Em89

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum. Just planning a trip to Japan in July of this year and we would like to go to the Hakone Area. From what I have read, Gora seems to be the best spot for what we want. That is: slightly away from the crowded areas, near the Open Air Museum, not far from the Pola Museum, and is near the Yunessun Spa theme park.

I am somewhat set at staying at Gora Kansuiro. It is not quite as expensive as some of the other high end Ryokans. I was wondering if anyone has stayed there? And if so, do you know specifically what room you were in? (The rooms are named, for eg: "Sakura" or "Yuri".) My SO is not as keen due to the price, so I want to guarantee that we are getting the right room before paying so much. We would like a room with a private onsen overlooking the garden.

I have emailed the Ryokan directly, but have not heard back from them. Any help would be great. And any other suggestions as to what to do in the area would also be welcome.

We are also going to spend 1 night at Koyasan. Still yet to find a Shukubo that will be less touristy. Not looking for anything high end there. The one night in Gora is our only night we are willing to splurge. (On average, we've only spent about $75 each per night for accommodation.)

Thanks, Emily

Em89

I am unsure how (or if it is at all possible) to edit your original post. So to add further on the post above...

We are now open to any other Ryokan in the Gora/Miyanoshita areas. This is our one hotel we are willing to splurge on, but we would like a private onsen. Preferably one with a view to a garden, if that is at all possible.

Anyone have any suggestions?

crosscheck

We stayed at Gora Kadan, which fits your criteria - ideal location a short walk from the Gora train station (with free Mercedes pick-up service on the Hakone circuit), spectacular multi-room suite with private outdoor onsen and garden/mountain view, butler service, tranquil, restorative, definitely a major splurge. Food is presented beautifully - good but not outstanding. Happy to answer questions.

filmwill

crosscheck, great suggestion!! ...but I think the OP doesn't want high-end...and Gora Kadan is about as high-end as it gets.

(On a side note, it's on my 'must stay' list. It's just so hard to get into! Seems you must be a celebrity or reserve over a year in advance to have any chance of getting in!

crosscheck

Haha. Well, as you know, I'm not a celebrity, but "almost famous."

The OP said a splurge was okay, but you're right, GK is quite a splurge... Our res was, in fact, fairly easy: Got it on the Tablet Hotel site about 3 months prior to our visit, no deposit necessary. Great communication with Tablet re: transportation, confirmation, etc.

We have since found out that three close friends stayed there as well (only knew about one, a minor celeb). They all reserved not far in advance through travel agents.

Em89

Thanks for your suggestions. I've looked (longingly) at the Gora Kadan website. It looks amazing, but sadly, it is most definitely out of our price range. I should have been a little more specific. Our limit is $300-350 (aud) each per night.

If I ever go back, and I have time to book well in advance, I would definitely consider it, though!

filmwill

Speaking of Hakone: have you all read about the volcanic activity going on there right now?

http://www.wired.com/2015/05/alert-r...akes-continue/

Not good news for tourists visiting soon. Should be interesting to see if this is a non-event or the start of a larger event.