Imperial mountain hideaway
A 120-meter glass colonnade frames manicured moss gardens, leading to a moon-viewing terrace overlooking the forested Hakone mountains.
“Set on the grounds of a former imperial summer villa, the luxurious Gora Kadan features striking architecture...”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Dedicated attendants present multi-course seasonal kaiseki dinners in-room alongside custom bath amenities and thoughtful evening turndown.
Remarkable
Established within the 1930 imperial summer retreat of Prince Kan'in Kotohito, preserving original Showa-era architecture and dining salons.
Remarkable
Two private volcanic springs supply outdoor rock baths, suite cypress soaking tubs, far-infrared bedrock suites, and botanical massage therapies.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Japan
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR.
The construction is contemporary, but the style, of course, is traditional, and everywhere you turn there’s a magnificently framed view of the Hakone countryside.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Tucked into Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Gora's wooded hills offer quiet walking routes, artisan craft shops, and scenic cable cars.
The rooms
Tatami living spaces feature seamless wooden joinery and shoji screens, with select suites opening to private Aomori hiba cypress soaking baths.
The pool and spa
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated indoor lap pool sits beneath a vaulted skylight, and timber treatment rooms host botanical massage therapies.
The onsen
Soak slowly.
Three natural springs feed the indoor baths and rock-ringed outdoor rotenburo looking out across forested gardens.
At the table
Multi-course kaiseki dinners feature fresh seafood from Sagami Bay, served in-room or inside the wood-paneled 1930s villa.
How it began
Built in 1930 as an imperial summer retreat for Prince Kan'in Kotohito, the secluded mountain estate opened as a ryokan in 1948.
Good to know
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Gōra Kadan
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Hakone
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.