (For dietary restrictions, hopefully)
Happy hour: Crucial. Especially after a long day of exploring!
Room service [24-hour]: HELL YES! Emergency ramen at 3 AM, anyone? (And yes, I have done that.)
Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: I'm all in.
Vegetarian restaurant: (Ideally) A good sign for catering to everyone.
Anecdote Time: The Breakfast Buffet Gamble
So, here's the real scoop: The buffet could be amazing, it could be underwhelming. It totally depends on the day, the crowd, and the chef's mood, I swear. You know, could go wrong type of situation. The best strategy? Arrive early, be polite, and grab everything YOU want before the horde descends. The important part about breakfast buffet is the options, it is one of those situations where you never know what will be available. But that feeling when you bite into the perfect scrambled egg and perfect bacon? Priceless.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Difference
(Air conditioning in public area, Daily housekeeping, Elevator): Essential, standard stuff.
Audio-visual equipment for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Outdoor venue for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: For the grown-ups.
Business facilities, Business meeting, Meeting stationery: For the workaholics.
Concierge, Currency exchange, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: That's a nice set of services to have.
Contactless check-in/out, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Doorman, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Meeting/banquet facilities, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area: Standard, but appreciated.
Airport transfer: A lifesaver, especially after a long flight!
Cash withdrawal: Excellent!
Important Note: I'd love a convenience store on site. The 7-Eleven effect is real. I'm not seeing that on this list… hmm.
For the Kids – Family Friendly or… Not So Much?
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Hmmm. The wording is a little vague. If you're traveling with kids, CALL AND ASK what "kid-friendly" actually means. Are there high chairs? Cribs? Activities? Do your homework!
Anecdote Time: The Great High Chair Hunt
I've been there, done that. The kids are screaming, the food is everywhere, and you're desperately scanning the restaurant for a high chair. Trust me, knowing beforehand is essential.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – The Good Stuff! And the Catch…
Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Now we're talking! This is a selling point! Pool with a view. Oh, yes. The image of that. The serenity. The Instagram possibilities! But the reality?
Anecdote Time: Sauna Serenity… or NOT?
Okay, here's the deal with the spa stuff. I adore a good sauna. But one time, I was at a hotel spa, and it was… well, let's just say, the silence was awkward. People were coughing, fidgeting, and everyone seemed to be desperately trying to look relaxed. (I'm still scarred.) Just be aware that spa experiences can be hit-or-miss.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage: Good stuff! I'm all for a bit of pampering after a day of hiking. The question, as always, is the quality of the service and product.
Getting Around – More Than Just a Hotel Stay
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station: If you're driving, this is a HUGE plus. Hakone is best explored by car, in my opinion.
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Taxi service, Valet parking: Nice options!
In-Room Amenities - The Comfort Zone!
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is real life, hitting up Rakuten STAY FUJIMI TERRACE Hakone Ashinoko in Hakone, Japan. Wish me luck… I'm gonna need it.
The Hakone Hustle: A Messy, Glorious Odyssey
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Ashinoko's Allure
14:00 - Arrive at Odawara Station: Okay, first hurdle. The train from Shinjuku was…packed. Like, sardines-in-a-can packed. I swear, I think I inhaled a stranger’s hair. Found a small, precious seat. The views started out okay. You know, the usual Tokyo cityscape, less-than-glamorous. My first thought, "Oh god, did I bring enough sunscreen?" I knew, I know, I still brought too much.
14:30 - Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto: Luckily this one was a tad less brutal. The scenic views started to creep. The mountains poked their heads, teasing me with their grandness. Did a mini-panic attack when navigating the transfer - Japanese train stations are works of art and labyrinths rolled into one. Seriously, I felt like a bewildered mouse in a high-tech maze.
15:30 - Bus to Hotel, Heart Attack Edition: The bus! The dreaded bus journey to the Rakuten STAY. Oh, the hairpin turns! I've never been so intimately acquainted with the inside of a public transport vehicle. Found a seat (victory!). The mountain roads… they're spectacular but also… terrifying. My internal monologue during the ascents: “Okay, deep breaths. Just pretend you trust the driver. Is that a sheer drop? Focus on the scenery, focus on the scenery, oh god, we're going to die!” Dramatic? Maybe. Accurate? Absolutely. The view, when you dared to open your eyes, was breathtaking. I mean, literal views… breath took.
16:30 - Rakuten STAY FUJIMI TERRACE Hakone Ashinoko - The Promise and the Realization:
- OMG, finally! Checked in. The lobby? Gorgeous. Those panoramic windows? Selling dreams. My apartment-style room? Clean, functional, and with a view that made me gasp. Okay, maybe I underestimated this place. The pictures online (yes, I did my research, sort of) don't do it justice. The promise of a terrace overlooking Lake Ashi? The payoff was even more glorious. The view straight from the bed? Magical.
- An anecdote about the washing machine (and my general incompetence): Okay, so the apartment has a washing machine. Excellent, thought I. The reality? I stared at the panel of Japanese characters like I was deciphering hieroglyphics. After 30 minutes, I gave up and decided to go for a walk instead. I'll deal with the laundry later… maybe.
