GORA KADAN
This ryokan in Kanagawa, Japan, once served as the holiday home for the Kan’in-no-miya Imperial family, so you know it's got that regal charm—with all the perks of modern luxury. Set in the Hakone area, famous for its hot springs and mountain views, Gora Kadan perfectly blends the serene with the sumptuous.
Approaching Gora Kadan, the first thing that strikes you is how effortlessly the building harmonizes with the landscape, like it was grown, not built. The architecture keeps things clean and minimalist, with dark wooden beams and pale plaster walls. It's a modern twist on traditional Japanese design, the kind that makes you feel both relaxed and just a little bit fancy. As you walk up the stone pathway, surrounded by greenery that seems to have been curated by nature’s top stylist, there's an overwhelming sense of calm that washes over you. You can't help but feel like the weight of city life is slipping away, and this is before you’ve even had a sip of tea.
Inside, Gora Kadan continues its balancing act of tradition and modernity. The common areas are understated but far from boring. Clean lines, neutral tones and soft lighting make every space feel open and airy, yet intimate. It’s the kind of place where even sitting in the lobby feels like a meditative experience. There’s no gaudy artwork shouting for your attention, just thoughtful, well-placed décor that quietly whispers sophistication.
The lounge area, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, gives you a panoramic view of the lush Hakone landscape. It’s hard not to spend hours here, sipping tea or sake while staring out at the gardens. And speaking of gardens, Gora Kadan’s are the kind you can stroll through for hours without getting bored—each turn reveals a new scene, like nature's own reality show, minus the drama.
THE ROOMS
Now, let’s talk about the rooms because this is where Gora Kadan really flexes its luxurious muscles. Even the standard rooms here are far from standard. Think the traditional elements you would expect: tatami mat floors, sliding shoji doors and low-slung furniture, yet the spaces are a bit less minimalist than similar ryokans in Japan. Each room has its own outdoor hot spring bath (yes, you read that right), so you can soak away your stress while gazing out at a perfectly manicured garden or the distant mountains.
For those looking to truly splurge, the suites are next-level indulgence. Take the Kadan Suites, for instance—these are practically their own ryokan. They come with private green spaces, outdoor and indoor baths, a living room, and some include an extra sitting room for even more relaxation space. Then there's the Betai Suites, which feel more like a secluded villa. The highlight here is the private onsen (hot spring) that overlooks a lush garden. If you've ever wanted to bathe in steaming water while pretending you’re the lead character in a Japanese art film, this is the place to do it.
DINING
Kaiseki, the traditional multi-course meal found around Japan, is the star of the show at Gora Kadan. Served in your room or the restaurant, it’s a delicate dance of flavors and presentations that make even the simplest vegetable look like it should be hanging in a museum. The chefs here play with texture and temperature, incorporating both local ingredients and seasonal elements, all while keeping it fresh. The food may be traditional, but it's not afraid to surprise you with modern twists that never feel forced.
The restaurant itself is minimalist, in line with the ryokan’s design philosophy, but the views? Let’s just say they do most of the talking. Huge windows give diners unobstructed vistas of the mountains, creating the perfect backdrop for a meal that’s more about savoring than scarfing down. You’ll leave the table feeling not just full, but genuinely content—both with the meal and the fact that you’re in a place that does food this thoughtfully.
WELLNESS
The spa at Gora Kadan feels more like a retreat than a simple place to get a massage. You could spend a day here without ever wanting to leave—and you’d probably come out looking and feeling like a more relaxed version of yourself. The treatments blend traditional Japanese techniques with modern therapies. Try a calming massage using highly-concentrated oxygenated oil. Or, opt for the in-your-room Shiatsu massage, where skilled therapists will work out the knots in your body you didn’t even know you had.
The highlight, of course, is the onsen experience. The hot springs here are fed by natural geothermal waters and are mineral-rich, said to soothe everything from sore muscles to tired minds. Whether you’re soaking solo in the privacy of your room or in the communal baths, this is the kind of experience that makes you feel like you’re participating in an ancient ritual—and you are, but with far more comfort than the ancient Japanese ever dreamed of.
OUTSIDE THE HOTEL
Staying at Gora Kadan doesn’t mean you’re confined to the ryokan. The surrounding area is a treasure trove of activities, especially for nature lovers and art enthusiasts. Hakone is famous for its hiking trails, and the nearby Hakone Open-Air Museum is a must-see, offering a unique blend of nature and art. Here, you can stroll through expansive gardens dotted with sculptures from some of the world’s most renowned artists. It's like a nature walk, but with more culture.
Don’t miss the Hakone Ropeway, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji—when the weather cooperates, that is. If you’re into history, the Hakone Shrine, with its iconic red torii gate standing in the water of Lake Ashi, is worth a visit. It’s one of those places that’s just begging for a photograph, but also manages to feel incredibly sacred.
Gora Kadan isn’t just about ticking the luxury boxes. It’s about blending the old with the new, the natural with the refined, and doing it all without making it feel forced. Whether you’re soaking in an onsen, dining on meticulously crafted dishes, or just gazing out at the view, you’ll find that Gora Kadan offers the kind of experience that sticks with you long after you’ve left. It’s luxury, but the kind that whispers rather than shouts. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
