Hakone Gora (Kanagawa Prefecture) Complete Guide 2026 Edition | Thorough Explanation of the Charm of Hot Springs, Sightseeing, and Gourmet
The Gora area, located in Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a hot spring resort beloved by many travelers as the center of Hakone sightseeing. This region, which spreads across a highland at an elevation of approximately 700 meters, was developed as a villa district from the Meiji era and is now known as a luxury hot spring resort representative of Hakone.
In this article, we will provide comprehensive information to fully enjoy the Gora area, from the charm of Hakone Gora Hot Spring to surrounding sightseeing spots, gourmet information, and access methods.
Characteristics and Charm of Hakone Gora Hot Spring
History and Development of Gora Hot Spring
Hakone Gora Hot Spring developed following the opening of Gora Station in 1894 (Meiji 27). Initially developed as a villa district for government and business leaders and cultural figures, it was subsequently developed as a hot spring resort. In the Taisho era, the opening of the Hakone Tozan Railway improved access, and more people began to visit.
Today, it has become a major hot spring resort with a diverse array of accommodations ranging from traditional luxury ryokans to modern resort hotels.
Characteristics of Hot Spring and Bath Water
Hakone Gora Hot Spring has the following main types of mineral springs:
Simple Hot Spring
- Low irritation, gentle on skin
- Effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain
- Suitable for fatigue recovery
Chloride Spring
- High heat retention effect, does not cool quickly
- Effective for cuts, burns, and chronic skin diseases
- Salt forms a film on skin, providing moisturizing effects
Sulfate Spring
- High beauty effect “beautiful water hot spring”
- Said to be good for arteriosclerosis and hypertension
- When consumed orally, promotes stomach and intestinal function
Many hot spring facilities in the Gora area draw water from Owakudani, allowing visitors to enjoy whitish-colored hot water. Source spring temperatures are relatively high at approximately 60-80 degrees Celsius, with abundant water supply.
Atmosphere and Convenience of the Hot Spring Area
The Gora area has developed around Gora Station, the terminal station of the Hakone Tozan Railway. The area around the station is concentrated with souvenir shops, restaurants, and convenience stores.
Area Characteristics:
- Located at an elevation of 700 meters on a highland, cool and comfortable even in summer
- Key transportation hub serving as transfer point for Hakone Ropeway and Hakone Tozan Cable Car
- Well-equipped with cultural facilities such as museums and parks
- Retains atmosphere of a quiet villa district while also offering high tourist convenience
- Art appreciation spots such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Hakone Museum of Art are scattered nearby
Many sightseeing spots are within walking distance from Gora Station, and using the Hakone Free Pass allows efficient touring of surrounding areas.
Address and Access to Hakone Gora Hot Spring
Basic Information
Address: 〒250-0408 Gora, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access by Train
From Tokyo:
- Approximately 85 minutes on the Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku Station on the Odakyu Line to Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Transfer to Hakone Tozan Railway at Hakone-Yumoto Station, approximately 40 minutes to Gora Station
- Total travel time: Approximately 2 hours
From Yokohama:
- Approximately 30 minutes on JR Tokaido Line to Odawara Station
- Approximately 60 minutes on Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara Station to Gora Station
- Total travel time: Approximately 90 minutes
Use of Hakone Free Pass:
The “Hakone Free Pass” issued by Odakyu allows unlimited boarding and alighting on eight modes of transportation in the Hakone area and offers discounts or special benefits at approximately 70 facilities. If using the Gora area as a base for Hakone sightseeing, this pass is extremely cost-effective.
Access by Car
From Tokyo:
- Approximately 30 minutes from “Gotemba IC” on the Tomei Expressway via National Route 138
- Approximately 40 minutes from “Hakone-guchi IC” on the Tomei Expressway via Odawara Atsugi Road
From Nagoya:
- Approximately 30 minutes from “Gotemba IC” on the Tomei Expressway via National Route 138
Parking Information:
There are several paid parking lots around Gora Station, but they become congested on holidays, so use of public transportation is recommended. If using accommodations, confirm in advance whether parking is available at each facility.
Surrounding Sightseeing Spots
The Gora area has numerous attractive sightseeing spots. Museums, parks, and natural scenery provide diverse ways to enjoy the area, which is characteristic of Gora.