17:30 - Ashinoko Exploration:
- WALK WALK WALK!
- So, I decided to walk to the lake. The air was crisp, the trees were whispering secrets in the wind. Lake Ashi… it’s even more beautiful than the pictures. The water… so still, so reflective. I felt a wave of unexpected emotion hit me… a sense of peace I rarely experience. I’m talking about total, utter and glorious peace.
- The boat cruise debacle (and the redemption): I originally opted for the pirate ship cruise… because, pirates! But, like a true travel noob, I missed the departure time. Defeated, I wandered the area, muttering about my poor planning. Then, I stumbled upon a smaller, local boat. One with a kindly old man at the helm. It was perfect. He pointed out hidden waterfalls and told me stories of the area. It was a far more intimate and authentic experience than any pirate ship could offer. Plus, the sunset over the lake? Chef's kiss.
- Food, glorious food… and the quest for the perfect ramen: Found some ramen, got totally lost in the tiny town, finally find ramen. The first place was closed. Then I found the ramen place. The ramen needed nothing to be perfect! I went back to the hotel, feeling pretty darn good.
20:00 - Bed: passed out, dreams of ninja and samurai.
Day 2: Art, Altitude, and the Eternal Quest for the Perfect Onsen
- 08:00 - Wake-up and Breakfast (Fail Version) : Let's be honest, I was a terrible breakfast planner. There's a convenience store in the area, with the usual delights. I went for toast with what I assumed was jelly, but tasted…odd. Learned my lesson.
- 09:00 - Hakone Open-Air Museum (A Spiritual Experience):
- Diving deep: This place… Wow. A total art immersion. The sculptures, the landscape… it’s all just so thoughtfully curated. I usually find museums a bit…meh. But this was different. It was interactive, playful, thought-provoking. I even attempted to take some artsy photos. (They were terrible, but the attempt was there).
- My emotional reaction to the Picasso pavilion: I almost cried. Not because it was sad, but because it was so… pure. The colors, the energy… it was overwhelming.
- Rambling about the museum and its significance: I could spend an entire day there. The sculptures are magnificent.
- 12:00 - Lunch: Found a local cafe, and ate something incredibly delicious. The details are lost.
- 13:00 - The Hakone Ropeway – The View is Worth the Vertigo: Okay, the ropeway. Again, not for the faint of heart, or those afraid of heights. The views from up there! Oh my god. You're floating, soaring above volcanic hot springs that make you wish you were an ethereal being.
- The volcanic valley and its aroma: The sulfur smell is intense. Like, really intense. A potent reminder that you are on top of an active volcano. It's… exhilarating.
- 14:30 - Lake Ashi cruise (take two), again, maybe. I really love the views from the lake.
- 17:00 - The quest for the perfect onsen: And, the quest begins!
- Onsen anxiety and a disastrous first attempt: I'd heard about the magic of Japanese onsen (hot springs). I found one nearby. Naked, right? I was so nervous, I swear I was sweating more than the water in the onsen. Of course, I didn't read the instructions properly. Went in at the wrong time. The water was too hot, I panicked. I retreated, defeated and humiliated, vowing to never go back.
- The redemption (or, the second, slightly less disastrous attempt): After psyching myself up, I found a less-intimidating onsen. Smaller, quieter, with a lovely view. I braved it. I immersed myself in the warm water. It was, dare I say it… heavenly. I still felt awkward, and kept expecting someone to judge me. But you know what? I survived. And the water was incredibly relaxing.
- 20:00 - Back to the hotel, watching the sunset, and journaling:
- Contemplating how to make this trip better.
- I might be tempted to stay in the hotel.
- 21:00 - Bed.
Day 3: Departure and the Longing for Return
- 09:00 - Attempted breakfast: I did better this morning. Had ramen for breakfast. I felt like a god.
- 10:00 - Final Views and Contemplation: One last look at that view. I swear, I could stare at it for hours. I felt a pang of sadness knowing I was leaving.
- 11:00 - Check-out and Sad Farewell: Bye bye Rakuten STAY FUJIMI TERRACE Hakone Ashinoko. You were amazing.
- 12:00 - Back to reality: Train. Odawara. Then the train back to Tokyo. The train was late. The end.
- The lasting emotional impact: I'm going home with a soul refreshed. In my opinion, it was a perfect trip!
- The biggest regret: Not figuring out the washing machine.
- I’m already planning my return. Hakone, you have my heart.
This isn't just a travel itinerary. It's a messy, honest, and utterly human account of a trip. And, in the end, that's what makes it more memorable than any perfectly planned jaunt. That's how you make memories.
Brighton's HOTTEST Holiday Haven: SoBo Studio 1 Awaits!
So, what *is* all this about, anyway? (Seriously, I'm lost already.)
Why are you making this? What's the point? (Besides self-torture, obviously.)
Okay, but *specifically* what's on your mind today? Give me a clue!
Why is this so... rambling? Can't you just get to the point?
So, socks then. You *really* have a sock problem?
What about Procrastination? Tell me about that!
On the topic of "meaning of life," do tell!
Internet Trolls. Let's talk about them... Are you going to let it rip?
Any final thoughts before I go back to whatever I was doing?
