Gora Hot Spring, Kanagawa Prefecture | Complete Guide to the Charm and How to Enjoy Hakone’s Representative Hot Spring Resort
Gora Hot Spring, located in Hakone Town, Ashigara Shimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture, is one of the most popular hot spring resorts among the Hakone Seventeen Hot Springs. Spread across a highland on the eastern slope of Souun Mountain at an elevation of approximately 600-700 meters, it has developed around Gora Station, the terminus of the Hakone Tozan Railroad. The history dating back to the Meiji era, hot springs with diverse mineral compositions, and beautiful seasonal landscapes continue to captivate visitors.
History and Development of Gora Hot Spring
Beginning as a Hot Spring Resort
The history of Gora Hot Spring began in 1893 (Meiji 26) when hot spring water was drawn from the Souun Hell. Initially, hot spring use was small-scale, but from 1894 (Meiji 27), full-scale hot spring development began. From the late Meiji period to the early Taisho period, this area attracted attention as a luxury villa district.
Opening of the Hakone Tozan Railroad and Development of the Hot Spring Resort
Gora Hot Spring developed as a full-fledged hot spring resort after the Hakone Tozan Railroad opened to Gora in 1919 (Taisho 8). With railway access established, convenience from Tokyo and Yokohama improved dramatically, and many tourists and spa guests began visiting.
In 1950 (Showa 25), high-quality hot spring water was discovered in large quantities, and Gora Hot Spring grew to become Hakone’s second-largest hot spring resort. Former luxury villas transformed into inns and resort facilities, and today it is loved by many people as an elegant hot spring resort.
Hot Spring Quality and Characteristics of Gora Hot Spring
Five Different Mineral Compositions
The greatest feature of Gora Hot Spring is that it offers five different mineral compositions within a single hot spring resort. This is an extremely rare characteristic even in Hakone, allowing guests at different accommodations to experience different hot spring types.
Main mineral compositions:
- Acidic sulfate spring: High sterilizing effects, said to be effective for skin diseases and chronic gynecological conditions
- Sodium chloride spring: High heat-retention effect, also called “hot bath”
- Simple spring: Low stimulation, gentle on the skin
- Alkaline spring: Expected skin-beautifying effects, popular as “beauty bath”
- Sulfur spring: Distinctive milky-white water, said to be effective for rheumatism and neuralgia
Source Spring Overflowing Hot Springs
Many facilities in Gora Hot Spring offer source spring overflowing hot springs utilizing abundant water volume. With fresh hot spring water constantly flowing, you can maximize the therapeutic effects of hot spring minerals. The diversity is charming, from transparent simple springs to milky-white sulfur springs, enjoyable visually as well.
Hot Spring Benefits
The hot springs of Gora Hot Spring offer the following expected benefits:
- Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain
- Fatigue recovery, health promotion
- Cold sensitivity, blood circulation improvement
- Skin diseases, skin-beautifying effects
- Rheumatism, chronic gastrointestinal diseases
- Chronic gynecological conditions, post-illness recovery period
The warmth persists even after bathing, and the feel is pleasant, making it popular with women seeking skin-beautifying effects.
Access to Gora Hot Spring
Access by Train
From Tokyo:
- Approximately 85 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Hakone Yumoto Station by Odakyu Romance Car
- Approximately 40 minutes from Hakone Yumoto Station to Gora Station by Hakone Tozan Railroad
- Total approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
From Yokohama:
- Approximately 30 minutes to Odawara Station by JR Tokaido Line
- Approximately 55 minutes from Odawara Station to Gora Station by Hakone Tozan Railroad
The Hakone Tozan Railroad is also popular as the “Ajisai Train,” particularly during the hydrangea season from June to July, when approximately 10,000 hydrangea flowers bloom along the line and can be enjoyed from the train window. The railroad with its steep grades using switchback methods is itself a tourist attraction.
Access by Car
From Tokyo:
- Approximately 50 minutes from Atsugi IC on the Tomei Expressway via Odawara Atsugi Road
- Approximately 40 minutes from Hakone IC via National Route 1 and prefectural roads
From Shizuoka:
- Approximately 30 minutes from Gotemba IC on the Tomei Expressway
There are multiple parking lots around Gora Station, and most day-use hot spring facilities and accommodations have dedicated parking. However, weekends and peak tourist seasons become crowded, so using public transportation is recommended.
