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Destination Traveller

Gora Kadan

By the Destination Traveller editors · 30 October 2026

Gora, Hakone, Japan

Gora Kadan stands on the grounds of the summer villa of Prince Kan'in, a member of the Japanese imperial family, high on the mountainside at Gora in Hakone. Hot-spring water flows from its own sources, dinner is an exquisite seasonal kaiseki, and many rooms have their own open-air bath. It is one of the great ryokan of Japan, and the perfect counterpoint to Tokyo.

Best for: Couples who want Japan's ryokan tradition at its most refined, with a private hot-spring bath.

Where it is

The ryokan sits at the top of the Hakone Tozan railway in Gora, among maples and cherry trees on the slopes above the Hakone valley. From Tokyo it is about an hour and a half by the Romancecar train to Hakone-Yumoto and then the mountain railway; call from Gora Station and the ryokan sends a car. Lake Ashi, the ropeway and the open-air museum are all close by. See our Japan in cherry blossom season trip.

Rooms and suites

Rooms range from serene standard rooms to Kadan Suites and private Bettei Suites in the garden. Most combine tatami and low furnishings with modern comforts, and the best have their own open-air stone or cypress-wood baths filled with spring water, looking out over moss gardens and maples. Book a room with an open-air bath; it is the point of coming.

Food, spa and the rest

Dinner is a multi-course kaiseki served in the Kaiseki Kadan restaurant, following the seasons ingredient by ingredient; there is also an intimate Sushi Kadan counter. The Kadan Spa offers massages and in-room shiatsu. Guests share separate men's and women's hot-spring baths, swapped at night so you can try both, and a private open-air bath with a steam sauna can be booked for 40 minutes at no charge. There is also a bright indoor pool, a bedrock bath and a gym.

The moment

Sinking into your own open-air hot-spring bath after dinner, steam rising into the cold air and the maples lit softly in the garden.

Why we chose it

Every first trip to Japan should include a night in a great ryokan, and Gora Kadan is among the finest: the imperial history, the quality of the food and the private baths make it unforgettable. It is a calm, deeply Japanese contrast to the cities, and well placed between Tokyo and Kyoto.

When to go

Hakone is beautiful all year. Cherry blossom arrives in early to mid-April, a little after Tokyo; autumn colour peaks in November; and winter brings clear views of Mount Fuji and the pleasure of hot baths in cold air. Book well ahead for spring and autumn weekends.

The longer stay

Two nights is ideal: one day to explore the Hakone loop by train, ropeway and boat, and one to stay put and soak. Combine with Tokyo before and Kyoto after, by bullet train from Odawara.

Part of our Big Trip

A red pagoda framed by cherry blossom in Kyoto

Japan in Cherry Blossom Season

From about £6,500 per person

Questions

What is a ryokan?

A traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms, hot-spring baths and multi-course kaiseki dinners, usually included in the rate.

Do rooms have private baths?

Many rooms and suites have their own open-air hot-spring bath; book one of these categories.

Are tattoos allowed in the baths?

Policies on shared baths vary; rooms with private baths avoid any issue. Ask when booking.

How do I get there from Tokyo?

Take the Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto and the mountain railway to Gora; the ryokan collects you from the station.

Is dinner included?

Rates usually include kaiseki dinner and breakfast. Check your rate when booking.

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