Gensen Uenoya Hot Spring Ryokan

To start with I must say that I have been travelling in Japan somewhat, but this was my first stay in Ryokan - hot spring "resort". Adding to back ground to better understand reviewer I'm Scandinavian who has been living 20+ years in Asia. Uenoya is some 300 years old establishment famous about its natural hot springs. Hot spring baths are man made, not natural stone baths as some others. There are two different type of baths: typical public baths and then private baths which run based on bookings. Hot spring facilities are part of the room price and you are welcome to use them as much as you wish, but mind your manners and respect the etiquette. I was told that bath facilities were not the top of the industry, but good average standard. If you are foreigner and first time going to hot spring resort, I would recommend to have a good local friend with you to guide you to maximum enjoyment and helping you with the language if you do not speak Japanese. There is none to speak English to you in hotel staff. Uenoya is squeezed in between modern building which to me was quite a surprise as we are talking about historical ryokan. There is no views to enjoy from the windows or from private baths on top floor outdoor terrace. Location is anyhow only reasonable car ride away from view to mount Fuji so merging Hakone sightseeing to hot spring holiday will fulfil your dreams about views. Service and food is fantastic. At arrival while you are taking your shoes off at entrance staff will run your luggages to your tatami room. Indoors you are allowed to use only slippers provided. In room you are given Yukata to wear. All visitors are mainly wearing those and you get real Japanese traditional feeling by seeing only Yukata wearing people around you. Food... explaining it does not make any right to it - it was just non-stop fine dining. No short cut in quality neither in quantity. I would say that food alone is reason good enough to visit this place. Tatami room was sufficient in size with indoor toilet, safe and minibar which will be replenished at your wish. After couple of hits to your head you will learn to bow at door ways as door height is less than 6 feet. I don't go further in explaining tatami rooms and typical service - I'm sure you can find those in internet. I recommend to actually read a bit about ryokan's before the visit.