This was my second attempt to stay at this Ryokan, the last time I was booed with a friend the day of there the March 11 earthquake that hit Japan and we had to cancel due to transportation issues.
For me second attempt we arrived the Kiratani Ryokan about two hours before a major typhoon was due to hit the area, and already the storm and wind outside was very strong. We times the arrival to beat the typhoon, and as a result we arrived about two hours before the official check-in time. After a long drive in very bad conditions we wanted to check-in but were told we had to wait until check-in time as that is policy.
This inflexibility is a common issue in Japan, and not guest friendly. After showing strong disapproval at this, the manager agreed to let us into the room which had been cleaned and was ready for guests. From here on in the Team Members and the Manager were all incredibly accommodating. We stayed on the upgraded package, therefore in the Annex which is down the street a little from the main building - it was a little dormitory like but the rooms were clean and comfortable - and a welcome relief for a retreat to sit-out the typhoon. There was an onsen which was indoor-outdoor and excellent as well. We also enjoyed the deluxe dinner menu in a private room which was very very good.
They offer parking (undercover ) and we were rewarded the following day by beautiful clear skies and a wonderful trip to see Mt Fuji.
Apart from the misunderstanding on our arrival at the hotel, the remainder of our stay was very pleasant, although nothing fancy, and the Ryokan is well located for sightseeing

Downtown Tokyo price for poor accommodation.
The Ryokan was hard to find and the staff seems confused by our arrival. The room and corridors smelt musty/smokey and very, very run down. Dinner was ok but the racket from the upper floors and the train make sleep difficult. The private onsen was another 3000 yen and you have to walk down the street and into another building to get to it.

We've chosen this Ryokan for its good price-value-balance compared to other hotels in Hakone and for the good location. The main building we stayed in was a bit run-down but ok. The annex seemed more modern. The food was really excellent (breakfast and dinner). The room was large and comfortable. Unfortunately we didn't have a nice view though. The private onsen was very relaxing, there was no extra charge for using it. The staff was very friendly and helped us where they could, although their English was limited but we were able to communicate quite well. Would recommend this ryokan.