Hakone Gora KARAKU
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 606 reviews
Hakone Gora KARAKU sits on the Gora hillside, presenting a modern interpretation of the traditional ryokan that blends tatami accents with contemporary furnishings and wide glass that frames mountain views. The property emphasizes bathing: many room types come with a private open‑air hot spring bath on the balcony and the hotel also operates multiple communal open‑air baths and indoor hot spring facilities. Public areas include a staffed reception, a guest lounge with complimentary daytime refreshments, and accessible facilities for visitors with reduced mobility.
Guestrooms are designed for comfort and independence, typically offering a small sitting area, minibar, yukata and bathrobes, and housekeeping service; several room categories extend directly onto outdoor tubs fed by local onsen water so you can soak in privacy. Dining options span a main dining room serving seasonal multi‑course menus and a separate grill restaurant for a more casual choice; breakfast formats vary by plan. Practical details that support a short Hakone stay include a complimentary shuttle service (advance reservation recommended), on‑site parking with limited spaces, free Wi‑Fi and 24‑hour front desk assistance.
Located a short walk from Gora Station and within easy reach of local attractions such as Hakone Gora Park and the ropeway, the property functions as a convenient base for exploring the Hakone area. Whether your priority is a focused soak or a short sightseeing itinerary, this ryokan with private onsen in Hakone offers direct access to hot spring bathing from your room alongside communal bathing options, making it a considered choice when searching for a ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakone Gora KARAKU
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive service
Multiple guests praised the staff’s politeness, helpfulness and high level of attention throughout the stay — from check‑in to check‑out, lounge service and personalised touches (e.g., staff offering photos, accommodating changes when possible).
Outstanding food (Kaiseki dinners)
Dinner and breakfast were frequently described as beautifully prepared and delicious, with kaiseki‑style presentations and notable pairings (sake); many called the meals a highlight of the stay.
Private onsen and onsen experiences
Private in‑room onsens and open‑air baths received strong praise — guests enjoyed the privacy, views, hot spring water quality and the ability to book private use of baths.
Beautiful property, rooms and location
Reviewers highlighted elegant, spacious rooms, stunning mountain/nature views and a convenient location close to attractions (ropeway, museum, Gora station), creating a luxurious, relaxing atmosphere.
Comfortable, well‑thought amenities
Guests appreciated the comfortable beds, room amenities (robes, multiple pairs of shoes, spa treatments, in‑room extras like speakers and steamers), lounges with snacks/drinks and overall luxury feel.
Negative Reviews
Rigid meal scheduling and policies
Several guests reported that dinner and breakfast times are strictly assigned (limited ability to change times) and that this was not always clearly communicated in advance, causing inconvenience.
Limited Western breakfast/options and fixed menus
Multiple reviews noted that breakfasts/dinners are largely Japanese (fish, kaiseki) with few Western alternatives; some guests — especially Western visitors and families with teens — found the menus unfamiliar or unsuitable.
Perceived high price / value concerns
A number of reviewers felt the nightly rate was expensive and, in some cases, did not match their expectations for meal or dining room quality, leading to concerns about value for money.
Occasional service issues, language or flexibility limits
While service is often praised, some guests experienced distant or cold interactions at reception or restaurants, limited English communication, refusals of simple requests (e.g., leaving a car an extra hour) and slow check‑in/check‑out times.
Dining format and minor maintenance problems
A few guests found dinners very long and elaborate (tiring over multiple nights), and some reported minor maintenance/comfort issues such as sticky doors to private baths and mosquitoes entering when doors did not close easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are arranged for two guests; many room types include sofa beds or futons and can accommodate up to four—check the specific room description or contact the property to confirm exact occupancy for your dates.
Yes — the ryokan was built so each guestroom includes a private open-air bath; the property also has public bathing facilities, rooftop open-air baths, and reservable private onsen for exclusive use.
Yes, a complimentary shuttle runs between Gora Station and the ryokan (about a 3–5 minute ride); you should inform the hotel of your arrival time in advance.
Haneda is the closest major airport and public transport usually takes around 90–120 minutes to Hakone depending on connections; Narita is farther and typically requires about 2.5–3 hours by public transport or transfers.
Staff provide service in Japanese and English; additional language support may be limited, so request assistance in advance if you need another language.
The ryokan offers traditional-style Japanese meals (seasonal kaiseki and set dinners) and an Asian breakfast in on-site dining rooms, with tatami, yukata, and a blend of modern comfort and traditional ryokan elements.
Key nearby sights include the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Gora Park, and the Hakone Museum of Art, all within a short walk or brief train ride; Lake Ashi, the ropeway, and Pola Museum are also easily accessible for day trips.
Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway is nearby and provides frequent local connections; the Hakone Tozan buses, ropeway, and the Hakone Free Pass are convenient for sightseeing, while taxis are available but can be limited.
Standard check-in is from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and check-out is from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM; if you expect to arrive outside those hours, notify the property ahead of time.
Private onsen can be reserved for exclusive use; pets are not permitted at the property; convenience stores and small shops are located within easy reach in the Gora area for basic supplies.