Hakone Gora Park
Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Approximately 1-minute walk from “Park-shita Station” or “Park-kami Station” on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car
Japan’s first French-style formal garden, opened in 1914 (Taisho 3). The approximately 10,000-tsubo garden displays flowers in all seasons, and visitors can enjoy different landscapes depending on the time of year.
Highlights:
- Spring: Cherry blossoms, azaleas, rhododendrons
- Summer: Roses, hydrangeas, tropical plants (Tropical Plant Museum)
- Autumn: Fall foliage, autumn roses
- Winter: Christmas roses, early-blooming cherry blossoms
The garden features “Hakone Craft House,” with hands-on craft studios including glass blowing, pottery, sandblasting, and dried flower arrangements. Perfect for creating travel memories.
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Address: 1121 Ninohira, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Approximately 2-minute walk from “Chokokunomori Station” on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Japan’s first open-air museum, opened in 1969. Approximately 120 works by major modern and contemporary sculptors such as Rodin, Moore, and Miró are displayed on the expansive 70,000-square-meter site.
Points of Interest:
- Open space harmonizing nature and art
- Picasso Museum displays approximately 300 Picasso works
- Experience-type art installations for children
- Free natural hot spring foot bath
- Spectacular views with Hakone mountains as backdrop
The collaboration of nature and art in each season creates new discoveries with each visit.
Hakone Museum of Art
Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Approximately 1-minute walk from “Park-kami Station” on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car
Opened in 1952, Hakone’s oldest museum. It features Japanese ceramics and porcelain from the Jomon period through the Edo period.
Highlights:
- Moss Garden: A Japanese garden woven with approximately 130 varieties of moss and approximately 200 maple trees. Particularly stunning during fall foliage season (early to mid-November)
- Bamboo Garden and Bush Clover Path: Garden paths revealing seasonal charm
- Tea Room “Shinwatei”: Enjoy matcha while overlooking the garden (paid)
- Valuable ceramics collection including important cultural properties
The garden beauty is said to be second to none in Hakone, particularly known as a premier fall foliage spot.
Hakone Ropeway
Riding Section: Sounzan Station to Togendai Station (approximately 4 km total)
Access: Transfer at “Sounzan Station” on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car
To expand sightseeing from the Gora area throughout Hakone, the Hakone Ropeway is essential. Enjoy approximately 24 minutes of aerial sightseeing from Sounzan Station through Owakudani and Yumoto stations to Togendai Station.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and Sagami Bay
- Vapor and sulfur scent of Owakudani
- Scenic views of Hakone mountains in all seasons
- Dynamic views across an approximately 700-meter elevation change
At Owakudani Station, purchase the famous “black eggs” (reportedly adding 7 years to your life if you eat one).
Owakudani
Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Directly below “Owakudani Station” on the Hakone Ropeway
A steaming volcanic region created approximately 3,000 years ago by a Hakone volcano eruption. White steam still rises and the scent of sulfur fills the air at this signature Hakone sightseeing spot.
Ways to Enjoy:
- Walk the Owakudani Natural Research Trail (subject to activity-based restrictions)
- Dine at Owakudani Station restaurant while enjoying spectacular views
- Purchase black eggs (500 yen for 5)
- Pay respects at Owakudani Enmeiji Temple
- Photograph Mt. Fuji from a premier scenic spot
Precautions: Volcanic gases are present, so those with asthma or heart conditions should take care. Access may be restricted depending on volcanic activity levels, so check official information in advance.
Hakone Wetland Botanical Garden
Address: 817 Sengokuhara, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Approximately 8-minute walk from “Sengoku Information Office” on Hakone Tozan Bus
A botanical garden collecting approximately 1,700 species of plants native to Japan’s wetlands. The 30,000-square-meter garden recreates Japan’s wetlands from lowlands to high mountains.
Seasonal Highlights:
- Spring: Skunk cabbage, Asian skunk cabbage, Japanese trillium
- Early Summer: Himalayan blue poppies, Japanese candelabra primrose
- Summer: Japanese false hellebore, Japanese martagon lily
- Autumn: Grass crimson, gentian, white mugwort
A must-see for plant lovers, revealing different faces with each season.
