Hakone
A Sanctuary in the Shadow of
Mount Fuji 富士山
There are few sights as awe-inspiring as Mount Fuji rising above the clouds, its perfect symmetry reflected in the still waters of Lake Ashi. This iconic peak, long revered in Japanese art and poetry, has drawn travelers for centuries, promising a sense of peace that seems to radiate from its very form.
The road to Hakone winds through dense forests, past steaming volcanic valleys, and along the shores of tranquil lakes, all with the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji in the distance. Just a short journey from Tokyo, this mountain retreat has long been a place of escape—where the pace slows, and nature and tradition weave seamlessly together. The region is famed for its onsen (hot springs), misty landscapes, and timeless ryokans, where hospitality is an art form. Among them, one stands apart:
Gora Kadan a Relais & Châteaux property.
Gora Kadan:
Where Tradition Meets serenity
Set within the rolling hills of Hakone National Park, Gora Kadan is more than just a ryokan;
it is a living embodiment of Japanese refinement. Once the summer retreat of the Imperial family,
the estate carries a quiet sense of nobility, blending traditional ryokan aesthetics with understated
modern luxury.
The design is minimalist yet deeply inviting—tatami-matted rooms, sliding shoji doors, and futon bedding, arranged with meticulous care. Many suites open onto private open-air onsens, fed by Hakone’s famed geothermal waters—silky, mineral-rich, and believed to hold restorative properties. Here, bathing is not just about relaxation; it is a ritual, a moment to reconnect with nature as steam rises into the crisp mountain air.
Beyond the onsens, every aspect of the stay is designed for serenity. Mornings begin with tea on a private terrace, overlooking mist-covered gardens. Afternoons are for quiet moments, soaking in the outdoor baths or strolling through the ryokan’s peaceful grounds. Evenings unfold with the slow ritual of kaiseki dining, the highlight of the Gora Kadan experience. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring a unique dining experience each time. Meals are typically served in-room for overnight guests, while day visitors can enjoy kaiseki dining at the Kadan restaurant. Dining at Gora Kadan is an immersive journey into the heart of Japanese cuisine. The kaiseki experience here is a celebration of seasonality, precision, and artistry. Each course is carefully orchestrated, moving through delicate flavors and textures, served in handcrafted ceramic and lacquerware that feels as much a part of the experience as the food itself.
The Kaiseki Experience: A Symphony of Flavors
A Kaiseki might begin with an exquisitely plated hassun, a small seasonal appetizer that sets the tone for what’s to come—perhaps a sliver of yuzu-scented sashimi, a delicate chawanmushi custard, or lightly grilled river fish wrapped in a fragrant leaf. From there, the courses unfold like poetry. A dish of simmered vegetables in dashi, perfectly balanced and subtly flavored. A grilled specialty, perhaps tender wagyu, brushed with miso and seared to perfection, or freshly caught fish from Sagami Bay, its skin crisp, its flesh meltingly soft.
Then, the rice course, simple yet profound—
steamed to perfection, often accompanied by pickles and miso soup, a reminder of the beauty in restraint. And to finish, a light, elegant dessert:
matcha-infused mochi, seasonal fruit at its peak ripeness, or a subtly sweet black sesame pudding.
Every element of the meal reflects not just the skill of the chef, but the rhythm of nature—what is freshest, what is at its most flavorful in this precise moment.
A Stay Beyond Time
At Gora Kadan, time slows, and the outside world feels distant. There is no rush, no distraction—just the simple pleasure of soaking in mineral-rich waters, savoring the beauty of a perfectly arrang
ed meal, and waking to the soft light of morning filtering through shoji screens.
The experience here is not about extravagance but intentionality—a return to simplicity, to balance, to a way of living that is both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly timeless. In this serene retreat in the heart of Hakone, time stretches, and every moment lingers just a little longer.
A Last Moment of Serenity: The Hakone Open-Air Museum
Before returning to the rhythm of Tokyo’s big city life, there’s time for one last stop.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum seamlessly blends nature and art, with sculptures scattered across its lush grounds, offering stunning views of the valley and mountains.
The museum features a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Picasso Exhibition Hall,
which displays the artist’s paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and personal photos.
Outside, the park is filled with abstract sculptures by both Japanese and international artists. A standout piece is the Symphonic Sculpture, a towering installation visitors can climb, offering panoramic views from its colorful stained-glass viewing platform. In addition to its permanent collections, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions. For relaxation, there’s also an outdoor
foot bath to enjoy.
This Museum, with its sweeping mountain views and sculptures by Henry Moore offers a final moment of stillness and reflection. A quiet stroll through its gardens, perhaps a cup of warm tea to savor the moment and then, with a last deep breath of crisp mountain air, it’s time to board the train at Odawara Station—homeward bound, carrying the lingering tranquility of Hakone with you.
Sit back and relax and let us design your dream trip for you!
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Leyla