Gorakan
Location: 1320-241 Gora, Ashigarashimo-gun, Hakone, Kanagawa, 250-0408, Hakone, JP
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Property Type: Ryokans
About this Property
Relax in Hot Springs:
Indulge in the refreshing hot springs at Gorakan, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration in Hakone.
Convenient Amenities:
Enjoy complimentary wireless internet access, a restaurant serving delicious meals, and convenient luggage storage facilities during your stay.
Explore Nearby Attractions:
With Hakone Gora Park and Hakone Open Air Museum just minutes away, immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the surroundings.
Step into tranquility and adventure at Gorakan - book your stay now for an unforgettable experience!
Important Information
- Reservations are required for private bath/onsen. Reservations can be made by contacting the ryokan prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
- The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ). Additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
- Please note that some properties do not permit guests with tattoos to use the onsite public bathing facilities.
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Instructions: The front desk is open daily from 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Dinner is served from 6 to 7:30 PM. Guests booked in Half Board rates must check-in by 6 PM to receive dinner. Luggage storage after check-out is available everyday except Tuesday.
Amenities & Facilities
- Front entrance ramp
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Wheelchair accessible
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Smoke-free property
- Free self parking
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Well-lit path to entrance
Rooms Available
-
Japanese Style Room 6 Tatami Mats (Private toilet, Shared bathroom, Futon), Non Smoking
2 Twin Futons
107 sq feet
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - LCD television
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, spring water bathtub and separate shower
Practical - Safe, local maps, and guidebooks
Comfort - Climate-controlled air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and tatami floors (woven mat)
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Slippers
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Daily housekeeping
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Free WiFi
- Spring water bathtub
- Shared outdoor bathroom
- Local maps
- Guidebooks or recommendations
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Japanese Style Room 8 Tatami Mats (Private toilet, Shared bathroom, Futon), Non Smoking
4 Twin Futons
183 sq feet
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - LCD television
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, spring water bathtub and separate shower
Practical - Safe, local maps, and guidebooks
Comfort - Climate-controlled air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Slippers
- Daily housekeeping
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Free WiFi
- Spring water bathtub
- Shared outdoor bathroom
- Local maps
- Guidebooks or recommendations
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Guest Reviews
- Paul (10/5): Fun thing to try - This was a unique and wonderful experience. We had never experienced a ryokan, but we enjoyed it for a night. Room gives a Zen vibe, and once we got the AC going, the heat was tolerable. But the rest of the hotel was quite warm! Dinner was fun, elaborate. Glad we wore the provided robes because no one was in street clothes. We rented the private spa, and that was relaxing. Keep in mind there is no shower in your room. Also, there are few amenities in this town, so plan ahead if you require snacks.
- Satbir (10/5): - Traditional Japanese hospitality in a lovely setting. The hotel was very simple to reach and the staff was super accommodating to make my stay comfortable and delightful. The meals are a real luxury and served with a full explanation and always a smile!
- John (10/5): - Great place. Close to the train station. Authentic breakfast and dinner.
- Fan (10/5): - Excellent food, staff are super friendly. Easy parking and comfortable beds. Wonderful experience
- Benjamin (10/5): - Awesome place! The owners are very nice
- Christina (10/5): - A lovely stay at a family run ryokan very near Gora station. It is not luxurious accommodation by any means but the staff are very sweet and kind. The place is a little rustic but the food is amazing!! Actually they could cut down on a few dishes and it would still be too much to eat! The private onsen was also much appreciated as there is no shower in the room. All in all, I had a relaxing time in Gorakan.
- Jakob (10/5): Kan klart anbefales - Vores familie på fire (med to drenge på 11 og 14). Nød opholdet som er hele oplevelsen værd. Lækkert traditionelt japansk mad (aften og morgen) samt godt bade (onsen). Hotellet ligger lige ved Gore station og er perfekt udgangspunkt for en videre tur op på bjerget før der kommer for mange. Vi nød alle opholdet og at bo på traditionelt japansk. Personalet er menget venlige og virkeligt søde.
- SZE KIT REMAN (8/5): - Onsen facilities are a bit old but clean as a whole. Dinner is very good. Service is outstanding.