Use of the Hakone Free Pass
For efficient sightseeing in the Hakone area, Odakyu’s “Hakone Free Pass” is convenient. Eight vehicles including the Hakone Tozan Railroad, Hakone Tozan Bus, Hakone Ropeway, and Hakone Pirate Ship are included in unlimited rides, and you receive discounts or special offers at approximately 70 facilities.
Accommodation Facilities in Gora Hot Spring
Luxury Inns and Hotels
Gora Hot Spring offers diverse accommodations from luxury inns with private open-air baths in all guest rooms to reasonably-priced lodgings. Many facilities provide source spring overflowing hot springs and feature uniquely designed bathtubs such as cypress and stone baths.
Popular facility types:
- All-room private open-air bath inns: Enjoy 24-hour hot springs in private spaces
- Inns with reserved bath facilities: Families and couples can bathe without worrying about others
- Inns with full-featured large baths: Experience spaciousness in expansive bathing areas
- Cuisine-focused inns: Enjoy kaiseki cuisine featuring Hakone ingredients
Reserved Baths and Family Baths
Many inns in Gora Hot Spring offer reserved baths or family baths. While some facilities provide them free of charge, others require an additional fee. Since you can enjoy source spring overflowing hot springs in private spaces, they are popular with families with small children and couples.
Views from Guest Rooms
From inns in Gora Hot Spring, positioned on a highland at 600-700 meters elevation, you can see beautiful views of Hakone’s outer ridge and Myojo Peak. Particularly in summer, some inns allow guests to view the “Daimonji Yaki” burning brightly on Myojo Peak from their rooms, allowing you to enjoy one of Hakone’s summer traditions.
Day-Use Hot Spring Facilities
The area around Gora Hot Spring has abundant day-use hot spring facilities that visitors can easily access.
Yu no Sato Okada
A large day-use hot spring facility within walking distance of Gora Station. With its own source spring, it features various bathtubs including large baths, open-air baths, and reserved baths. A dining area is also available, allowing you to spend a full day relaxing.
Operational Information:
- Adult admission: Around 1,500 yen
- Operating hours: 11:00-23:00 (last admission 22:00)
- Water quality: Simple hot spring, chloride spring
Tenzan Yoji-kyo Higana Yu-ji Tenzan
A popular day-use hot spring facility located between Hakone Yumoto and Gora. The spacious bathing area features marble bathtubs, characterized by abundant source spring overflowing hot springs. The warmth persists after bathing, and skin-beautifying effects are expected.
Yu Asobi-dokoro Hakone no Yu
A day-use hot spring facility conveniently located near Gora Station. Though compact, the facility is clean and perfect for enjoying hot springs casually. Ideal for a brief visit during sightseeing.
Kiritani Hakone-so
Quietly located not far from Gora Station. Free reserved family baths, reserved open-air baths (additional charge), and foot baths are all source spring overflowing cloudy water, popular as “beauty bath.” Day-use plans with meal options are also available.
Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Gora Hot Spring is ideally located as a base for Hakone sightseeing, with many attractions within walking distance.
Gora Park
A Japanese-style French formal garden opened in 1914 (Taisho 3), located a 5-minute walk from Gora Station and Japan’s first of its kind. Flowers of each season can be enjoyed, with particularly impressive azaleas in spring and autumn foliage. The park contains “Hakone Craft House” offering pottery experiences and “Tropical Plant House” featuring tropical plants.
Admission Information:
- Adult admission: 550 yen (free with Hakone Free Pass)
- Hours: 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Hakone Museum of Art
Adjacent to Gora Park, this museum opened in 1952 (Showa 27). It primarily displays ancient Japanese ceramics from the Jomon period through the Edo period. The moss garden in the grounds is particularly beautiful, and the new greenery and autumn foliage seasons attract many visitors.
Hakone Open-Air Museum of Sculpture
One station from Gora by Hakone Tozan Railroad to Chokokuno-mori Station. Japan’s first open-air museum displays approximately 120 sculptural works across a vast 70,000 square-meter area. A Picasso Museum is also housed here, and family visitors appreciate works children can enjoy playing with.
Hakone Ropeway
From Souun Station adjacent to Gora Station, the ropeway continues toward Owakudani and Togen. The approximately 8-minute ride from Souun to Owakudani offers spectacular views of Hakone’s grand landscape from the air. At Owakudani Station, you can taste the signature black eggs.
