Gora Travel Guide (2026)
Gora is a charming mountain resort town located in the heart of Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Sitting at a higher elevation than other parts of Hakone, it offers cool summers, beautiful seasonal scenery, and easy access to some of the region’s best attractions. Famous for its onsen (hot springs), art museums, and as a gateway to the Hakone Ropeway, Gora is an ideal base for exploring the Hakone National Park area.
Why Visit Gora?
Stunning mountain views and fresh air
Excellent onsen ryokans and hotels
World-class art and gardens
Convenient transport hub for Hakone sightseeing
How to Get to Gora
From Tokyo:
Most convenient: Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station directly to Hakone-Yumoto (about 1.5 hours), then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora (about 40 minutes). The entire journey is covered by the Hakone Freepass.
Alternative: Shinkansen to Odawara, then Hakone Tozan Railway up the mountain.
Hakone Freepass (2 or 3-day) is highly recommended. It covers the Tozan Railway, cable car, ropeway, pirate ship on Lake Ashi, and most buses.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms and lush greenery.
Summer (June–August): Cool escape from Tokyo heat.
Autumn (September–November): Spectacular fall foliage (peak late October to mid-November).
Winter (December–February): Fewer crowds, possible snow, and great onsen experiences. Clear views of Mt. Fuji are more common in winter.
Top Attractions in & around Gora
Hakone Gora Park (箱根強羅公園): A beautiful French-style formal garden with rose gardens, fountains, and a tropical greenhouse. Great for a relaxed stroll. There’s also a tea house where you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets.
Hakone Open-Air Museum (箱根彫刻の森美術館): One of Japan’s best outdoor sculpture museums. Set in a beautiful park with views of the mountains, it features works by Picasso, Henry Moore, and many Japanese artists. Don’t miss the Picasso Pavilion and the “net” play structure for kids.
Hakone Tozan Railway: Ride the “Switchback Train” — one of the most scenic railway journeys in Japan. The line zigzags up the steep mountain with gorgeous views, especially beautiful during autumn.
Hakone Cable Car + Ropeway: From Gora Station, take the cable car to Sounzan, then transfer to the Hakone Ropeway. This gives you access to:
Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley) – volcanic area with black eggs boiled in hot springs and dramatic sulfur vents.
Lake Ashi – where you can take a sightseeing cruise on a pirate ship.
Polas Hakone Museum or smaller galleries nearby for more art-focused visits.
Hiking Trails: Several trails start near Gora, including paths toward Mt. Myojogatake (famous for its “大” character visible from afar).
Where to Stay
Gora has a good mix of luxury ryokans and modern hotels:
Luxury: Gora Kadan (former imperial villa, extremely elegant), Hakone Gora Byakudan, or Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Hakone.
Mid-range: Gora Onsen Hakone no Yu, or hotels near Gora Station.
Budget: Guesthouses and ryokans with day-use onsen options.
Most ryokans offer private onsen baths (rotenburo) and kaiseki dinners featuring local ingredients.
Food Recommendations
Kaiseki Ryori (multi-course meals) at your ryokan.
Black Eggs (Kuro-Tamago) at Owakudani.
Soba noodles and Hakone-style kaiseki.
Hakone Bakery or cafés near Gora Station for pastries and coffee.
Try local craft beer or yuzu-based desserts.
Practical Tips
Weather: Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring layers and rain protection.
Luggage: Use coin lockers at stations or luggage delivery services (takkyubin) if staying at a ryokan.
Language: English signage is decent, but basic Japanese helps in smaller places.
Cash: Some smaller shops and onsen may prefer cash.
Crowds: Weekends and Japanese holidays (especially Golden Week and autumn foliage season) are busy. Book accommodations in advance.
Pro Tip: If you have extra time, combine Gora with a visit to Hakone Shrine and the Old Tokaido Road cedar avenue for a more complete Hakone experience.
Final Thoughts
Gora offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, and relaxation. Whether you’re seeking romantic onsen getaways, art appreciation, or adventure, this mountain town delivers.
Enjoy your trip to Gora and Hakone! 🇯🇵