Gora Hanaougi

We only spent a couple of nights at Gora Hanaougi and already want to return for longer. The prices felt very modest for the quality, and the location is excellent, close to plenty of beautiful places in Hakone and worth the effort to reach. We spent several weeks in Japan, and had some of the best meals of the whole trip here. The rooms, public onsens, and private onsens were incredible, and the spa services are a must. Everything exceeded our already high expectations. The staff made the stay especially wonderful with their attentive, personable service. They made everything easy, from the preparations before we arrived right through the trip to checkout.

The food was the one part that kept this from being a five-star stay for me. It felt like a culture shock, and a very different palate from what a European might be used to. We tried it, but found it bland and samey. After dinner the first night, my partner and I felt quite poorly, so we skipped food the next day. For the cost, we just didn’t think it was worth it. Otherwise, Gora Hanaougi was a beautiful, tranquil retreat and delivered exactly the traditional Ryokan night we wanted during our Japan trip. The inn felt like a movie set, with tatami flooring throughout and lovely sculptures around the property. Our room was spacious, clean, and had all the amenities we needed. The private onsen looking out over the mountains was the highlight. The staff were exceptional from the moment we arrived, and nothing seemed too much trouble. The hotel is a great base for exploring the area, with a cable car connection to Gora station and a shuttle bus. We found ordering the shuttle a little confusing when we arrived at the station.

The staff were kind and helpful throughout our family stay, and we especially want to thank our concierge, Suzuka-san. She was so attentive and lovely. Our daughter took to her straight away, which made saying goodbye harder. We’d happily come back anytime. It was a perfect stay. We stayed in Room 211, one of Hanaougi’s largest rooms, with a beautiful view over the valley. There were four of us, two adults and our children aged 11 and 9, visiting from Germany from April 2nd to April 4th. From the warm welcome, with staff lined up to greet us, to taking off our shoes and being shown to the room, it felt special right away. Breakfast and dinner were served just for us in a private dining room, and we could choose the times in advance. Breakfast started at 7:45 AM, while the latest dinner seating was 7:00 PM. We could choose Japanese or Western meals. The food was a bit too unusual for the children, but on the second evening the staff went out of their way to serve Wagyu and vegetables for grilling at the table. We’d only asked for something simple like meat, vegetables, and rice, so it was quite an upgrade. We chose traditional Kaiseki and found it a special experience. Yesterday, while we were out exploring Hakone, our bus back to the hotel never came, even after we waited 45 minutes. Taxis were hard to call in Hakone, and Uber was just as difficult. Staff at a nearby hotel couldn’t arrange one either, so they contacted our hotel. Thankfully, the shuttle picked us up, as there were no more buses that day. Photos will follow once we’re back in Germany. Thank you very much.

The private onsen was clean, just the right temperature, and came with fresh towels every day. We also loved the room products and the hi-fi speakers. There was even a CD you could borrow from the front room if you wanted that analog feel instead of Bluetooth. This Ryokan was thoughtful in every way, from the lovely views and relaxing atmosphere to the delicious meals and exceptional service. You sit on your own, and the same person looks after you at every meal in traditional dress. It was an extremely special part of our Japan trip. We’ll be back!