Gora Hanaougi is a ryokan in Gora, the hillside district at the top of the Hakone Tozan railway, close to Gora Park and the Hakone Open Air Museum. Its calling card is that every one of its five room types comes with a private outdoor hot spring bath, from the Japanese Room and the Twin Room to a twin with a terrace, a junior suite and a larger suite. The standard rooms are about 388 square feet, the junior suite about 667 and the suite about 807, so there is space for couples and small families. Rooms also have a deep soaking tub, an electronic bidet, heating and air conditioning, a refrigerator, a laptop-friendly workspace and free WiFi. The ryokan has an on-site restaurant, and a free Japanese breakfast is offered, with half-board rates adding dinner.
Location and getting around
Gora Park is about a ten-minute walk, and Hakone Gora Station is about 15 minutes on foot, so the railway, the cable car and the ropeway are easy to reach. The Hakone Open Air Museum is around two kilometres away, and Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is about two minutes by car.
The Hakone Ropeway is some distance further, and Lake Ashi and the Hakone hot springs are within about ten kilometres. Haneda Airport is roughly two hours by car. The ryokan offers a free pick-up from the train station, which helps with luggage.
Rooms and facilities
The private onsen baths are the main draw, and they mean you can soak at any hour without sharing. The ryokan also has an indoor mineral hot spring, and massage and other spa services are available. It has a reception hall, a gift shop, luggage storage and free newspapers, and self-parking is free. Meals are a central part of the stay, so think about whether you want breakfast only or the half-board option with dinner, and check what each rate includes when you book.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, honeymooners and travellers who want a private bath without paying the highest prices will like it. It is also a practical base for a mix of art museums, gardens and ropeway rides. Check-in runs from 3 PM to 6 PM, and there is no after-hours check-in, so tell the ryokan if you will arrive late.
Check-out is at 11 AM. Pets are not allowed. Free cancellation is offered on select rates, so read the conditions when you book. Gora is hilly, so pack comfortable shoes, and reserve early for autumn weekends.
Why stay here
- ✓Private outdoor onsen in every room
- ✓Indoor mineral hot spring
- ✓Free Japanese breakfast
- ✓Half-board rates available
- ✓Massage and spa services
- ✓Free self-parking
- ✓Free train station pick-up
- ✓Deep soaking tubs and workspace in rooms
Good questions
Does every room at Gora Hanaougi have a private onsen?+
Yes. All five room types have a private outdoor hot spring bath, from the Japanese Room to the suite.
Is breakfast included?+
A free Japanese breakfast is offered, and half-board rates add dinner. Check what your rate includes when you book.
How far is it from Gora Station?+
Hakone Gora Station is about a 15-minute walk, and Gora Park is about ten minutes on foot. A free station pick-up is offered.