- Marc (10/5): nice experience - Onsen, nice traditional room and good food
- Jee yeon (10/5): 덜 추울 때 추천 - 다음에 또 가고 싶다. 그런데 료칸은 추울 때는 안 가야겠다. 우리가 갔을 때 많이 춥고 눈도 왔다. 작은 벽걸이 에어컨 하나로 자야해서 추웠다. 낮에도 춥고 밤에도 춥다. 난 잠옷을 1겹 입었는데, 2겹 입은 가족은 안 추웠다고 함. 방바닥이 차서 실내 슬리퍼를 가져오길. 실외슬리퍼만 제공됨
직원들은 친절하시고 간단한 영어도 하심. 온천은 오래된 느낌이지만 온천 자체가 좋았음. 개인온천보다는 공용온천이 넓어서 좋았음. 방문했을 때 손님이 별로 없어서 우리가족만 공용온천을 사용했음. 복도에 자판기가 있음.
식사도 새롭고 특별했음. 우리가 빨리 먹는 편인데도 18시부터 1시간40분 정도 식사를 함. 일본에서만 맛볼 수 있는 코스 음식을 먹을 수 있어서 새로웠음.
아침식사는 기차시간 때매 7시45분에 부탁드려서 먹었음. 한상차림으로 일본식 식사가 나옴. 근데 일본식이 대부분 그렇지만 달달하고 짭짤하고 느끼하기도 해서 김치가 땡겼음.
고라역에서 터널계단 지나면 바로 보임. 뛰어서 1분 거리. 밤에는 주변이 어두워서 편의점은 미리 다녀오는게좋음.
- Kyoungsik (10/5): - Good.
- CHIZURU (6/5): - お料理は品数も多く大変満足しました。施設面の老朽化が目立ち、また接遇面、特にフロントの説明が不十分だと感じました。お給仕の方の一生懸命さが伝わり好感が持てました。
- Kun (10/5): - Hot springs, dinner and breakfast at the place are excellent. Room service is excellent
- Courtney Leigh (10/5): - Great traditional Japanese experience. Tatami rooms, futons, yukatas, amazing meals and of course private onsen.
Staff was super friendly and the property is in easy walking distance to the Hakone Ropeway.
- JUN SANG (10/5): - 가이세키가 너무좋았고 조용해서 좋았습니다
온천도 좋았습니다
- Alice (10/5): - Our family (with 2 kids age 5 and 8) had a wonderful 2-night stay. The kaiseki dinner and breakfast is sensational. We loved being able to book the private onsen for a family spa. The rooms are spacious and children acommodated with their own yukatas and slightly adjusted meals. The open air museum is a short walk away and great coffee at coffee swamp around the corner.
- Rebecca (10/5): - We had such an amazing stay at the Gorakan. We were blown away by the food and the service, especially the delicious multi-course dinner. Highly recommend!
- Young-Chen (8/5): - Good service, nice Japanese food, great location ,three min on foot from station.
- Salina (10/5): Beautiful old ryokan close to Gora Station. - Amazing, old ryokan very close to Gora Station. Nice and welcoming staff. It was my first time at ryokan, and what an experience! I enjoyed the private onsen with a view over the mountains. There was rain and thunder, which made it very dramatic, and in the end there was a rainbow.
The room was spacious, had basic amenities. Green tea, which was switched to a fresh pot after dinner and breakfast, while they also made my bed and put it away again. So smooth.
The food was overwhelming in both quantities and quality. Beautiful meat, fish, shellfish, garnish and tofu. The attention to detail was incredible. They had even printed a menu in my mother tongue!
I only stayed for one night, but had I known what a special place it is, I would have planned one more night.
- Eunice (10/5): - Fantastic and friendly service with amazing, meticulously crafted meals. Thank you!
- oliver (10/5): Amazing Ryokan! - The service was absolutely amazing. Everything from the room to the lobby to the baths was excellently curated and full of that traditional charm. Our hostess was always ready to provide us with anything we needed and the food was probably the best we’d had during our two week trip! I will definitely be recommending this to my friends, family and anyone else that wants to visit Hakone!
- RUI (10/5): - The Kaiseki dinner is an amazing experience. Good quality of food and excellent T service.
- Svetlana (10/5): - We really felt like it was a real home stay rather than hotel. Owner and the host is very nice, speaks English and pleasant to be around. Yes, this ryokan has seen a lot of guests, but everything is super clean and tidy, everything they do seems so timely and effortless, although we can see how much effort was put into every little detail , from tea choices, to changing into the sleeping beds and amazing food! Food deserves a special mention- tasty, beautiful and nutritious- and so much verity that hit all senses! Both breakfast and dinner were a culinary delight with amazing presentation! We also got an extra menu printed in the language of my birth country- as a special touch! We reserved a private onsen for 9:30, which was a perfect timing and it gave us an opportunity to wonder the streets after dinner. Location is also great- steps from Gora station. Thank you so much- we loved it and will be back!