Pola Museum of Art
Address: 1285 Kotsuka-yama, Sengokuhara, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Directly at “Pola Museum of Art” stop on Hakone Tozan Bus
A museum opened in 2002, known for its Impressionist collection. Houses approximately 9,500 Western modern paintings including masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Picasso.
Features:
- Bright display space utilizing natural light
- Forest nature trail (approximately 670 meters) for nature walks
- Excellent restaurants, cafes, and museum shop
- Impressive architectural design
A museum blending into Hakone’s natural surroundings where both art and nature can be fully enjoyed.
Gourmet Spots in the Gora Area
The Gora area has diverse dining options ranging from hot spring resort cuisine to fine restaurants.
Watanabe Bakery
Address: 1300-739 Gora, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Approximately 1-minute walk from Gora Station
An established bakery founded in 1891, loved by both locals and tourists as a representative Hakone bakery.
Popular Items:
- Hot Spring Stew Pan: Creamed stew bread served in a container evoking hot springs
- Pickled Plum Bun: Unexpectedly perfect combination of signature pan
- Cream Pan: Bestseller since founding
- Curry Pan: Spicy and authentic flavor
Open from early morning, fresh bread aroma drifts through the Gora Station area.
Gora Manjuu (Nakamuraya)
Address: 1300-261 Gora, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Directly in front of Gora Station
A specialty sweet sold at souvenir shops in front of Gora Station. Enjoy freshly steamed confection at the reasonable price of 2 for 150 yen.
Features:
- Uses Hokkaido premium azuki beans for sweet filling
- Fluffy exterior
- Served fresh from steamer on premises
- Perfect for eating while walking
A Gora specialty easily enjoyed during train waits or sightseeing breaks.
Tamura Ginkatsu-tei
Address: 1300-739 Gora, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Approximately 3-minute walk from Gora Station
Known as the original purveyor of “tofu cutlet stew,” Hakone’s specialty dish. A popular restaurant where lines form regularly.
Signature Dishes:
- Tofu Cutlet Stew Set: Fried tofu served as cutlet and simmered in sweet-savory dashi, an original creation
- Healthful yet filling
- Gentle taste when topped with egg
Enjoy Hakone’s unique gourmet in the shop retaining a Showa-era atmosphere.
Ginkatsu Kobo
A sister restaurant to Tamura Ginkatsu-tei, offering casual enjoyment of tofu cutlet. Takeout available, making it perfect to accompany your sightseeing.
Cafe and Restaurant (within Hakone Gora Park)
Restaurants and cafes within Hakone Gora Park allow dining while enjoying garden views. Afternoon tea while admiring seasonal flowers is exceptional.
Surrounding Hot Spring Areas
Making Gora your base, explore other Hakone hot springs.
Hakone-Yumoto Hot Spring
Hakone’s oldest hot spring area located at the gateway. Approximately 40 minutes by Hakone Tozan Railway from Gora. The hot spring town features souvenir shops and restaurants with numerous day-use hot spring facilities.
Sengokuhara Hot Spring
Approximately 20 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from Gora. Close to Sengokuhara Plateau, known for its pampas grass, with concentrated museums and leisure facilities.
Lake Ashi Hot Spring
Approximately 40 minutes by combining Hakone Ropeway and bus. Positioned on the shores of Lake Ashi, enjoying spectacular views of the lake and Mt. Fuji.
Koyumotani Hot Spring
Approximately 5 minutes by Hakone Tozan Railway from Gora. Features large hot spring facilities such as “Hakone Koyumoen Yunessun,” popular with families.
Suggested Itineraries for the Gora Area
Day Trip Course (6 hours)
9:00 Arrival at Gora Station
9:15 Breakfast at Watanabe Bakery
10:00 Tour Hakone Gora Park and experience craft studios
12:00 Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsu-tei
13:30 View moss garden at Hakone Museum of Art
15:00 Hakone Open-Air Museum
17:00 Shop for souvenirs in front of Gora Station
17:30 Depart from Gora Station
1-Night, 2-Day Course
[Day 1]
12:00 Arrival at Gora Station
12:30 Lunch
14:00 Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani
16:00 Return to Gora and check into accommodation
18:00 Dinner and hot spring at accommodation
[Day 2]
9:00 Tour Hakone Gora Park after breakfast
11:00 Hakone Museum of Art or Hakone Open-Air Museum
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Purchase souvenirs
15:00 Depart from Gora Station
Accommodations in the Gora Area
The Gora area offers diverse accommodations from luxury ryokans to budget-friendly hotels.
