Complete Guide to Gora Onsen Area: Hakone's Premium Hot Spring Resort
Gora Onsen, nestled in the mountains of Hakone with views of Mt. Fuji, is a special hot spring resort that I have been visiting for 10 years. Located on a plateau over 500 meters above sea level, this area has developed into a sophisticated hot spring resort since its development as a summer retreat in the Meiji era.
The charm of Gora lies not only in its high-quality hot springs but also in the coexistence of nature's changing seasons and a diverse range of accommodations, from historic ryokans to the latest luxury hotels. The mountain scenery viewed from the retro windows of the Hakone Tozan Railway makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
While Hakone is popular as a tourist destination, Gora maintains a relatively quiet and calm atmosphere compared to the Yumoto and Lake Ashi areas. Although the average accommodation cost is higher within Hakone, it offers a high-quality hot spring experience and pleasant tranquility in return.
From day trips to full-fledged hot spring vacations, Gora Onsen offers various ways to enjoy. In this article, I'll introduce the charms of Gora from the perspective of a Hakone enthusiast.
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Table of Contents
・The Charm of Gora Onsen Area
・How to Access the Gora Area
・Day Trip Hot Spring Facilities in the Gora Area (Overnight Stays Also Possible)
・Tourist Spots to Visit Along with Hot Spring Facilities in Gora
・Frequently Asked Questions
The Charm of Gora Onsen Area
Gora Onsen is one of the most attractive hot spring areas among the seventeen hot springs of Hakone. The reason I've been visiting for 10 years is the special atmosphere unique to this area.
Located at an altitude of 500-700 meters, Gora Onsen is known as a relatively new hot spring area in Hakone. Developed as a summer retreat in the Meiji era, this area still retains the sophisticated atmosphere of that time.
The quality of the hot springs is highly rated even within Hakone, boasting the second-largest scale after Hakone Yumoto. What I particularly like is the unique water quality of the hot springs in this area. The gentle temperature and moderate sulfur content help relax both body and mind.
Moreover, Gora occupies an important position as a transportation hub connecting Hakone's major tourist spots. This place, where the Hakone Tozan Railway and cable cars intersect, is ideal as a base for sightseeing.
The aspect of being a mountain resort where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons is also not to be missed. It shows different faces throughout the year with cherry blossoms in spring, cool climate in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter.
How to Access the Gora Area
Access to Gora is very convenient, even from Tokyo. I'll introduce the route I always use and useful information gained from my experiences.
Taking the Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku, you'll arrive at Hakone-Yumoto in about 85 minutes. Especially from a window seat, you can enjoy watching the scenery gradually change from urban landscapes to mountainous areas.
From Hakone-Yumoto, it's about 40 minutes on the Hakone Tozan Railway. This section is actually the highlight of the journey. From the train climbing steep slopes, you can enjoy spectacular views of valleys and mountains. The red train cars running on winding tracks seem to crawl up the mountain.
Gora is also easily accessible to the ropeway from Sounzan Station. From the ropeway, you can enjoy spectacular views of Owakudani and Mt. Fuji, making it an important starting point for Hakone sightseeing.
Recommended Sightseeing Method
For efficient sightseeing in Hakone, I recommend using the Hakone Free Pass. There are passes valid for 2 or 3 days, allowing unlimited rides on major transportation in the Hakone area. I always use this pass when guiding friends.
The area around Gora Station is particularly enjoyable for walking tours. Historic buildings, charming hot spring ryokans, and new cafes are scattered at a comfortable distance. Although there are many slopes, by walking slowly, you can fully appreciate the atmosphere of the town.
Even for day trips, if you plan to visit multiple areas, I recommend purchasing the Hakone Free Pass. It's much more cost-effective than buying individual tickets and allows for flexible changes in plans.
Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/discount_passes/free_pass
Day Trip Hot Spring Facilities in the Gora Area (Overnight Stays Also Possible)
Gora has numerous high-quality hot spring facilities that can be used for day trips. I'll introduce some particularly recommended facilities that I've actually visited over the past 10 years.