- Jay (10/5): - Nice stay at hotel. Meals were very good.
- Olga (10/5): - Such a unique and friendly hotel. The dinner and breakfast are amazing. Hotel staff is very helpful. Very close to the station. I recommend communal bath - its very good.
- Joshua (10/5): - Great stay at authentic ryoken. Staff was friendly with some English speaking staff. Property abit dated but otherwise well mainteined, room was large with own toilet but only common bath in the Onsen. Private Onsen was good water comfortable but not as hot as I expected. Kesike dinner and breakfast was amazing and best in class, really enjoyed the beef, crab and sashimi served at dinner. Location good near train station but only route to ryoken will require climbing stairs down underpass (take note for large luggages) also many stairs in ryoken no lift. Overall enjoyable authentic stay for 1 night
- Alphonso (10/5): - I had a nice ryokan experience here. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The included meals were impressive. The only thing I would have wished for was for more guidance from the staff regarding the proper way to stay at a ryokan, although I found some guidance cards in my room. It may have just been a language barrier as I don't speak Japanese and they didn't speak much English.
- Maria Del Mar (10/5): Auténtico, limpio, confortable y muy bien ubicado. - Hemos reservado este Ryokan en Hakone para vivir esta experiencia maravillosa.
Justo al lado de Gora Station.
Ryokan antiguo que hace que sea más auténtica la experiencia. En perfecto estado, muy limpio y cómodo.
Personal muy servicial en todo momento.
Onsen privado estupendo.
Cena típica Kaiseki muy abundante y rica.
Por la mañana el desayuno era a las 8h y nosotros a esa hora estábamos visitando el santuario y volvimos a ls 8:30, ya había empezado el desayuno, pero aún así nos prepararon un buen desayuno con bollos, sandwich, dulces, fruta,café, etc. Cuidaron todos los detalles. Lo recomendamos 100%.
- Yongeun (10/5): - 말도 잘 안통하는 낯선곳에 온데다 긴 이동시간으로 많이 피곤했었는데, 숙소에 도착하자마자 밝게 맞아주신 직원분덕분에 피로가 가시는것 같았습니다. 영어도 잘 못하고 일어도 잘 못해서 걱정하며 달달 거렸던게 무색했답니다.
음식도 참 맛있었고(절임제외) 온천도 가족끼리 이용하기 적절했습니다. 초딩아이들이 일본을 경험하기에 좋은 숙소였습니다.
- Wesley (10/5): - Very friendly staff with very good breakfast and dinner. Relaxing bathroom.
- Leonel (10/5): - The property met our expectations, food and service was amazing, although the staff’s English is limited, they try to understand as possible. It is conveniently close to the Gora Station. Onsen was clean and private, We enjoyed our stay.
- Ellen (10/5): - Staying at Gorakan was an unforgettable experience. We are very grateful to the hosts for accommodating a "no fish" kaiseki request for one of us. The entire menu was reinvented and all flavors rebalanced with that in mind. We were very touched by the individual attention we received. This ryokan is perfectly located within a walking distance from the station which makes it super convenient, and the onsens are very relaxing, quiet and clean. Thanks again for hosting us.
- BEE LENG (10/5): - my 2nd stay here, everything is very good, kaiseiki meal (dinner & breakfast) is superb, feels like coming back to home. Owner is very accomodating and welcoming.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Great stay in inclement conditions - Our hosts were particularly helpful and generous and looked after us when we were marooned by a storm.
- Lanh (10/5): - This property is owned by an older couple who is very nice and humble. It was really close to the gora station (2 min walk). Please look for underpass at gora station to get to the hotel quickly. The underpass is very easy to find. They hold your luggage starting at 10 am. The Kaiseki dinner and breakfast was very good. We ate so much we could not finish the entire 9 course dinner. Dinner consist of appetizer, soup, a5 grilled wagyu, tempura, fruit dessert and many other dishes. The beds on the floor was surprisingly comfortable. The best part of the stay was the private onsens. We were able to reserve private Onsen time at checkin. We got it for 40 min in the evening after dinner. Next morning we went again but it was very busy. The private Onsen was very relaxing, not too hot but perfect temperature, and can fit 2-4 people.