Luxury Ryokans
- Gora Kaidan: Premier luxury ryokan built on former residence grounds of Prince Kanenomiya
- Kininoyu Setsugetka: Luxury inn with private open-air bath in all rooms
- Gora Kansui-ro: Historic old-established ryokan founded in Meiji era
Standard Hotels and Ryokans
- Hakone Gora Hot Spring Kininoyu Setsugetka: Popular value accommodation
- Merveil Hakone Gora: Accessible Western-style hotel
- Gora Tensurei: Modern Japanese-style ryokan
Budget Accommodations
- Guest Houses: Budget options for backpackers
- Minshuku: Small intimate family-run inns
Best Season for Gora Sightseeing
While the Gora area offers charms in all seasons, here are especially recommended periods.
Spring (March-May)
- Cherry blossoms, azaleas, and rhododendrons at Hakone Gora Park reach peak bloom
- Mild climate ideal for walks
- Golden Week brings crowds; weekdays recommended
Summer (June-August)
- High elevation provides cooler, more comfortable temperatures than Tokyo
- Roses and hydrangeas at Hakone Gora Park are beautiful
- High-mountain flora at Hakone Wetland Botanical Garden reaches peak
- Summer vacation brings crowding
Autumn (September-November)
- Fall foliage destination: Hakone Museum of Art’s moss garden particularly beautiful (early to mid-November)
- Stable weather perfect for sightseeing
- Weekends bring crowds; weekday visits recommended
Winter (December-February)
- Hot springs especially pleasant this season
- Clear air provides excellent Mt. Fuji visibility
- Christmas roses appear at Hakone Gora Park
- Fewer visitors allow leisurely sightseeing
Notes and Helpful Information for Gora Sightseeing
Clothing and Items to Bring
- High elevation: Temperature 3-5 degrees Celsius lower than Tokyo; bring a jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes: Slopes and stairs abundant; sneakers recommended
- Rain gear: Mountain weather changes quickly; carry a compact umbrella
Tips to Avoid Crowds
- Weekday visits: Weekends and holidays extremely crowded
- Early morning: Arriving before 9 AM at major spots relatively quiet
- Winter: December-February sees fewer tourists
Money-Saving Information
- Hakone Free Pass: 2-day or 3-day passes save on transportation and admission
- Coupons: Discount coupons sometimes available on facility websites
- Accommodation packages: Take advantage of accommodation and sightseeing facility bundled plans
Accessibility Information
- Hakone Tozan Railway, Cable Car, and Ropeway accessible
- Major museums and parks allow wheelchair entry (some restrictions)
- Many slopes; companion assistance advisable
Owakudani Volcanic Activity Information
As an active volcano, Owakudani may have restricted access depending on volcanic activity levels. Check official Hakone Town or Hakone Ropeway websites for latest information before visiting.
Summary: Enjoy Hakone Gora to the Fullest
The Hakone Gora area is a charming sightseeing destination harmonizing hot springs, art, nature, and gourmet cuisine. Retaining the atmosphere of villa districts continuing from the Meiji era while offering modern tourist convenience.
Serving as the terminal station of the Hakone Tozan Railway and a key transportation hub, it is ideal as a base for Hakone sightseeing. Immerse in high-quality Hakone Gora Hot Spring waters, appreciate art at museums, enjoy nature’s seasonal changes, and savor local gourmet—such luxurious times await at Gora.
While enjoyable for day trips, consider staying overnight to appreciate Gora’s changing landscape from morning to evening and leisurely soak in hot springs. Using the Hakone Free Pass allows efficient touring of all Hakone from Gora as your base.
The Hakone Gora area continues radiating unchanged charm in 2026. Its approximately 2-hour access from central Tokyo adds to its appeal. Perfect for weekend getaways or dedicated hot spring vacations, the Gora area certainly deserves a visit.
