Gora Kadan
Room Types
4
Water
Hot Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
Cuisine
Kaiseki
About
Gora Kadan is one of Japan's most prestigious ryokans, built on the grounds of a former Imperial Family summer villa in the heart of Hakone's Gora district. A member of Relais & Chateaux since 1992, it seamlessly blends imperial heritage with contemporary luxury, offering exquisite kaiseki cuisine, natural hot spring baths, and meticulously maintained gardens just a 5-minute walk from Gora Station.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Room Types
Kadan Suite
Spacious suite combining Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort, featuring a large private open-air bath and separate living area.
- Large private open-air onsen
- Separate living area
- Panoramic garden views
- Premium in-room dining
From ¥120,000/night
Standard Room
Elegant Japanese-style room in the main building with tatami floors, in-room breakfast and dinner service, and access to shared onsen facilities.
- In-room meals (breakfast and dinner)
- Tatami flooring
- Garden view
- Access to shared baths
From ¥76,000/night
Room with Open-Air Bath
Japanese-style room with a private open-air bath fed by natural hot spring water, offering intimate bathing with garden views.
- Private open-air onsen bath
- Natural hot spring water
- In-room meals
- Garden or mountain view
From ¥95,000/night
Bettei Suite (Akatsuki/Akebono)
The pinnacle of Gora Kadan luxury in the annexe, with expansive open-air onsen, private sauna, garden-view granite baths, and the utmost privacy.
- Large open-air onsen with garden views
- Private sauna
- Garden-view granite bath
- Separate living and sleeping areas
- Premium amenities throughout
From ¥152,000/night
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Mildly alkaline sodium bicarbonate spring
Private Baths
- Open-air rockbed bath
- Granite garden-view bath
- In-room open-air bath
Duration: Unlimited for in-room baths; shared facilities available during operating hours
Indoor Baths
- Large communal indoor bath
- Warm-water swimming pool
Outdoor Baths
- Rockbed private onsen
- Open-air communal bath
- Outdoor Jacuzzi
- Wash thoroughly at shower stations before entering any bath
- Do not bring towels into the bath water
- Keep voices low in shared bathing areas
- Tie long hair up before bathing
- Rinse off after bathing in mineral water if desired
Dining
Kaiseki Restaurant Kadan (in historic half-timbered building)
In-room dining (main building rooms)
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
At least 3 days before arrival
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Cherry blossoms in Hakone
- Fresh spring kaiseki ingredients
- Comfortable garden strolling weather
- Golden Week is extremely busy
- Reserve months in advance for April-May
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Lush green gardens
- Hydrangea blooms along the Hakone Tozan Railway
- Cool mountain retreat from Tokyo heat
- Rainy season in June
- Busy summer holiday period
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Spectacular Hakone fall foliage
- Peak kaiseki season with autumn ingredients
- Ideal outdoor bathing weather
- Most popular season - book well in advance
- November weekends sell out quickly
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
- Hot spring bathing in cold air
- Possible snow views from baths
- Cold temperatures but perfect for onsen
- Some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- The outdoor walkways paved with identically shaped river stones are a design masterpiece
- The warm-water pool and Jacuzzi in the orangery-style space is an unexpected luxury
The original Elizabethan half-timbered building housing the restaurant has a uniquely un-Japanese charm
Request a room in the annex for the most private and spacious experience
Must-Try Experiences
- Monthly-rotating kaiseki dinner showcasing seasonal Izu and Hakone ingredients
- Private rockbed onsen bath surrounded by natural scenery
Morning garden walk through the former imperial villa grounds
Experience Tips
- Dine at the restaurant in the historic Elizabethan building for a unique atmosphere
- Visit the rockbed private onsen early morning for a serene start to the day
Combine your stay with visits to the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Pola Museum
Try the warm-water pool for a different relaxation experience
Cultural Notes
- The Imperial Family connection gives Gora Kadan a unique historical gravitas
- Relais & Chateaux membership (first in Japan, 1992) reflects international recognition
Hakone has been a premier hot spring destination since the Edo period
The kaiseki tradition of monthly menu changes reflects deep respect for seasonality
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
1-2 nights ideal for combining with Hakone sightseeing
Getting There
- Complimentary shuttle from Gora Station (reservation required)
- 5-minute walk from Gora Station
- 1 hour 30 minutes from Shinjuku via Odakyu Romance Car to Hakone-Yumoto, then Hakone Tozan Railway
- On-site parking available
Before You Go
Dietary Options
At least 3 days before arrival
Booking Tips
- Book at least 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekends and holidays
- Request annex rooms for the most private experience
- Relais & Chateaux members may receive special benefits
- Specify any dietary requirements at booking time
Preparation Tips
- Review the monthly kaiseki menu theme before your visit
- Plan Hakone sightseeing around the ryokan's central Gora location
- Bring comfortable shoes for garden walks and Hakone exploration
- Familiarize yourself with onsen etiquette if it's your first time
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
Gora Station (Hakone Tozan Railway)
History
Originally the summer retreat of Prince Kan'in-Kotohito, a member of the Imperial Family, the villa was transformed into a ryokan in 1952. After a major renovation in 1989, Gora Kadan became the first Japanese member of Relais & Chateaux in 1992, cementing its status as one of the country's finest luxury accommodations. The original Elizabethan-styled half-timbered building remains as the restaurant.
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