Gora Hanaougi

“Perfect. No notes. Go and know you’ll be taken care of.”

What a perfect experience! Came with my wife and three college age kids, staying in two Japanese-style rooms with open air baths and terraces. Our family all agreed that in the ten days we spent in Japan(Kyoto, Tokyo, and here), this was the best experience we had. Gora Hanougi was deeply peaceful… more

What a perfect experience! Came with my wife and three college age kids, staying in two Japanese-style rooms with open air baths and terraces. Our family all agreed that in the ten days we spent in Japan(Kyoto, Tokyo, and here), this was the best experience we had. Gora Hanougi was deeply peaceful, and the rooms were qtraditional yet luxurious with beautiful views. The entire hotel was soothing, and we still remember the scent of sandalwood as we entered, the quiet shuffling of our family and the staff on the tatami mat floors, and the smell of the igusa grass. From the moment we stepped off the private elevator from the cable car, we were greeted with warmth and kindness. It was a top-tier experience in terms of service. They had the same absolutely lovely woman serving us at our meals and throughout our stay until checkout which made it even more personal(and shame on me for blanking on her name…she was terrific). If I had to quibble, I wish there were a couple Western options in the meals for the less adventurous eaters…but honestly, I understand why they wouldn’t. We appreciated the tradition of the kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast, multi-course affairs which were truly artistic in their preparation. Thank you for a wonderful and memorable stay.

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“Gora Hanaougi Excellence !”

The service levels are unbelievable We just loved everything about this Ryoken Worth every penny Suduka our waitress was so friendly and excellent Would recommend 100%

“Not kidding, a once in a lifetime experience”

I wanted to share a public review besides the paper form they ask you to fill out. We were coming from Tokyo for a night stay and it was a journey to get here without a car but it is more than worth it. But it adds to that feeling of journeying through half of the Hakone loop for half a day and aft… more

I wanted to share a public review besides the paper form they ask you to fill out. We were coming from Tokyo for a night stay and it was a journey to get here without a car but it is more than worth it. But it adds to that feeling of journeying through half of the Hakone loop for half a day and after descending sideways in this elevator, you are welcomed in paradise. The welcome - luxurious, the room - clean and relaxing with your private onsen packed with "spa products" besides the essentials, the nakai-san - absolutely wonderful; we wanted to give her a hug but obviously that was inappropriate (shoutout Kitaya-san), the public onsen (male side) was packed with 3 different onsen pools (at least, I didn't wear my glasses inside and could not see anything so I might've missed a room or a door); one indoor and two outdoor each with varying temperatures for your taste and a massage chair in the changing room, and the food - my god the food, they have a masterclass chef back there in the kitchen as long as you have an adventurous palette. Everything was top notch. It's quite steep cost wise but it is absolutely worth it given you have the means. I remember in my review of their place the we submitted that I said I think they ruined ryokans for me as this was my first ryokan and this place now being my standard, I shouldn't expect any place to match, much less exceed our experience. I hope they didn't take it the wrong way because of language differences. No kidding, I don't remember the last time I felt that relaxed in my lifetime. I hope to be back one day. I wish the staff well and happy lives as they have given me a core memory that I don't think I'll ever forget.

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“Gora hanaougi”

This is an amazingly beautiful hotel perched on the mountain with lovely views. We chose to take the train to the cable car to the elevator, and I encourage you to do that too-it’s fun. BTW once you leave the cable car the elevator is out the doors to the left and across the parking lot. Our room h… more

This is an amazingly beautiful hotel perched on the mountain with lovely views. We chose to take the train to the cable car to the elevator, and I encourage you to do that too-it’s fun. BTW once you leave the cable car the elevator is out the doors to the left and across the parking lot. Our room had a private onsen that we took advantage of and loved on cool fall evenings. I have to take a moment to point out that the dinners and breakfasts, while beautifully presented and prepared, are rigorously Japanese. If sushi, sashimi and cooked fish are 3 of your food groups, then you will love this. It was hard for some in our party and the hotel was not much help with that. I would urge you to try, but perhaps have some snacks for pickier eaters. The staff was lovely and tried everything they could to make our stay pleasant. As we do not speak Japanese, sometimes this was a challenge, but that’s on us, you are after all in Japan.

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