Gora Kadan
Source: Google Map
Gora Kadan has been loved as a representative long-established ryokan in Gora since its founding in 1952. The vast grounds of about 10,000 tsubo show magnificent seasonal changes. Every time I visit, I'm moved by the beauty of the well-maintained gardens.
The day trip plan combining hot springs and kaiseki cuisine is popular as a luxury for special days. The price of 13,200 yen is not cheap, but it's well worth it. The view from the open-air bath overlooking Mt. Myojogatake is exceptional, and the time spent in the purely Japanese-style relaxing space makes you forget your daily routine.
The day trip hot spring hours are from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the hot springs and meals. Especially, dining while viewing the garden will be a special experience that heals the fatigue of the day.
Website: https://www.gorakadan.com/?lang=en
Hakone Yutowa
Source: Google Map
Hakone Yutowa, which opened in 2019, embodies the new charm of Gora. The space design that modernly arranges Japanese elements is especially popular among younger travelers. I've visited several times since its opening, and each time I feel a fresh excitement about its sophisticated atmosphere.
The free drink corner is also attractive, allowing you to take a leisurely break after the hot spring. Light meals are also served in the cafe space, making it easy to enjoy a meal.
The usage fee is 1,500 yen on weekdays and 1,800 yen on holidays, which is relatively reasonable within the Gora area. The day trip hot spring hours from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM) are convenient to use as a finale to sightseeing.
Website: https://www.hakoneyutowa-hotel.jp/en/
Kiritani Hakoneso
Source: Google Map
Kiritani Hakoneso, located on the slopes of Uguisuzaka, is a hot spring ryokan that cherishes its pure Japanese style. What I particularly like is the hot spring using sulfur water from the Owakudani source. The bath with its unique scent is especially recommended for those seeking an authentic hot spring experience.
From the atmospheric rock bath open-air bath, you can feel the changing seasons, and it's especially magnificent during the autumn foliage season. There's also a foot bath space where you can casually enjoy the hot spring.
The usage fee is 1,800 yen (for adults), which is a standard price within the Gora area. The hours of 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM are suitable for leisurely enjoying the hot spring. There are also day trip plans with meals, allowing you to fully experience Japanese hot spring culture.
Website: http://kiritani-hakoneso.com/
Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora
Source: Google Map
Hotel Indigo, drawing attention as Hakone's first lifestyle hotel, is an innovative facility that adds modern elements to traditional hot spring culture. What I find particularly impressive is the hot spring facility with digital art production, offering a new charm that sets it apart from conventional hot spring experiences.
The hot spring using the Miyagino hot spring source is characterized by its gentle water quality. The facility also has a wood-grill restaurant, providing excellent post-bath dining options. The sophisticated space design is also popular as a photogenic spot.
The fee for using only the hot spring is 1,500 yen, making it easily accessible. The long business hours from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM are also attractive as they can easily fit into travel plans.
Website: https://hakonegora.hotelindigo.com/en
Shiroyunoyado Yamadaya
Source: Google Map
Shiroyunoyado Yamadaya is a hot spring ryokan known for its cloudy hot spring from the Owakudani source. The reason I particularly like this place is that you can enjoy abundant flowing hot spring water, with a daily volume of 56 tons. The interior using Hakone Yosegi-zaiku (marquetry) creates a special space where you can closely feel the beauty of traditional crafts.
The open-air bath features an object made of ancient cedar, and its presence further enhances the hot spring atmosphere. The view of Mt. Myojogatake is also exceptional, and the scenery at dusk will be an unforgettable memory.
The usage fee is 1,300 yen (for adults), which is relatively reasonable within the Gora area. The hours of 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (weekdays and Sundays) are ideal for leisurely enjoying the hot spring.
Website: https://2641.net/en/
Tourist Spots to Visit Along with Hot Spring Facilities in Gora
The Gora area is dotted with attractive tourist spots where you can experience rich nature and culture, not just hot springs. I'll introduce some particularly recommended places I've discovered during my 10 years of visiting Hakone.
