Relax in elegance with our open-air baths boasting majestic valley views.
Luxury accommodation set amidst Hakone's picturesque and rejuvenating natural hot spring region, ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Rooms: The 70 guest rooms across two buildings feature luxurious open-air hot spring baths and elegant Japanese or modern Western-style decor. The spacious 56 sqm rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with scenic views.
Location: Gora Karaku is located in the Gora area of Hakone, a mountainous village known for its hot springs. It provides easy access to nature walks while only being a short distance from the Gora train station.
Amenities: Amenities include two large open-air hot spring baths, three reservable private hot spring baths, two restaurants serving seasonal Japanese cuisine, relaxing lounge areas, shops, and the Gora Spa Aioi for massages and body treatments.
Activities: Guests can take nature strolls around the lush forest surroundings, get spa treatments, browse shops showcasing local art and crafts, wander through terraces and lounges while enjoying the scenery, views, and tranquility.
Sustainability: The hotel utilizes hot spring water and geothermal energy in a sustainable manner. The architecture highlights natural materials like wood, brick, stone, and tatami mats. Lighting creates a magical atmosphere at night with minimal energy use.
Alistair
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When to go to Japan
A month-by-month guide of when to visit Japan
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is ideal for winter sports in Hokkaido and northern regions, with plenty of snow. Tokyo and Kyoto remain chilly but offer clear skies for sightseeing. Explore Sapporo's Snow Festival and soak in an onsen for the ultimate winter experience.
February
February is the best time for skiing and snowboarding in Nagano and Hokkaido. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a major attraction, featuring stunning ice sculptures. Other areas are generally cold and dry and good for sightseeing.
March
March marks the beginning of spring, with cherry blossoms starting to bloom in southern regions like Kyoto and Tokyo. Enjoy hanami picnics under the pink blossoms. It's a great time for hiking and outdoor adventures.
April
April is the peak of cherry blossom season. Witness Tokyo's Ueno Park and Kyoto's Maruyama Park come alive with vibrant sakura. Golden Week, late April to early May, offers festive parades and events.
May
May offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and hiking. Explore Tokyo's International Food Festival and enjoy the comfortable climate for sightseeing in Kyoto.
June
June is the start of the rainy season, known as tsuyu, lasting until mid-July. Although it's wet, explore Kyoto's temples and gardens amid light crowds. Festivals like the Sanno Matsuri in Tokyo showcase Japanese traditions.
July
July continues the rainy season, but the Tanabata Star Festival brightens the skies. Hokkaido hosts the Lavender Festival with fields of purple blooms. Kyoto's Gion Matsuri features grand floats.
August
August offers festivals and fireworks. The Obon Festival celebrates ancestors with lanterns and dances. Enjoy the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo. Hokkaido's summer flower festivals are perfect for nature enthusiasts.
September
September brings comfortable weather and the iconic Kunchi Festival in Nagasaki. Explore the Sapporo Autumn Festival in Hokkaido. It's a great time for sightseeing with fewer tourists.
October
October features stunning autumn foliage in Kyoto and Nikko. Visit Tokyo's Meiji Shrine during the Meiji Jingu Festival and enjoy Oktoberfest celebrations. Ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.
November
November showcases autumn foliage, with Kyoto's temples and parks ablaze in red and orange. Yoyogi Park in Tokyo hosts the International Food Festival, and Kyushu's hot spring resorts offer relaxation.
December
December marks the onset of winter, with holiday illuminations in cities and festive lights. Explore Hokkaido's Sapporo Snow Festival with breathtaking ice sculptures. Ski resorts open for winter sports enthusiasts.
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