Lalaca
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 545 reviews
Lalaca is a small, family-run ryokan set in the forested slopes of Hakone’s Gora district, offering a quietly contemporary interpretation of traditional Japanese lodging. Rooms are primarily tatami-matted Japanese-style accommodations with wide windows framing Daimonji Mountain and a low table with floor cushions; a couple of larger Japanese–Western rooms add beds and showers. The inn manages guest flow carefully with roughly ten bedrooms, a restaurant that serves multi-course kaiseki dinners and breakfast prepared from seasonal local produce, and a communal lobby that blends Scandinavian lines with Japanese simplicity to create a restrained, restful public space.
Bathing is a defining feature: the property channels natural hot spring water sourced from the Owakudani area, yielding the characteristic milky, sulfur-rich onsen common to this volcanic zone. Guests can use a larger indoor bath and an outdoor stone bath that opens onto mountain views; the outdoor bath is also made available as a private onsen by reservation for focused family or couple use. Dining and bathing are coordinated so guests can alternate soaks and meals without rush, making Lalaca an attractive ryokan with onsen Hakone option for travelers seeking an integrated hot-spring and culinary experience.
Practical amenities include on-site parking (reservation requested), complimentary Wi‑Fi, non-smoking rooms throughout, and optional massages and light recreation such as table tennis. The staff provides multilingual assistance and recommends arriving via the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora or the nearer Koen-Shimo cable car stop to avoid steep approaches on foot. With its blend of traditional futon sleeping, attention to seasonal kaiseki menus and the availability of a ryokan with private onsen Kanagawa, Lalaca suits visitors who prioritize authentic bathing culture paired with considered, small-scale hospitality.
Highlights of this ryokan
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Review summary for: Lalaca
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff
Multiple reviews highlight very helpful, discreet and caring staff who provide excellent service, explanations about meals and onsen use, and thoughtful attention to families and children.
Excellent traditional meals (kaiseki)
Guests repeatedly praise the kaiseki dinners and breakfasts as delicious, varied and generous, often using local ingredients; staff explain the dishes and accommodate dietary requests when possible.
Great onsen experience with private option
Onsen facilities (indoor and outdoor) are described as clean, well maintained and relaxing. Many guests appreciated the ability to reserve a private onsen slot for couples or families and clear guidance on how to use them.
Authentic, spacious rooms and comfortable bedding
The ryokan offers traditional Japanese rooms with tatami and futons; guests found the rooms spacious, well appointed, and the futons/bedding very comfortable. Kimonos and tea amenities are provided in rooms.
Calm, scenic location with good access to transport
Reviewers note a peaceful, well‑decorated property with mountain/garden views and a convenient location near Gora station and regional transport, making it a pleasant base for exploring the area.
Negative Reviews
Lack of shower next to private onsen
Several guests mentioned that the private outdoor onsen does not include a nearby shower or changing area, so you must use the public bathing area to wash first, which some find inconvenient.
Some areas/rooms feel dated
A few reviewers described parts of the property as a bit old or ‘vieillot’, noting that some rooms and fittings show age even though cleanliness and service remain good.
Higher prices due to tourist area
Guests pointed out that Hakone is touristy and rates can be higher than elsewhere in Japan; some felt the stay is expensive (though many felt the food/service justify the price).
Meals can be challenging for children and fixed mealtimes
The traditional multi‑course kaiseki style and savory breakfasts may be unfamiliar to children and picky eaters; meal times are fixed (typically early evening and morning) which may not suit everyone.
Access and arrival can be physically demanding
A number of reviews mention a steep hill up to the ryokan or longer travel times from major cities, which can be inconvenient when carrying luggage or arriving by public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms can accommodate up to five guests, though the ryokan recommends a maximum of four if you have large suitcases.
You can choose traditional Japanese rooms with futons on tatami or Japanese‑Western rooms with two beds plus futons for extra guests; some Japanese rooms have no private shower while Japanese‑Western rooms include shower and toilet.
The onsen uses undiluted, naturally colored sulfur water sourced from Owakudani, known locally for its milky appearance and typical onsen mineral benefits.
Yes — the stone outdoor bath is reservable for private use at night (typically evenings) for 30 minutes free; reservations are made after check‑in and cannot usually be booked in advance.
There is no regular airport shuttle; most guests reach Lalaca by train (Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku or Shinkansen to Odawara then Hakone Tozan to Gora/Koen‑Shimo) or by car.
Standard check‑in is between 15:00 and 17:30 and check‑out is between about 08:30 and 10:00; you should inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance.
The ryokan provides English information online and guests report English‑speaking staff; some multilingual support (including Chinese) is commonly available.
Dinner and breakfast are served in the dining room with seasonal kaiseki‑style Japanese menus (dinner usually from around 18:00 and breakfast around 08:00); please do not bring outside food into the dining room.
Pets are not allowed on the property; while there is no on‑site supermarket, convenience stores and local shops are available near Gora Station and Hakone Yumoto for basic supplies.
Lalaca is a short walk from Koen‑Shimo or Gora Station and is convenient for Gora Park, the Hakone Open‑Air Museum, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi; the Hakone Free Pass covers local trains, cablecar, ropeway and buses for sightseeing.