Hakone Gora Park
Hakone Gora Park, boasting vast grounds, is a beautiful space where Japanese and French-style gardens are harmoniously blended. The reason I visit without fail every year is the charm of the gardens that show different faces with each season. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, and in summer, colorful hydrangeas adorn the park.
The rose garden is a particularly popular spot, and strolling while surrounded by the scent of roses is exceptional. You can also experience Japanese culture through the greenhouse where you can enjoy tropical plants and authentic tea ceremony experiences in the tea room.
The entrance fee is 650 yen, which is affordable, and the opening hours are from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Its convenient location, just a 5-minute walk from Gora Station, is also attractive.
Website: https://www.hakone-tozan.co.jp/gorapark/en/
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
The Hakone Open-Air Museum, Japan's first outdoor sculpture museum, is a special place where I make new discoveries every time I visit Hakone. Over 1,200 works of art are displayed on the vast 70,000 square meter grounds. This space, where nature and art are beautifully harmonized, is known as a museum unique in the world.
In the Picasso Pavilion, you can closely appreciate the master's paintings. The fantastical stained glass exhibition room is an attractive spot that shows different expressions with changes in light. The outdoor sculptures set against the backdrop of Hakone's mountains are popular as picturesque photo spots.
The admission fee is 2,000 yen for adults, 1,600 yen for high school, vocational school, and university students, and 800 yen for junior high and elementary school students. The opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and it's accessible by taking the Hakone Tozan Railway from Gora Station to "The Hakone Open-Air Museum" station for 2 minutes, then a 2-minute walk.
Website: https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/en/
Owakudani
Owakudani, a representative volcanic tourist spot in Hakone, is also an important hot spring source area for the Gora area. What moves me every time I visit is the powerful landscape where you can experience active volcanic activity up close. The sight of white smoke rising is a valuable experience where you can directly feel the breath of the Earth.
The local specialty "black eggs" are a must-try. These boiled eggs with shells blackened by volcanic gas are said to extend your lifespan by 7 years when eaten. Reservations are required, but you can safely observe volcanic activity up close from the walking path, and on clear days, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.
Admission is free, and access is about 10 minutes by cable car from Gora Station to Sounzan Station, then about 10 minutes by ropeway. The view from the ropeway is also spectacular.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'll answer in detail some common questions from visitors to Gora Onsen, based on my 10 years of experience.
When is the Best Season to Visit?
In my experience, Gora has different charms in each season. Spring (March-May) is the season of cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, and it's when the flowers in Gora Park are most beautiful. The mild climate is also suitable for sightseeing.
Summer (June-August) is cool due to the high altitude, making it an ideal summer retreat. The temperature is about 5°C lower than in urban areas, making it comfortable to stay.
Autumn (September-November) is the foliage season, with mountains dyed in red and yellow, perfectly matching the hot springs. It's one of my favorite seasons.
Winter (December-February) allows you to enjoy hot springs with snow views. Soaking in hot springs while viewing the pure white snowy landscape in the clear air is an exceptional experience.
How Much Budget is Needed for a Day Trip to Hot Springs?
The general usage fee for day trip hot springs is about 1,500 to 2,000 yen. Add to this the towel rental fee (200 to 500 yen).
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, I recommend plans with private rest areas. For 8,000 to 12,000 yen, you can use a private room to relax leisurely.
Meal-included plans typically range from 10,000 to 15,000 yen, allowing you to enjoy authentic meals such as kaiseki cuisine. In my experience, many people use these for anniversaries or special days.
What Kind of Accommodation Facilities are Available in Gora?
Gora was originally developed as a villa area, and it has relatively high-end accommodations within the Hakone area. There's a wide range of lodging facilities, from long-established ryokans to modern resort hotels.
Gora Onsen is an attractive hot spring resort that combines high-quality hot springs, rich nature, and plenty of tourist spots. I've been visiting for 10 years, but I make new discoveries every time and never get bored.
The nature that shows different faces with each season, hot spring facilities that harmonize tradition and modernity, and abundant tourist spots are perfect for those who want to fully experience Japanese hot spring culture. While accommodation costs are relatively high, I'm confident that it's well worth the value.
After reading this article, I hope you'll try experiencing the special hot springs in the Gora area!