Where to Stay in Hakone: Gora Area Hotels

Mountain scenery in the Hakone region near the Gora hot-spring village

Perched higher up the mountain than Hakone-Yumoto, Gora is a quieter, more refined hot-spring village and a popular base for travellers seeking onsen resorts and ryokan stays. It sits at the top of the Hakone Tozan Railway and the foot of the cable car up to the ropeway, making it a natural midpoint on the Hakone loop. Here are some well-reviewed places to stay, based on real Google data.

The Appeal of Gora

Gora is known for its leafy slopes, art museums, and upscale onsen accommodation. Because it sits higher and away from the main station crowds, it has a calmer atmosphere that suits a relaxing overnight stay. The cable car and ropeway connections make onward travel to Owakudani and Lake Ashi straightforward.

Well-Reviewed Hotels

Gora’s properties range from polished international brands to intimate Japanese-style resorts. The summary below reflects Google ratings, review counts, and relative pricing to help you choose.

Hotels in the Gora Area

Ratings and review counts below come from Google at the time of writing; room rates vary widely by season and inclusions, so verify live prices before booking.

Laforet Hakone Gora Yunosumika — 4.1 rating from roughly 1,250 Google reviews; a 4-star hot-spring resort in the mid price tier.
Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora by IHG — 4.2 from about 1,000 reviews; a design-focused 5-star property at the upper end of the price range.
Hakone Yutowa — 4.4 from around 960 reviews; a stylish, well-rated stay in the mid tier.
Tokyu Vacations Hakone Gora — 4.3 from roughly 190 reviews; a 3-star option in the more affordable mid band.

Booking Tips

Like the rest of Hakone, Gora is busiest on weekends and during peak autumn colour. Many resorts here lean toward the higher-end market, so booking early and comparing dinner-inclusive plans helps you find the best value. Weekday nights often offer more availability and gentler rates.

Gora is ideal for travellers who want a more tranquil, resort-style base in Hakone. With easy access to the region’s transport loop and a cluster of art museums nearby, it balances relaxation with sightseeing.