The place is absolutely breathtaking—completely surrounded by nature, it truly feels like experiencing Japan in its purest form. The staff matched the setting perfectly: warm, attentive, and incredibly kind. I especially appreciated how they welcomed us with genuine smiles and curiosity about our background. This wasn’t just good service; it was top-tier hospitality. What I loved most is how the ryokan is fully immersed in nature. Everything—from the materials used to the attitude of the staff—seems to honor and harmonize with the environment. And nature, in turn, seems to embrace the place back, creating a beautiful sense of balance. It’s something words can’t fully capture—you simply have to experience it yourself.

Nothing, everything was perfect.

The dinner here was amazing - a traditional, several course Japanese meal. This was the most relaxing part of a busy holiday travelling round Japan, we loved the outdoor onsen in the autumn scenery. Staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly. If you want to feel like you've experienced Japan, I couldn't recommend this more, and it's really close to the station to see the rest of Hakone too.

Enjoyed a basic Ryokan experience here and the futon beds were much more comfortable than expected. Staff were lovely and accommodating, however was slightly disappointed with how small the indoor public bath was. Can't speak to the outdoor bath however as we didn't get the chance to check it out. Kaiseki dinner and breakfast was wonderful although it would be much nicer to enjoy in our private rooms (other guests in the shared dining space were a bit noisy). Located very close to Gora station so would recommend if you want to stay in the area! Quite expensive per night but most ryokans in Hakone were similar or even more expensive.

Beautiful traditional Japanese guest house in a picturesque location. The room was gorgeous with a view overlooking the stunning gardens. We lived our private onsen but also made use of the public outdoor onsen - so nice to be immersed in hot water in the open air. The food was impeccable and the staff were so attentive and helpful. They even accommodated some special food requests with prior notice. The hotel was easy to access and is well situated for local attractions including the Open Air Museum (a must) and the Hakone Loop

Whilst I loved the idea of a traditional futon it was a little less comfortable than a standard bed. A great experience no less though!

Serene, authentic, wonderful food and exceptional staff. We think the lady who served us breakfast and dinner was the treasure. She explained dishes to us, answered questions, had a warm and welcoming manner. We were not sure if she was also the person who was preparing the meals but if so, that is truly amazing. The food was complex, diverse in ingredients and also had a clean simplicity or connection to place and nature. Our three teens very much enjoyed these experiences though had been skeptical. I don’t want to mention in the review that this lady adapted the menu for one of our sons as I feel guilty we asked—but she did, very graciously. 🤨

I think our room could have used some minor updating, but the futons were very, very comfortable and cozy and with the healthy food and air we slept so well.

We stayed in a villa looking out onto the garden in January 2025. It was fantastic, despite the cold. Sitting in the outdoor bath, looking out into the sleety weather and watching the moon rise... magic. The food was delicious, a revelation, and presented with much care and attention to detail. Despite us having no Japanese, the staff were amazingly helpful and made us feel welcome. Nothing was too much trouble. It was easy walking distance from Gora station, a lovely brewery, and the Open air sculpture garden. Highly recommended.

The futons were very authentic, but I was not used to them.

Amazing stay at a traditional ryokan with onsen (tattoo-friendly). We had a room with a private onsen, that was super nice. Was also got a traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast, served while sitting on the floor in a tatami room and they were very accommodating with food allergies and diets. The service was impeccable and you really feel like you’re at a five star hotel. The open air onsen was amazing.

If you don’t have a room with a private onsen there is only a public onsen for showering. You also have to be naked in the onsen, but that is understandable but maybe not for everyone. The food is not for picky eaters as it is a very traditional Japanese food.

The staff were fantastic and couldn't do enough for us. So friendly and always there to help and answer questions. Our room was huge. The private bath was nice but not that hot. It was cool to have the huge windows open overlooking the trees. Not too far from the station but there are some steep hills. The food was very traditional. It was good for us to try things we wouldn't have thought to order in a restaurant. We definitely preferred the breakfast which was lovely.

The outdoor bath was not open for the duration of our stay. I was very disappointed about this. This is one of the main reasons we booked and we weren't given warning before our stay despite it already being closed before we arrived. The price is high so when one of the main services / unique selling points isn't working, we may have chosen a different place to stay instead.

Incredible ryokan. We were lucky enough to upgrade our room so got to experience the private onsen suite and the standard room. Definitely book the private onsen room. Also be aware that the standard rooms don’t come with a shower - just toilet and sink. The standard room still offers a great traditional experience, but it is a little bit rougher, feels a bit like camping. Food was an amazing experience, the staff were so nice, they genuinely took special effort with all the guests. Some of the courses were a bit out there, but that’s part of the experience!

The futon beds were very uncomfortable, but it is traditional. I guess in my eyes it would still be traditional even if you had a much thicker futon? Either way, it didn’t ruin our stay.

An incredible place! The staff were warm, friendly and so welcoming. The breakfasts and dinners were delicious. Every course, and there were many, was a new delight. We were in a room with a private onsen which was such a treat but we also enjoyed the outside onsen at sunrise during our chilly December stay. When we were exploring the stunning gardens with the autumnal colours we spotted a deer. We were sad to leave. Oh yes, it’s also in an excellent location to explore the Hakone area. Pictures are from garden walk and from our room, plus our onsen.