Hakone Gora Byakudan

We worried at first that the kaiseki dinner might not be enough food, but there was plenty, and every course was thoughtful and delicious. Snacks and drinks were available at night, and both the private and public onsens were super hot. It really felt like an oasis. We chose Hakone Gora Byakudan for a night on our honeymoon after researching ryokans in the area, including prices, experiences, location, views and food. The accommodation was beautiful, and the care started as soon as we arrived. We couldn’t have imagined a better stay. If you can make it work, it’s an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Byakudan, for making it so special and going above and beyond!

We spent one night here during our December 2024 trip after a friend recommended it, and I’m so glad we got to experience it. We were looked after with real attention and care. Service, food, room and amenities were all 10/10, and they provided complimentary champagne for our anniversary. They were very responsive to messages too. After dinner we enjoyed snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, then the private onsen. The whole stay felt restorative, with time for deep rest, slowing down and being present. It was a full sensory experience. Highly, highly recommend it. The price is worth it. We’ll be back in March 2026, and we’ve already booked our room.

The highlight of our two nights at Gora Byakudan was Tran. She was off on our second day, and we actually missed her, which says a lot about how much she shaped the stay. My partner and I were celebrating a special occasion, and Tran surprised us with a handwritten card and photo. She kept anticipating what we might need, helped us at every turn, and treated us like people she genuinely cared about. Her warmth and professionalism made the whole visit feel like five-star service. I hope management recognizes what a tremendous asset she is to Gora Byakudan. She deserves praise, and absolutely a promotion. We can't thank her enough.

Ali even helped lift our suitcases into the back of our tiny rental car at checkout, then chatted with us and saw us off. That kind of care ran through the whole stay. Most staff spoke fluent English, and Ali made us feel at home while sharing his perspective on Japanese culture as a foreigner. The hospitality was so attentive we had to get used to being treated like royalty. We came for one night during a week-long trip, wanting to treat ourselves. The hotel sits in greenery on a hill, fairly secluded and quiet. We drove there and parked; if you need to reach town or a train station, there are free on-demand shuttles. Our room, Haruka, was spacious and full of amenities, with contemporary Japanese details like tatami and washi sliding doors. The big balcony looked over the forested hills and had its own onsen tub. For dinner we wore the provided yukata-s and were escorted to a private dining room, where the entrée was already set out. Staff explained the dishes and how to eat them, including showing us how to grate wasabi. The presentation was lovely, the flavors refreshing, and they checked in periodically. Afterward we had bottomless drinks and old-school snacks in the cozy lounge, with whisky, sake, and chilled wine to try. We sat by the Christmas tree facing the fireplace, and other guests kept things quiet and considerate. I used the private onsen before bed while my wife had a spa treatment. A very relaxing, memorable evening. Breakfast the next morning was traditional Japanese food in the same private room. We lingered in the lounge over warm tea and the forest hill view. Rates are steep, but the hospitality, luxurious amenities, and all the little extras made the price feel justified.