Gora Hanaougi

“Gora Hanaougi - Our dream is to return”

Our stay at Gora Hanaougi from 4th - 6th May was something we will never forget. From the moment we arrived, we were treated with such warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality that we were honestly left at a loss for words. Staying somewhere as special as Gora Hanaougi is not normal for us, and w… more

Our stay at Gora Hanaougi from 4th - 6th May was something we will never forget. From the moment we arrived, we were treated with such warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality that we were honestly left at a loss for words. Staying somewhere as special as Gora Hanaougi is not normal for us, and we felt truly honoured to experience such incredible care and attention from all of the lovely ladies and gentlemen working there. Wearing our yukata to breakfast and dinner made the experience feel very authentic, and the food itself was an unforgettable insight into the wonders of Japanese cuisine. Every meal was beautifully prepared and presented. Breakfast especially was a banquet unlike anything we are used to back home in Scotland! A very special thank you to Hata-san, who looked after us morning and night throughout our stay. We hope we have not misspelled her name. We know she enjoys Scottish whisky, so… Slàinte Mhath, or as we explained it, “Slanj-a-va”. Your hospitality exceeded every expectation and made our stay even more meaningful. And to my Japanese teacher too: ippon bīru kudasai!! What a genuinely profound experience this was for us both. We already dream of visiting again one day in the future. David & Elle Scotland 🥃

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“Incredible authentic experience”

Incredible, authentic experience. The room with the private walk-out onsen was a highlight, offering both comfort and a true taste of traditional Japan. The staff were exceptional and attentive throughout, and the food was unique and memorable. Overall, a fantastic stay.

“The best experience!”

Absolutely incredible experience! The most serene place I have ever had the privilege to stay. I can’t wait to return!

“A unique once in a lifetime experience!”

We chose this accommodation following a recommendation from relatives who had visited in April 2025. They told us it would be a unique experience and that our trip wouldn’t feel complete without it—and they were absolutely right. Although the hotel was above our budget, we decided to stay for one n… more

We chose this accommodation following a recommendation from relatives who had visited in April 2025. They told us it would be a unique experience and that our trip wouldn’t feel complete without it—and they were absolutely right. Although the hotel was above our budget, we decided to stay for one night, and it turned out to be truly unforgettable. It was a different kind of experience, incredibly well thought out and detailed from beginning to end. Upon arrival at reception, we handed over our shoes and were given Japanese socks and traditional slippers (surippa). Throughout our stay, we were accompanied and served by the same hostess, Suzy, who took excellent care of us. She first guided us to a café area, where we were offered a drink and a sweet treat, and then escorted us to our rooms. We were two families and chose rooms with regular beds for the adults, while futons were prepared on the tatami for the children. In the rooms, there were traditional yukata for us to wear during our stay. While it wasn’t mandatory, we didn’t see anyone not wearing them. Suzy helped me put mine on and tied a beautiful bow. They were extremely comfortable and really helped us immerse ourselves in the atmosphere. Both breakfast and dinner were included in the price. Each family had its own private dining space, and since we were six people, we were given a very large room for dinner. The cuisine was kaiseki, which is very different from what most people imagine as Japanese food—it felt more like a work of art than a typical meal. The menu changes according to the season. Rooms: Each room had its own private onsen and high-quality toiletries. We recommend choosing rooms on the ground floor if you prefer a veranda and more space, or rooms on the upper floor if you prefer a smaller balcony but a better view. We also visited the hotel’s spa onsen, which is separated for men and women. Young children are allowed to enter the onsen with their mother regardless of gender. We went after dinner, and for most of the time, both we (the women) and the men had the spaces entirely to ourselves. Note that swimsuits are not allowed in the onsen. Finally, there was an internal elevator that took you directly in the morning from the hotel to the cable car station. Try to be there by 10:30, as after 11:00—when most guests check out from the ryokan—there are long queues. A flawless ryokan, a magical experience in a dreamlike setting. A huge thank you to Suzy

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