Hakone is one of the most popular hot spring destinations near Tokyo.
Among its many areas, Gora stands out for its calm atmosphere and refined ryokan stays.

Located about 90 minutes from central Tokyo, Gora offers a different experience from busy sightseeing districts. Here, travelers can slow down, enjoy nature, and experience authentic Japanese onsen culture.

This guide is designed for first-time visitors to Japan who want to spend a relaxing night in Hakone Gora.

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What Is Gora? A Peaceful Onsen Area in Hakone

Gora is the final stop on the Hakone Tozan Railway and sits at an elevation of about 550 meters (1,800 ft). Because of its mountain location, summers are cooler and each season brings different scenery.

Why stay in Hakone Gora?

• About 90 minutes from Tokyo (Romancecar + mountain railway)
• Convenient access to Lake Ashi and Owakudani volcanic valley
• Quieter atmosphere compared to other Hakone areas
• Known for high-quality onsen ryokan (traditional Japanese inns)

If you want to experience Japanese hot springs at a relaxed pace rather than rush through sightseeing, Gora is a strong choice.

Hakone Gora is one of the most popular hot spring areas near Tokyo, located about 90 minutes from the city.
For tips on how to reach Hakone from Tokyo, the fastest and most affordable routes, and suggested day trip itineraries—including options that combine Mt. Fuji sightseeing—check our complete Hakone & Mt. Fuji access guide.

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Hakone Gora Park: SAKURA Cherry Blossoms & Seasonal Flowers

Hakone Gora Park opened in 1914 and features a rare French-style formal garden built on a hillside. A central fountain anchors the symmetrical design, creating one of the most photogenic spots in Gora.

Address：1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan
Access：from Hakone-Yumoto Station
If you are coming from Hakone-Yumoto Station：
Take the Hakone Tozan Railway bound for Gora (about 40 minutes).
At Gora Station, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car toward Sounzan (about 2 minutes).
Get off at Koen-Shimo Station.
Walk approximately 3 minutes to Hakone Gora Park.
This route is covered by the popular Hakone Free Pass.

Opening Hours：
March – November　9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
December – February　9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)
Closed Days
The park is generally open year-round.
However, it closes for maintenance three times per year:
January 1
Third Monday of January
Second Monday of May
Admission Fee：Adults: 650 JPY
Elementary school age and under: Free

SAKURA Cherry Blossoms in Hakone (March–April)

One reason visitors search for “Hakone cherry blossoms” is that different varieties bloom at different times in Gora Park. This extends the viewing season from mid-March to mid-April (depending on weather).

You may see:

• Early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms
• Somei Yoshino (the most famous variety in Japan)
• Weeping cherry trees
• Mountain cherry trees
• October cherry trees that bloom in cooler seasons

The combination of cherry blossoms and the central fountain makes this park ideal for photography.

Gora Park offers a wonderful SAKURA cherry blossom experience, but Hakone has many more spring spots worth exploring beyond just one garden.
If you are visiting during sakura season and want to discover the best cherry blossom viewing locations throughout the region, see our full Hakone cherry blossom guide for first-time visitors.

Beautiful in Every Season

• Spring: Tulips and colorful flower beds
• Early summer: Roses
• Autumn: Maple leaves
• Winter: Quiet mountain scenery

Visitors typically spend 45–60 minutes here. The park is about a 10-minute walk from Gora Station. Note that the paths include slopes, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

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Where to Stay in Hakone Gora: Setsugetsuka Bettei Suiun

If you are searching for a luxury onsen ryokan in Hakone Gora, Setsugetsuka Bettei Suiun is a well-regarded option.

Address:
1300-61 Gora, Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan
About a 5-minute walk from Gora Station

Although the ryokan is close to the station, the atmosphere becomes noticeably quieter once you enter the property.

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Guest Rooms: Japanese-Modern Design with Private Onsen Baths

The rooms combine traditional Japanese elements with modern comfort.

Room types include:

• Twin-bed rooms (Western-style bedding)
• Japanese-Western rooms with tatami (woven straw flooring)
• Rooms with private open-air onsen baths

Many rooms feature private outdoor baths made of hinoki cypress wood or stone.

For many Western travelers, having a private onsen in the room is a highlight. You can enjoy the hot spring at any time without sharing the space with other guests. This makes it especially appealing for couples or first-time onsen visitors.

👉 Check availability and latest rates for Setsugetsuka Bettei Suiun here

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Onsen Experience: What First-Time Visitors Should Know

The ryokan uses natural hot spring water from the Gora area.

Facilities include:

• Separate public baths for men and women
• Outdoor open-air baths (rotenburo)
• Free private baths (available when vacant)

Important cultural notes:

• Guests do not wear swimsuits in Japanese onsen.
• Guests wash their bodies at shower stations before entering the bath.
• Some onsen in Japan have tattoo policies, so checking in advance is recommended.

English guidance is usually available, which helps first-time visitors feel more comfortable.

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Kaiseki Dinner: A Traditional Multi-Course Japanese Meal

Dinner is typically served as kaiseki, a seasonal multi-course Japanese meal. Kaiseki focuses on presentation, balance, and seasonal ingredients.

A typical dinner may include:

• Small seasonal appetizers
• Fresh sashimi (raw fish)
• Grilled fish or Japanese beef
• A seasonal hot pot
• Rice and miso soup
• Japanese-style dessert

Each dish is served individually, allowing guests to experience traditional Japanese dining culture.

Breakfast is usually a Japanese-style set meal with grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and small side dishes.

If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, allergies, etc.), it is best to inform the ryokan in advance.

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Suggested 1-Night Hakone Gora Itinerary

Day 1

• Arrive in Hakone and travel to Gora
• Visit Hakone Gora Park for seasonal flowers or cherry blossoms
• Check in to your ryokan
• Relax in the onsen
• Enjoy a kaiseki dinner

Day 2

• Morning onsen
• Japanese breakfast
• Continue sightseeing in Hakone (Lake Ashi, Owakudani, or Hakone Open-Air Museum)

This slower pace allows you to enjoy the ryokan experience instead of rushing between attractions.

👉 Check room availability for your preferred dates here.

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Who Should Stay in Gora?

Gora is especially suitable for:

• First-time visitors who want to try a Japanese onsen
• Couples looking for a romantic ryokan stay
• Honeymoon travelers
• Visitors who want a peaceful mountain atmosphere near Tokyo
• Travelers searching for a luxury onsen ryokan in Hakone

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Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• If your plan includes dinner, check in by 5:00–6:00 PM.
• Gora has steep streets, so smaller luggage is easier to manage.
• Winters can be cold due to the elevation.
• Hotels in Japan may request your passport at check-in.

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Why Stay Overnight in Hakone Gora?

Hakone offers many sightseeing spots. However, Gora is less about rushing and more about experiencing Japan at a slower rhythm.

When you soak in a hot spring, enjoy seasonal cuisine, and spend a quiet night in the mountains, you experience a different side of Japan—one that many day-trippers miss.

If this is your first trip to Japan, even one night in Hakone Gora can provide a deeper understanding of Japanese hospitality, onsen culture, and seasonal beauty.

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