- Lydia (8/5): - The owner was very hospitable and his English made it easy to communicate. We loved getting to use one of the private onsens. The food was amazing!! The building itself is a little older and has a lot of stairs. Wonderful stay
- Susan (10/5): Wonderful place - This was an amazing place. I wish there had been more nights available when we originally booked. We would have definitely stayed longer. The food was amazing and the staff was too.
- Mary Beth (10/5): - Relaxing inn with private onsen and delicious meals!
- BEE LENG (10/5): - Location is very convenient, few minutes walk from station thru under pass access, Owner is very friendly and helpful, speaks relatively good English. Serves great breakfast and dinner. Private Onsen is great with basic toiletries, just need to reserve during check in, is free for hotel guest.
- alex (10/5): - The staff is so lovely and the food is fantastic, could not recommend it more.
- Ivy (10/5): - This is the best ryokan in hakone. Food is great, hospitality lvl 10/10 and very clean rooms.
A true blue ryokan experience.
I love the private onsen which is 24 hrs accessible after 10pm.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Great location, amazing service and wonderful food - Overall, this place was wonderful. They were very mindful of cleanliness and service, especially in the midst of reopening with the recent COVID count decrease in Japan.
Pros:
- Location was amazing. Just a 3 min walk from Gora station if you walk thru the tunnel at the station. It has stairs so might be harder if you have a stroller or heavy luggage, but it will save you 10+ mins instead of walking around.
- Food was off the charts, especially the last night of the stay. They set us up in a large tatami room for our family (each group had their own room for breakfast and dinner). We had fresh fish, cooked fish, beef, chicken, crabs, lobster, stew, and on and on. It was waaay too much for us to finish and so good. Kids were happy with their food too (usual okosama stuff like ebi-fry, etc). Could not change times (8am for brekkie and 6pm for dinner) but not much to do in Hakone after 6pm anyways. No baby food though so you would have to prepare yourself.
- Onsen: they have a normal onsen that allows day visitors, as well as you can sign up for 40min sessions in the private baths if you stay. Very clean and very nice private, outdoor onsen for you and your group.
- Service: Catered to all of our needs. Sheets changed, extra towels, food allergies, etc. Rooms were a bit older but very well kept, updated and clean. Our room had futons which they lay out and put away while you're eating.
Overall a great find. Our 5 year old cried because she didn't want to leave.
- Kyle (10/5): - Fantastic experience. I felt like a guest in someone’s home; I arrived early and the caretaker was nice enough to hold my luggage while I explored the town. Not to mention the private hotspring and it’s night time view of the illuminated mountain-side. Truly amazing!
- Verified traveler (10/5): Traditional experience with modern amenities - Spacious, traditional rooms with futons laid out on tatami, and actual paper shoji screens separating rooms. Quite comfortable if one is used to sleeping on a lowered surface, but may prove an issue for mobility impaired guests.
In the same vein, accessibility is extremely limited - guest rooms are accessible via stairs, ditto for the dining hall. Guests with mobility issues may need to look elsewhere.
Dining is kaiseki-style in the evenings, and breakfasts also have quite the spread, with excellent variety and competent preparation.
Finally, the inn is located extremely close to Gora train station, and I'd like to inform all potential guests that there is an underpass right next to the station exit, running under the cable line line, that allows commuters to get to said inn much quicker than my rather more circuitous route around the station. Dragging a suitcase around really makes traversing mountain roads a lot more arduous than usual, so please take this shortcut.
- Craig (10/5): See the real Japan - Very traditional experience, and great for a night or two max. Meals unbelievably good. Futon beds are not my fave (cos we aren't used to them). Nothing a chiropractor cant fix!! Haha
- Verified traveler (10/5): - The staff were so kind and welcoming! They did their best to make sure we were comfortable, and enjoying the full ryokan experience. Incredibly hospitable! The rooms were so nicely decorated in accordance to a traditional ryokan.
- SurreyExplorer1 (8/5): Authentic Japanese Experience - This ‘hotel’ is a ‘ryokan’ – a traditional Japanese inn. If you have not stayed at one of these before, it is better to do some research as you will follow set timings and customs on arrival, starting with removal of outdoor footwear before entering.
This Hotel is not signposted in English so to find it, turn right out of Gora station main entrance and go down the small underpass. At the end, turn left and go up the hill. The hotel is the first building on the right, set back from the road, no more than about 200m from the station. Make sure that you arrive by about 17:30 and no later than 18:00 as dinner is at 18:15.
On arrival, you will be told your meal and bathing times. It is an ‘onsen’ which means that you are allocated a time in one of the private hot spring baths. Note that these are not for washing: this is carried out in the public bathing areas before going to the private onsen where the purpose is to simply soak in the hot spring water.
