Hakone Gora Byakudan

We had a delightful one-night stay at this hotel! The room with its private konchen was impeccable—clean, spacious, and well-appointed. The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful in every situation we encountered. Special thanks to Ali who assisted us with check-in and introduced us to our accommodations within the hotel. It was also a pleasant surprise to receive complimentary drinks after our kaiseki dinner and have access to coffee and tea anytime. We highly recommend this hotel for anyone seeking comfort and exceptional service.

Although it’s been a year since my visit to Hakone-Gora Byakudan, I still find myself thinking about the unforgettable time my wife and I spent there during our honeymoon. When we arrived in Gora, a friendly driver was sent to pick us up and help with our luggage — a lovely touch that made us feel truly welcomed. Upon arrival at Byakudan, we were greeted with a beautifully presented pastry, setting the tone for the rest of our stay. Everything about this place is exceptional. The atmosphere is peaceful, the rooms are spotless and beautifully maintained, and the overall experience makes you want to spend all your time there. One unique detail we loved was being able to choose and light our preferred scent in the room — a small touch that made a big difference. There were also complimentary drinks and snacks available before dinner, which we appreciated after a day of travel. Dinner itself was an incredible experience. Each couple is given a private dining room, where beautifully crafted dishes are served one by one at a relaxed pace. Every ingredient was fresh and flavorful, and the service was nothing short of outstanding. One thing that truly impressed us was the luxury tea pairing served during dinner — presented almost like fine wine. The tea had a deep and elegant aftertaste, far beyond what you’d expect from ordinary tea, and it elevated the dining experience even further. And of course, the onsen experience is something truly special. Whether it was the private bath in our room or the public bath, the hot spring was a perfect way to unwind. In the evening, there were snacks and drinks prepared for both adults and children — a thoughtful detail that shows how much they care about every guest. Breakfast the next morning was equally impressive. It was a beautifully arranged and well-balanced meal that gave us the perfect start to our day. The variety and freshness of each item really energised us before we set out to explore Hakone. Every room at Byakudan offers stunning views and excellent privacy. It was the most memorable part of our honeymoon and something we will always treasure. We even bought some of the room scents to bring home with us — every time we light one, we’re transported back to those wonderful days. Without a doubt, this is the best accommodation I’ve ever stayed in, and I would absolutely return the next time we visit Hakone. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a truly relaxing and memorable getaway!

This is a restaurant with a hotel, not a hotel with a restaurant. If you have dietary restrictions, I would not recommend staying here. The staff takes great pride in their Kaiseki cuisine, and if you don’t finish every bite of the 10-course meal or request substitutions, you will be judged. Within moments of arriving, we were treated condescendingly over dietary restrictions beyond our control, as if accommodating them were an enormous inconvenience. That said, the hotel itself is beautiful, and the tatami rooms were very comfortable. Thank you to the restaurant staff and chef who were kind and accommodating. However, for a hotel at this ~$1,000 price point, the welcome staff should be trained to greet guests with respect.