Hakone Ginyu Spa-resort

With an owner from Bali, the resort is replete with colourful, tropical details, interwoven with Japanese washi paper and stone, and authentic tatami floors. While meals are mostly served in the rooms, there is a dining area to enjoy the seasonal menu of Japanese dishes. Drinks are available at the Bouyu Bar, which can be enjoyed on the expansive deck with spectacular views of the river and mountains beyond. The piece de resistance is, of course, the steaming onsen pool — the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.

The hotel has a selection of rooms that differ from floor to floor with the biggest variation being the onsens (baths). On the first and second, there are indoor and outdoor baths (and the very best views). The fourth floor only has indoor onsens, and the third floor rooms have smaller wooden baths. The interiors are simple yet comfortable, furnished with a futon or standard bed, and traditional Japanese seating. The bathrooms are neat with double sinks and a huge mirror.

The Miyanoshita Train Station is just a 10-minute walk away from hotel, and it will transport you quickly to the plentiful sights of Hakone. A must-visit are the museums and galleries that feature everything from the works of Picasso to East Asian ceramics. Slightly further afield, take a ride on one of the ropeways for sensational views across the forests and all the way to Mount Fuji, or sail across the picturesque Lake Ashi in a 'pirate' ship. Hakone is also famous for its multitude of scenic hiking trails.