Hakone | Mikawaya, a 140-year-old hot spring inn

Located in Hakone Kowakien, right next to the famous autumn foliage spot , Mikawaya was established in 1883 during the Meiji era, boasting a history of 140 years. Even Sun Yat-sen once visited this historic inn. 🏠 Mikawaya retains the traditional Japanese inn decor. Initially, I was worried about whether it might feel outdated or cold during autumn and winter nights. However, the inn is well-maintained and renovated, offering a comfortable stay despite the visible traces of time. The public areas on the first and second floors feature an exhibition room showcasing the inn's 140-year history, including old photographs, calligraphy, books, and even a vintage safe. 🛏️ The inn consists of a main building and an annex, with a limited number of rooms. We booked a standard room in the main building and stayed in a spacious first-floor room of about 50 square meters. The room includes a tatami seating area and a private restroom (no bathroom). A perk of staying on the first floor is the direct access to a small outdoor garden. ♨️ The inn offers public baths and private baths (kashikiri furo). · The public baths include both indoor and outdoor options. · Private baths require a reservation at the front desk and are accessed with a key. Personally, I prefer these as they provide a quiet and exclusive hot spring experience—truly relaxing! Nearby, there’s also an external hot spring facility under the same group, , just a 2-minute walk from the inn. It’s said to be one of the largest open-air hot springs in Hakone. 🍱 The inn provides both dinner and breakfast, featuring seasonal ingredients. Dinner includes sashimi and hot pot, while breakfast offers grilled fish and tofu hot pot.