Pola Museum of Art
Located approximately 15 minutes by bus from Gora, this art museum has an excellent collection of Western paintings, primarily Impressionist works. Housing approximately 10,000 pieces including works by Monet, Renoir, and Picasso, the museum features maintained forest walking paths, allowing simultaneous enjoyment of nature and art.
Hakone Glass Forest Museum
Located in Senagohara, this museum centers on Venetian glass. The crystal glass objects displayed in the gardens sparkle brilliantly in sunlight, creating an impressive sight. The café offers live Canzone performances.
Gourmet Cuisine Around Gora Hot Spring
Tamura Ginkatsu-tei
Famous as a Gora specialty, this restaurant specializes in “tofu cutlet stew.” Cutlets made from tofu braised in special broth are both healthy and satisfying. The popular establishment often has lines, so arriving with time to spare is recommended.
Watanabe Bakery
Famous for providing “hot spring stew bread” distributed during the Hakone Ekiden relay race. This offering features a French bread loaf hollowed out and filled generously with brown stew, providing substantial satisfaction. Unique breads like “pickled plum bread” with a whole pickled plum inside are also popular.
Gin Tofu
A specialty shop for tofu dishes using Gora’s delicious water. Enjoy freshly-made tofu and yuba-based cuisine. Tofu-making experiences are also available, making it suitable for families.
Cafes and Restaurants
Various cafes and restaurants with scenic views dot the area around Gora Station. You’ll find abundant places to drop by during sightseeing, from lunches featuring Hakone ingredients to afternoon tea while enjoying the hot spring resort atmosphere.
Four Seasons’ Charm of Gora Hot Spring
Spring (March-May)
Spring in Gora Hot Spring features colorful blossoms including cherry blossoms, azaleas, and rhododendrons. At Gora Park, azaleas reach peak bloom from late April to early May, painting the grounds in vibrant pink. Cherry blossoms along the Hakone Tozan Railroad line are also beautiful, allowing simultaneous enjoyment of hot springs and flower viewing.
Summer (June-August)
From June through July, approximately 10,000 hydrangea flowers bloom along the Hakone Tozan Railroad line, famous nationwide as the “Ajisai Train.” Due to elevation differences, enjoyment extends from mid-June through late July. On August 16, the “Daimonji Yaki” is held on Myojo Peak, illuminating the summer night sky.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is one of Hakone’s most beautiful seasons. From late October through mid-November, autumn foliage at Hakone’s outer ridge and Gora Park reaches peak colors. The autumn foliage at Hakone Museum of Art’s moss garden is particularly renowned as spectacular, attracting many photography enthusiasts. Hot springs in cool autumn weather are especially exceptional.
Winter (December-February)
Winter in Gora Hot Spring appeals with combinations of snow scenery and hot springs. Open-air baths overlooking snow-covered Hakone’s outer ridge epitomize Japanese winter atmosphere. On clear days, the beautiful silhouette of Mount Fuji can be seen.
How to Spend Time at Gora Hot Spring
Day-Trip Hot Spring Plan
Morning:
- Explore Gora Park after arrival at Gora Station (1-2 hours)
- Art appreciation at Hakone Museum of Art (1 hour)
Lunch:
- Dine around Gora area (such as Tamura Ginkatsu-tei)
Afternoon:
- Bathe at day-use hot spring facility (2-3 hours)
- Purchase souvenirs at Watanabe Bakery
1-Night 2-Day Plan
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive at Gora, check in at accommodation
- Afternoon: Visit Gora Park and Hakone Museum of Art
- Evening: Enjoy hot springs at inn
- Night: Savor kaiseki dinner, view Daimonji Yaki (August only)
Day 2:
- Morning: Early morning bath, breakfast, checkout
- Late morning: Take Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani
- Lunch: Sightseeing in Senagohara area (Glass Forest Museum, Pola Museum of Art, etc.)
- Afternoon: Depart
2-Night 3-Day Plan
Perfect for thoroughly exploring Hakone with Gora Hot Spring as your base. Divide sightseeing by area—Day 1 for Gora surroundings, Day 2 for Lake Ashi area, Day 3 for Senagohara/Gotemba area—for efficient touring.
Accommodation Reservations and Deals at Gora Hot Spring
Reservation Methods
There are several ways to reserve accommodations at Gora Hot Spring:
- Online reservation sites: Compare options on Jalan, Rakuten Travel, Yuko-yuko, etc.
