During the Edo period (1603-1868), Hakone was known as a major mountain pass on the old Tokaido Road between Tokyo and Kyoto, the place where the great Kanto Plain rises up into the highlands at the foot of Mount Fuji. A checkpoint was located at the south end of Lake Ashinoko, marking the frontier of Kanto to travelers heading east or west.

These days, Hakone is a popular option as a relaxing getaway from Tokyo, offering visitors the chance to experience the gorgeous mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes of the region while relaxing in some of the finest onsen hot springs in Japan. Hakone is well known for the quality of its accommodation, particularly at onsen resorts such as Hakone Gora Byakudan.

The sake brewery Seto Shuzo is situated in the small town of Kaisei, approximately 45 minutes by car from Hakone Gora Byakudan. Founded in 1865, Seto Shuzo has been producing fine Japanese sake from the lush farmlands of the region ever since, winning multiple awards in Japan and internationally.

Upon your arrival at Odawara train station, a car will be ready to carry you on the short but scenic drive to Seto Shuzo. After a brief tour of the brewery where you can learn all about the production and history of Japanese sake, relax on the terrace or in the flower garden to take in the beautiful rural scenery while you taste three different varieties of sake specially paired for you with seafood, meat, and fresh local vegetables.

One sake that you can taste at Seto Shuzo Brewery is Ashigari-go, which is brewed using hydrangea yeast. Seto Shuzo is the only brewery in Japan to make use of this unique variety of yeast, and because hydrangea is Kaisei’s town flower, Ashigari-go is also a tribute to local culture and tradition. . This sake is blessed with a rich texture and hints of sweetness that deliver an elegance akin to white wine. Advance requests for specific brands are recommended. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

In a region famous for its high-class onsen resorts, Hakone Gora Byakudan stands head and shoulders above the rest. Rooms are based on a modern Japanese aesthetic, catering for maximum comfort while providing access to superb views of the resort’s natural surroundings.

The onsen waters at Hakone Gora Byakudan are known as golden hot springs due to their high mineral content, which is said to be beneficial for promoting skin as well as soothing muscle and joint pain and other ailments. All onsens within Hakone Gora Byakudan are derived from naturally occurring Hakone hot springs.

All rooms in Hakone Gora Byakudan are equipped with private outdoor onsen baths (known as rotemburo in Japanese), allowing each guest to experience complete peace and relaxation within the comforts of their own personal space. Bathe in your private outdoor onsen as often as you like during your stay at Hakone Gora Byakudan, feeling your muscles grow warm as your mind casts away the cares of city life.

At Hakone Gora Byakudan, there is no need to leave your accommodation to seek out a delicious dinner, as the hotel provides a sumptuous evening meal that focuses on local seasonal ingredients. The meal will be served in traditional kaiseki cuisine style, with multiple courses providing a range of varied textures and tastes to satisfy every palate. Dinner will be accompanied by specially selected Seto Shuzo sake to perfectly complement your meal. (Vegetarian options are available upon request. )

Open your eyes, step outside, and breathe in the rarefied air of the Hakone Highlands to embrace the morning on the second day of your trip. Head downstairs to the large communal onsen for a morning bath or relax in your personal outdoor rotemburo until you feel like it is time for breakfast.

Breakfast at Hakone Gora Byakudan is a traditional affair, providing guests with a balanced and delicious meal for the perfect start to the day. Rice is prepared in an earthenware pot to ensure that it is served just right and imbues your room with a delicate baked aroma. Refreshing side dishes include miso soup made with seasonal ingredients, grilled fish, homemade pickled vegetables, and rolled Japanese omelet.

After enjoying your breakfast, linger over a coffee or tea in the lobby to enjoy the view before heading back to your room to relax until checkout time. Feel free to take the plunge if you feel like one more dip in the onsen before you go.

*When it is time to leave, transportation to the train station can be provided upon request.

Enjoy two days of bliss in Hakone amidst beautiful natural surroundings at Hakone Gora Byakudan, relaxing in the hotel’s hot springs and savoring sumptuous meals made from local ingredients. Tour the nearby Seto Shuzo sake brewery to taste different sake varieties paired with carefully selected dishes that showcase the culinary culture of the region.