Gora Kadan
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 676 reviews
Gora Kadan occupies the former imperial summer retreat in Hakone, where traditional Japanese craft and contemporary comfort are balanced across a compact, sculpted grounds. Rooms and public areas emphasise natural materials, shōji screens and tatami rhythms that encourage slow-paced stays; on-site mineral springs are channeled into thoughtfully designed baths so that bathing becomes a central, daily ritual. As a ryokan with onsen in Hakone the property frames each visit around seasonal scent, quiet garden views and kaiseki dining that changes with the harvest.
Accommodation choices range from intimate Japanese-style rooms to multi-room suites and detached annexes, and several room types include private outdoor tubs fashioned from cypress or stone for exclusive use. In addition to private bathing options there is a small spa with treatment rooms, an indoor pool and a stone hammam; staff manage in-room kaiseki service and dietary requests to match seasonal menus prepared from local ingredients. For visitors seeking solitude and a self-contained bathing ritual, this ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa offers the privacy of an in-room soak alongside communal wellness facilities.
Practical details stress ease and discretion: the property is a short walk from the local mountain railway, with shuttle, luggage assistance and concierge services to arrange excursions. Nearby attractions such as outdoor sculpture parks, botanical displays and mountain viewpoints make day trips straightforward, while evenings are arranged for calm—soft lighting, attentive service and carefully timed multi-course meals. The experience suits travellers who want a culturally grounded retreat that pairs traditional bathing culture with contemporary spa amenities and seasonal Japanese cuisine.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Gora Kadan
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive staff
Many reviewers highlighted impeccable hospitality — friendly, professional and accommodating staff who provided upgrades, personalised touches (honeymoon attentions) and helped with last‑minute requests or meal arrangements.
Outstanding cuisine (kaiseki dinners & breakfasts)
Multiple guests praised the food as exceptional — elaborate kaiseki dinners and fabulous breakfasts, with the kitchen able to adapt dishes for allergies and special diets.
Authentic, beautiful traditional ryokan
Visitors enjoyed the authentic atmosphere, traditional rooms and attention to detail (futons, in‑room low‑table meals), describing the property as gorgeous and true to the ryokan experience.
Excellent onsen experience (private & public)
Private in‑room onsens and the public baths were repeatedly mentioned as deeply relaxing and a major highlight — very hot, soothing and central to the stay.
Peaceful location, clean and comfortable rooms
Guests found the setting tranquil and almost rural yet conveniently close to stations; rooms were reported as clean, comfortable and conducive to a good night’s sleep.
Negative Reviews
Dinner/menu inconsistency for some guests
A few reviewers felt the second part of the dinner menu was less original or less well received, so culinary experience was not uniformly praised by all guests.
Accessibility — steep stairs / need for transfer
Several guests warned the approach involves a steep climb and recommended calling the hotel for pickup from the bus/train stop because the stairs can be tiring.
Language limitations with staff
At least one guest noted that some staff members were not very fluent in English, which could make certain communications more difficult for non‑Japanese speakers.
Occasional maintenance or comfort issues
Some reports mentioned problems such as an unpleasant smell in a shower, rooms that felt a bit shabby and in need of renovation, and air‑conditioning controls that were confusing or too strong.
Price and small practical inconveniences
A few guests mentioned the stay was expensive and noted minor inconveniences (e.g. needing to book the pool, preference for fresher house slippers) that affected perceived value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are designed for two guests, with larger suites and family-room options available; specific maximum occupancy varies by room type so check the room details or contact the property. Children are categorized on the official booking page (13+ = adult; 4–12 = child; 1–3 = infant).
Yes — the ryokan offers public hot-spring baths and family baths, plus guest rooms with private hot-spring baths. Private-use baths can also be arranged by prior reservation.
Private in-room hot-springs and rental private baths are available for guests, but you should request and reserve them in advance to ensure availability. Policies and reservation procedures vary by room and plan.
Gora Kadan provides shuttle service from nearby Gora Station on request; airport shuttle options are listed by the hotel and can be arranged with advance notice. Contact the ryokan before arrival to confirm pick-up details.
The common route is Odakyu Limited Express from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, then the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora (total travel time around two hours depending on connections). By car, Haneda Airport to the property is typically around 100 minutes depending on traffic.
The property provides English-language information and staff can assist in English for common guest needs; the official site also has English pages. For detailed requests, contacting the ryokan in advance is recommended.
Gora Kadan serves seasonal kaiseki multi-course dinners and traditional breakfasts, often included in accommodation plans. Special dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum and Gora Park are within a short walk from the property, and other sights such as Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine are a short drive away. The location is convenient for local museums, gardens and hiking routes.
Standard check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at 11:00, and the property offers 24-hour front-desk service with luggage storage for arriving or departing guests. Notify the ryokan of any early arrival or late departure plans.
Pets are not permitted at Gora Kadan. Convenience stores and small shops are within walking distance of the ryokan for basic supplies.