- Direct phone reservations: Call inns directly to reserve (convenient for last-minute vacancy checks)
- Travel agencies: Use package tours through travel agencies like JTB
Deals and Discounts
- Early booking discounts: Many plans offer discounts for 30 or 60 days in advance
- Weekday-only plans: Lower rates than weekends with less crowding
- Multi-night plans: Many inns discount 2+ night stays
- Coupon usage: Further savings with limited-period coupons from reservation sites
- Hakone Free Pass: Cost-effective for transportation and facility admissions combined
Peak Seasons and Reservation Tips
Popular seasons:
- June-July: Hydrangea season
- October-November: Autumn foliage season
- Year-end/New Year, Golden Week
Early reservations are essential during these periods. Conversely, late January-February and rainy season are relatively uncrowded with reduced rates.
Nearby Hot Spring Resorts
When visiting Gora Hot Spring, exploring nearby Hakone Seventeen Hot Springs is recommended.
Hakone Yumoto Hot Spring
Located at Hakone’s gateway as its largest hot spring resort. With history dating to the Nara period, it’s Hakone’s oldest hot spring. Many day-use hot spring facilities, souvenir shops, and dining establishments line the bustling resort.
Koyugitani Hot Spring
Positioned between Gora and Hakone Yumoto. Large facilities like Hakone Kouyugien Yunessun are popular with families.
Senagohara Hot Spring
Located in Hakone’s highland area. Famous for pampa grass fields with golden views in autumn. Numerous museums and simultaneous art appreciation and hot spring enjoyment available.
Lake Ashi Hot Spring
Hot springs along Lake Ashi shores offering bathing while viewing the lake. Nearby historical sites include Hakone Shrine and Hakone Checkpoint, allowing simultaneous tourism and hot spring enjoyment.
Atmosphere of Gora Hot Spring’s Resort Area
Gora Hot Spring maintains a particularly calm atmosphere among Hakone’s hot springs. Elegant buildings remaining from its former luxury villa district create an refined hot spring resort.
Convenience of the Resort Area
With accommodations and attractions centered around Gora Station, many places are reachable on foot—a highly convenient feature. Convenience stores and souvenir shops near the station allow purchasing necessities locally.
Terrain with Many Slopes
The elevation-varied terrain features numerous slopes throughout the resort. Walking in comfortable shoes is recommended. However, this topography provides most inns with spectacular views.
Quiet, Relaxed Environment
Unlike the bustling Hakone Yumoto, Gora’s quieter environment allows leisurely time. Perfect for those seeking to relax in hot springs and forget daily hustle.
Precautions When Visiting Gora Hot Spring
Clothing and Essentials
- Comfortable walking shoes: Essential due to numerous slopes
- Seasonal clothing: Temperature is lower than lowland areas due to elevation
- Rain gear: Hakone receives frequent rain; a collapsible umbrella is convenient
- Towels: Day-use hot spring facilities often charge for towel rentals
Peak Season Strategies
Weekends and peak tourist seasons become crowded; consider these strategies:
- Visit on weekday mornings
- Thorough advance reservations
- Purchase Hakone Free Pass beforehand
- Aim for restaurant openings
Transportation Information
Hakone is weather-sensitive. Particularly during typhoon season and winter, Hakone Tozan Railroad and ropeway operations may suspend; check operating information in advance.
Conclusion: The Charm of Gora Hot Spring
Gora Hot Spring in Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, as a rare hot spring with five different mineral compositions, provides diverse hot spring experiences. Its convenient location as the Hakone Tozan Railroad’s terminus, spectacular views from highlands around 700 meters elevation, and beautiful natural scenery throughout the seasons continue captivating visitors.
While maintaining history dating to the Meiji era, modern accommodations with comfort are available. Abundant day-use hot spring facilities support various enjoyment styles. Nearby attractions including Gora Park, Hakone Museum of Art, and Hakone Open-Air Museum of Sculpture offer simultaneous hot spring and cultural enjoyment—an ideal hot spring resort.
Excellent accessibility from Tokyo in approximately 2 hours appeals to weekend getaways and extended stays. Refresh body and mind with high-quality source spring overflowing hot springs while experiencing Hakone’s rich nature and culture—perfect experiences at Gora Hot Spring await.
As a Hakone-representative hot spring resort, Gora Hot Spring will continue beloved by many. Once visited, its charm compels repeat visits—a truly special hot spring resort.
