Gora Kansuiro
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 716 reviews
Gora Kansuiro is a century‑old ryokan set within a carefully tended Japanese garden that showcases traditional Taisho‑era architecture and classic wooden craftsmanship. The property comprises three main areas—Hanare, Shunju‑tei and Issho‑tei—and a small collection of detached villas, each room arranged around the garden to frame seasonal views. The estate includes a notable historic villa that once hosted distinguished guests, and the overall atmosphere emphasizes restrained design, tatami floors, shoji screens and period details that aim to convey a wabi‑sabi sense of place.
Accommodation is limited to a small number of Japanese‑style rooms so the experience is intentionally intimate: rooms vary in scale and layout and many preserve original features such as engawa verandas and tokonoma alcoves. Some room types offer private, in‑room bathtubs supplied with hot spring water, while others provide garden or courtyard outlooks; bedding and traditional futons are prepared in typical ryokan fashion. Dining focuses on seasonal kaiseki‑style meals built from local ingredients and Sagami Bay seafood, with breakfast presented in a classic Japanese set menu and dinner served by reservation.
The onsen provision is integral to the stay: Gora Kansuiro taps two on‑site hot spring sources and operates an open‑air rotenburo overlooking the garden plus two indoor public baths that run a gender‑separate schedule. For travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa, or a ryokan with private onsen options, the property combines communal bathing and select rooms with private in‑room baths so guests can choose either a shared thermal experience or the seclusion of a personal soak. The ryokan sits a short walk from the local mountain railway station, making it a practical base for exploring the Hakone area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Gora Kansuiro
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional atmosphere
Many guests praised the ryokan’s authentic, historical character — traditional décor, tatami/futon experience and an immersive atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.
Attentive, friendly staff
Staff consistently described as warm, professional and very attentive; several reviews noted special care for families and helpful, welcoming service.
Excellent, refined meals
Meals (multi-course traditional dinners and breakfasts) were highlighted as delicious, refined and a standout part of the stay — often called a gastronomic experience.
Quality onsen experience
Guests appreciated the hot-spring baths (indoor, outdoor and private onsens), finding them relaxing and an important highlight of the stay.
Beautiful setting and gardens
The property’s setting — gardens, river and surrounding nature — and views were frequently mentioned as peaceful, picturesque and enhancing the overall experience.
Negative Reviews
Some facilities feel dated
Several guests noted parts of the property (bathrooms, general fittings) are old or in need of sensitive renovation and better upkeep, despite being clean.
Breakfast and some dishes not adapted to Western tastes
A number of reviewers said the breakfast and certain menu items may not suit Western palates and that alternative options are limited or unavailable.
Price and billing concerns
At least one guest felt the stay was expensive for what was provided and reported an issue with charges and lack of compensation when logistics (missed included breakfast) prevented use of services.
Limited English spoken by staff
Multiple comments mentioned a language barrier — staff are very kind but may not speak English, which can make communication harder for some international guests.
Limited options for children and some service rigidity
A few guests suggested more flexible meal choices for children to avoid waste, and reported rigid refusals (e.g., purchase requests, early departures) that could be handled more accommodatingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 14 traditional Japanese-style rooms; most rooms are configured for two guests and there are family room options. Children are welcome but cribs and extra beds are generally not available, so check room types when booking.
Gora Kansuiro offers an open-air rotenburo plus two indoor public baths fed by the property’s own spring sources, with gender-separated shifts. The baths overlook the garden and change with the seasons.
Yes—some room categories include a private hot spring bath, and the property also offers reservable private/family bathing options; confirm and reserve the correct room type or time slot in advance.
Tattoos are generally accepted in private baths, while rules for the public baths can vary; contact the ryokan ahead of arrival if you need clarification.
There is no regular hotel airport shuttle; the ryokan is a short walk from Gora Station (about 2 minutes). From Tokyo-area airports, typical public routes use trains to Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto, then the Hakone Tozan Railway up to Gora.
Staff can assist in English and Japanese.
The ryokan serves seasonal kaiseki-style cuisine, with breakfast offered in Asian style; dinner often requires advance reservation and, per the property’s booking policies, should be requested at least two days before arrival.
Check-in typically begins at 15:00 (3:00 PM) with the latest check-in often around 21:00 (9:00 PM); check-out is usually between 07:00 and 10:00. If you expect to arrive late, contact the property in advance.
Gora Park and the Hakone Open-Air Museum are within a short distance, and the Hakone Tozan Railway and ropeway connections for wider Hakone sightseeing are easily accessed from nearby Gora Station. The property’s historic garden is also on site.
Pets are not permitted at Gora Kansuiro. Convenience stores and small shops are within a short walk from Gora Station for basic supplies, while larger supermarkets are found in nearby Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara if needed.