Laforet Hakone Gora Yunosumika
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 2262 reviews
Laforet Hakone Gora Yunosumika occupies a quiet hillside position in the Gora district of Hakone, Kanagawa, where contemporary interiors and restrained Japanese detailing are arranged around open circulation and views of the surrounding foothills. The property presents itself as a mid‑sized retreat rather than a compact guesthouse, with a design-led public zone, a single on-site restaurant, and hotel services tailored for both short stays and longer, restorative visits. Its location places it within easy walking distance of the local cable car, gardens and a cluster of museums, offering straightforward access to the region’s most visited natural and cultural sites without losing the sense of seclusion that characterises the area.
Guest accommodation mixes modern Western comfort with Japanese elements: rooms range from family-sized suites to tatami‑accented twin and twin‑plus‑futon layouts, and certain room types feature a private outdoor hot spring bath. The property offers communal bathing facilities and an outdoor public bath supplied by natural hot spring water, which means it functions as a ryokan with onsen in Hakone while also providing room categories that qualify it as a ryokan with private onsen Kanagawa for travelers seeking exclusive bathing privacy. Standard in-room conveniences include climate control, a refrigerator and electric kettle, and many rooms are configured to maximise mountain views and a calm, uncluttered atmosphere.
On-site amenities are straightforward and practical: a restaurant serving a Japanese buffet breakfast and plated dinner courses, a small gift shop, luggage storage and a shuttle service to nearby transit points, plus free parking for those arriving by car. Staff service is oriented to assist with reservations for local activities and routes, making this property suitable for couples, families and solo travelers who prioritise a measured balance of onsen bathing options, accessible sightlines across Hakone and a calm base for exploring Kanagawa’s hot‑spring circuit. Practical room types and public bathing schedules should be confirmed at booking for visitors with specific onsen preferences.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Laforet Hakone Gora Yunosumika
Positive Reviews
Private onsen (room balcony baths)
Many guests highlight the private onsen attached to rooms (balcony or terrace baths) as a standout feature — described as divine, fantastic and ideal for relaxing after a cool day.
Excellent dining (dinner and restaurant quality)
The on-site restaurant and dinner menus receive consistent praise: gastronomic, refined dishes, thoughtful presentations and special attentions for children. Several reviews also mention very enjoyable evening meals included in half-board packages.
Friendly, attentive staff and service
Staff are frequently described as very kind, attentive and helpful — some even using a few words in guests' languages. Reviewers report personalised care (help during illness, proactive follow-up) and overall warm hospitality.
Comfortable, spacious and well-appointed rooms
Guests report large, comfortable rooms with good cleanliness, traditional tatami areas, yukata provided and an overall sense of calm. Several mentions of roomy layouts and pleasant decor.
Peaceful setting and convenient for Hakone sightseeing
The hotel’s setting (gardens/parks) is praised as tranquil and scenic; multiple guests note it as a very good base for visiting Hakone (lake, Gora) and that the property is pleasant for ending a Japan trip.
Negative Reviews
Limited and inflexible shuttle service
Numerous reviews complain about shuttle availability and schedule: limited pick-up/drop-off times at Gora station, no early morning or late arrival options, and inability to reserve a shuttle at arbitrary times — causing guests to walk with luggage or find taxis.
Difficult on-foot access / steep approach
Several guests note the property is uphill and hard to reach on foot from the station, with steep climbs and slopes — visitors recommend arranging transport rather than walking, especially with luggage.
Lack of clear transit information and valet availability
Some reviewers report insufficient guidance about accessing the hotel by funicular/cable car and disappointment at the lack of a readily available valet or flexible transport solutions to and from the station.
Futon comfort issues
A few guests mentioned that the futons were not comfortable — one described them as thin enough to feel the floor when turning, indicating bedding comfort could be improved.
Inconsistency in breakfast/meal experience
While many praise the food, a few guests felt the breakfast quality was lacking ('bof') or noted variability between nights (first-night dinner perceived better than the second), suggesting some inconsistency in meal experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type: most rooms suit 2–4 guests, and some Japanese-Western rooms can accommodate up to 6; check the specific room description when booking.
Yes — the property has public hot spring baths, open-air baths and a sauna, and select room types include a private open-air onsen on the terrace.
Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from using the public bathing areas, so contact the front desk for guidance or choose a room with a private onsen.
A free hotel shuttle runs between Gora/Sounzan stations and the hotel at limited times; you must request the shuttle on arrival or in advance with the hotel.
Common routes use Odakyu/ROMANCECAR or JR to Odawara, then the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora and the cable car to Nakagora (about a 5‑minute walk), with train connections available from Haneda/Narita via Odawara.
Front desk staff commonly handle basic English requests, but Japanese is the primary language; plan accordingly and contact the hotel in advance for special language needs.
Standard check-in begins in the afternoon and check-out is by late morning; dinner is served in the hotel restaurant and must be reserved in advance, with guests advised to arrive before the restaurant’s final seating time.
There are in-room private hot spring baths available only with certain room types; the public baths are shared and the hotel does not generally advertise hourly private bath rentals, so book a room with a private onsen if exclusivity is required.
A limited number of dog-friendly rooms are offered in both the main building and annex; book those specific rooms and confirm pet policies with the hotel beforehand.
The hotel is close to Gora Park and the Hakone Museum of Art, and provides easy access to the Hakone cable car and ropeway for visiting Hakone’s sights; walking and local transport are convenient but the area is hilly.