The rooms are traditional Japanese. On arrival, you will be offered tea, served at a low table in your room by your hostess. You sit on a cushion on a chair with no legs! You will also be given a yukata which is the clothing to be worn throughout your stay at the hotel, dinner and breakfast included.
Both dinner and breakfast are traditional (and elaborate) Japanese meals. Beer, sake and (western) wine is available, though the beer in particular is a little expensive. The hostesses speak a little English and will guide you if required. Overall, the food and the service are very impressive. After dinner, you will return to your room to find that the table has been cleared away and futons laid out on the floor. This is your bed. If you’ve not experienced such sleeping arrangements before, it takes some getting used to, but that’s why you’re here. If you do want to experience traditional Japanese hospitality, the Onsen Hotel Gorakan is to be recommended.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Superb! - Amazing experience. The private onsen was just wonderful in the cold winter temperatures. The food served was sumptuous for adults and kids.
- Karen (8/5): - Excellent traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast! Very convenient to all transportation options. Rail, train, etc
Property is a little dated but otherwise kept in great condition for its age.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Would choose other ryokan for the price. - I expect the room to be better decorated. It was not as premium as the price we paid for. The dinner was not as fantastic as I expected.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Close to train station. Excellent dinner and breakfast.
- jonathann942 (10/5): Relaxing, authentic experience - Located very close to the train station, this is an authentic Ryokan experience. Every one was very helpful & attentive to our needs.
Dinner was well prepared, tasty & consisted of several courses. Breakfast was served as one large course. The portions are generous & you will get a phone call prior to each meal.
The rooms were well kept and simple. Bedding consisted of futons that were laid out during your dinner. They were removed the following morning during your breakfast. Mind you, that the showers here are shared. We paid extra for a private toilet which was very convenient.
You can reserve the private onsen for one hour. Given that we went during a slow period we were allowed to use it whenever we pleased.
Overall, we’d stay here again. It was a great break from the hustle of the city & a great experience during our vacation. Simple, rustic & very affordable when compared to other stays.
- JAEMH (4/5): No service, no sleeping quality, no, no, no! - Positive aspects
• Very autenthic Royakan experience
• Homemade, traditional food (you do not know what you eat, no ones explains)
• Very close (about 100 mts) from Gora station (leave the station, go right and take the underpass, go after the underpass immediately left and walk up the hill. The hotel -no English name signposted- is the first one on the right)
• Next to the cable car (it takes about 45 minutes to end up at lake Ashi)
Less positive aspects
• Be aware this place is not in Hakone but in Gora (this is a different train station)
• Some of the staff comes across as extremely unfriendly (and hardly no one speaks a more than a few words English)
• You sleep on a mat on the floor (very hard and very uncomfortable) and your bed is only in the room in the evening (so no afternoon nap)
• Place is dusty and not very well cleaned
• You get one towel which you have to also use for the bathing. In the morning after breakfast our towels were taken away and not replaced.
• The bathing area is run down.
- Johny (10/5): Excellent Ryokan with Dedicated Staff - Family-run ryokan. Small but squeaky clean. Dedicated and service oriented staff. You will experience 6-Star hospitality while staying at Gorakan. The Kaiseki dinner we had was extremely good! Breakfast was superb as well. There was even a private onsen for couple! All in all, really value for money. Thank you very much for your warm hospitality.
- Paul (10/5): - Friendly, professional staff, amazing food, great location. Make sure you check in on time and book your private onsen session.
- T6726OEkevins (10/5): Great ryokan in Gora - Great little ryokan short 5min walk from the Gora train station. My girlfriend and I stayed for 2 nights and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Hotel has traditional Japanese tatami rooms, and included breakfast/dinner meals are served in a dining room. The kaiseki dinner meals in particular are 8+ courses, and food was delicious (we were so full). Each room has its own private toilet which was super convenient. As with most places in Japan, every area of the hotel was clean. There are separate public onsen baths for each gender, which were quite large. They also have 2 private onsens that you can book for 40mins/day (since it's a pretty small hotel, we never had a problem booking the times we wanted) which were lovely though keep in mind they are outdoors so can get chilly. Not a cheap ryokan by any means, but there's a reason it is so highly rated across all booking websites. Service is terrific, though their English is pretty limited, but was not an issue for us. We would highly recommend.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Great stay - Clean and comfortable stay. Good location. Polite and helpful staff but they speak minimal English. The private onsen was very good.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Fantastic experience - Staying in this hotel was one of the most amazing experiences during my trip.
