Karaku, Gora

I recently stayed here one night on October 5th and this hotel did not disappoint. The hotel is located a few steps away from Gora train station and they do offer a free shuttle bus to another station. The hotel staff - front desk and restaurant had been excellent. The hotel room was amazing. Be sure to book a Japanese style room as it is on the top floor (6th). The room was clean, up to date, private onsen and waking up to the sunrise in onsen was amazing. The dinner was good but I was still hungry afterwards. Area is very quiet in the evening and night.

Our stay at Gora KARAKU in Hakone was extraordinary, but what truly made it unforgettable was the dining experience and the people who made it so special. A heartfelt thank you to K. Suzuki, our amazing server. She was gracious, knowledgeable, and attentive in every sense, walking us through each beautifully presented dish, describing the ingredients, flavours, and wine (and even non-alcoholic) pairings with genuine passion. Her warmth and professionalism turned an already exquisite meal into a truly memorable experience. 🌸 The restaurant at Gora KARAKU is an absolute must-do. Every course was a work of art, elevated even further by service that felt both personal and flawless. A special mention also to the manager, whose dedication and hospitality were inspiring. We saw him working late into the evening and again early at breakfast, always welcoming guests with a smile and an unmatched attention to detail. His commitment and genuine care added an extra layer of excellence to both dinner and breakfast. Together, the staff, the cuisine, and the serene setting make Gora KARAKU one of those rare places where every moment feels thoughtfully crafted. If you are visiting Hakone, this experience is simply unmissable, from the stay, to the restaurant, to the remarkable people who bring it all to life. ✨🍶🍱

A very new and nice place to stay in a great location of hakone, if you can afford the high price. We had dinner at both restaurants and it was really good (what you would expect from a 5 star hotel). The amenities , snacks and open lounge bar were all well stocked and you were left with no wishes. Service is also impeccable . The only downside is that the hotel is missing a bit of character. It is highly targeted for western people. You’ll encounter a lot of snobby western rich travelers and definetly loose the japanese vibe a bit. So its not the the right place if you are looking for some japanese charm.

We had an excellent stay at Gora Karaku. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, with the highlight being the private onsen and forest views. The staff were wonderful, especially Shiryu-san who checked us in and was also our server at dinner and he was very friendly and provided great recommendations for our upcoming stay at Tokyo. We enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and would recommend to other travelers. Thank you!

I was really excited to stay here, but it didn’t live up to the price. Breakfast isn’t a buffet but a fixed menu at a restaurant, and you have to book a time in advance, when we checked in , only 7:30 or 10:30 were left. I asked for a vegetarian meal, but it wasn’t respected, so I had to skip breakfast. Later I found my terrace hadn’t been cleaned and there were dead bugs in the onsen. When I complained, no one actually addressed it , I just kept hearing “we’re sorry.” Beautiful place, but the service and attention to detail were disappointing.

Even before our arrival, communications through email were prompt and courteous, explaining the meal plans we had reserved (Japanese dinner and breakfast, Teppanyaki dinner, western breakfast), meal times, and their shuttle to and from Odawara train station. They also gave us the name of a car transport company, which we used to take us to Haneda Airport after check out. It was more costly than taking the train, but its comfort and convenience made it worthwhile.||Our stay was exceptional. The rooms are comfortable, the food is outstanding (and plentiful), the facilities are beautiful, and the service is kind and courteous. Of course having a private onsen on your balcony is a treat, as is their lounge with complimentary snacks and beverages. We also reserved massages at their spa and they were wonderful.||Finally, Gora Karaku is a convenient two minute walk to the Gora station to begin the cable car—ropeway—Lake Ashi boat cruise.||Highly recommend staying at Gora Karaku when visiting the Hakone area.

My husband and I travel all over the world and after an amazing stay in Tokyo, we decided we wanted to experience Hakone and stayed at Gora Kuraku. We were disappointed with the staff, not friendly or accommodating and seemed “put out” by any requests and questions. Very little English spoken. . The food was not up to par with our liking. Very rigid menu and anything added they charge for. |The room service menu consisted of truffle chips and sausages. |No fruit at breakfast, one egg scrambled and a bento box. No substitutions. I asked for oat milk or almond milk. Not available. We ended up at a pizza place the second night so we could have something good to eat. We called the hotel to get a taxi back and they don’t answer the phone after 9:00 pm. We were lucky to find one as we were walking back. |The highlight was getting a guide to show us around and take us to a nice restaurant for lunch. The traditional tea room we visited was amazing. |The area is beautiful. Sadly, we will not return to this hotel. We do not recommend it at all.

I'm not quite sure how to begin my review. From the moment I stepped into the hotel, I felt like royalty; the hotel staff were incredibly professional and the check-in process was seamless. The room and the view left me speechless and was like a heaven. There’s a lounge that mainly offers drinks, coffee, and tea. While the selection of finger foods is limited, it’s definitely worth the wait for dinner. The restaurant staff were very knowledgeable about the food and drinks, and they were absolutely wonderful. The presentation of the dishes was stunning. I am truly grateful for all the services and meals, and I feel very proud to have chosen Hotel Karaku. I can't wait to return!