The room was spacious and even had a restroom, which was a nice surprise. Although the rooms were marked as smoking (perhaps by mistake), there was absolutely no odor.
The kaiseki dinner was incredible, and the breakfast was great. Used the indoor onsen, which was nice and clean. Sleeping on the tatami floors wasn't very comfortable, but one night was okay, and I got the experience that I was looking for.
Overall - I definitely recommend this place. I would stay there again.
Tip: to get to the hotel, exit the train station and go through the underground walkway. I had to ask around because it was not obvious how to find it.
- Peter (10/5): Gorakan's 4 stars - Great ryokan with excellent service and fabulous food. However, although I'm an easy traveller, the sleeping comfort of a thin futon on tatami mats isn't for me. Their private onsen almost made up for it and the location's top too!
- fiona238coy (10/5): Relaxing - if you looking an quiet place and lovely food, pls pick this hotel!
We have booked 3 days 2 nite, including breakfast & dinner.
All in different dishes & servicing in traditional way, you must enjoy!
While the onsen is really really quiet and no body around you....don't forget to book the private one if you don't booked the onsen within your room
The only thing you may think of.....you need to bring your luggage via a tunnel...suggest to use the services provided at the Gora to send the luggage directly to the hotel/station and u don't need bring along with
- Duckbattle (10/5): So comfortable! - An excellent small inn with traditional-style accommodation. It is only a stone's throw from the train station in Gora but was very quiet. Our room was spacious; everything was spotless and in good condition. There was plenty of room for our luggage and a wardrobe for hanging clothes. The heating worked well, which was very welcome in a cool Spring. The baths with their natural, hot mineral springs were excellent for a soak at the end of the day and extremely clean. Compared to others we have experienced, the baths were more basic in their facilities, but more easy of access for those with mobility issues.
Dinner and breakfast were generous and delicious. They were served in a common dining room, but the staff took care to give individual groups of travellers their own space.
The staff at Gorakan had very little English, but it didn't matter. They were welcoming and pleasant to deal with, and everything went smoothly. We felt very comfortable and would stay there again
- 361quentinp (10/5): A highlight of our Japan trip - The ryokan offers great value with easily the best service of any accommodation we had in Japan. The helpful old lady was very pleasant and gave us many suggestions on _oishii_ eateries around the area for lunch. Food was terrific and the sashimi was one of the best things I ate in Japan.
- vasant (10/5): Great ryokan and hot spring bath experience - Very convenient, very close (just down the road) to Gora station, and easy check-in. Great service as you get served sweets and green tea in the room when first checking in. Both private and public hot spring baths were very relaxing. You are well-treated with multi-course dinner and breakfast with great variety. People used to a soft standard bed may find sleeping on a futon on a mat to be a bit too firm, but hey you are there for a unique experience! Great experience!
- Dara (10/5): Excellent food and onsen. - The dinner was a locally sourced Japanese meal, starting with Sashimi. The freshly ground wasabi was an amazing accompaniment. This was followed by local Japanese pickles. The main dish was Pork Shabu-Shabu with mushrooms and vegetables. There were so many side dishes making up each of the course that by the last savoury course of rice and miso soup was almost too much for my full stomach. I skipped the rice and finished with a simple but refreshing desert of strawberries and yoghurt.
- Joannelee0411 (8/5): Really a nice, small & cute hotel, the outdoor hot spring is really good - The hotel is close to Gora station, just walk around 5 mins; there are only 10 rooms of hotel, have 2 outdoor hot spring & 2 indoor hot spring, thing the day I live was not full, so, I can enjoy the hot spring by myself, it really nice. The food is good, especially the beef
- GigglesbuggL (10/5): Perfect! - I loved staying here so much that it was the highlight of my trip to Japan. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating and took such good care of me. The food was just fantastic and the private onsen was free for guests. You will not regret staying here. I want to go back already!
- Z4TFstephaniel (10/5): Terrific food and great hospitality - Gorakan provides excellent Kaiseki food. Enjoy the 2 nights stay there. Ms. Kyoko from Gorakan is very friendly and would answer questions in fluent English through email. However, it is advisable to know some Japanese in order to communicate with them better and get to know the dishes in the meals. Provide private bath with mountain view. Very close to Gora Station but it will be easier for travelers to use Hakone Baggage Delivery Service at Hakone-Yumoto Station if one has big luggage.
Photos