Day-trippers often pass through Gora, using it primarily as a transfer point between the Hakone Tozan Railway and the Hakone Tozan Cable Car. However, this charming mountain town is a wonderful destination in its own right. In addition to offering convenient access to popular sights such as Owakudani, Lake Ashinoko, and Dogashima Gorge, Gora is known for its relaxed small-town atmosphere, stunning natural scenery, and top-tier accommodations.

Located in one of Hakone’s most geothermally active areas, Gora has long been celebrated for the exceptional quality of its hot springs. For generations, visitors have come to relax and rejuvenate in the town’s open-air onsen (rotemburo) after a day spent exploring the mountains. Small roads wind through the forest, leading to hidden sanctuaries like Hanaougi MADOKANOMORI, where guests can enjoy luxurious private accommodations surrounded by nature.

Lake Ashinoko is a long, slender crater lake that rests peacefully in a natural saddle between the mountains of the Hakone highlands. Encircled by lush forests, walking paths, and lakeside temples and shrines, it offers some of the most picturesque views in Japan. On clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen rising over the lake’s northwest end—breathtaking in any season, but especially in winter and spring, when its snowcapped peak gleams in pure white.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), Hakone was an important mountain pass along the historic Tokaido Road connecting Tokyo and Kyoto. A checkpoint stood at the southern end of Lake Ashinoko, marking the frontier of the Kanto region for travelers moving east or west. Drawn by the area’s extraordinary natural beauty, artists and poets soon began to visit, with ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai creating some of the most iconic depictions of Mount Fuji and the lake.

With Gora just 20 minutes away, a guided tour by private car is the ideal way to explore Lake Ashinoko. Begin your journey at the lakeside Hakone Shrine, known for its striking red torii gate, or take a peaceful stroll along the scenic walking trails. Continue to the Hakone Detached Palace Garden at the lake’s southern edge for a truly iconic view—looking out across the azure waters of Lake Ashinoko toward Hakone Shrine, with Mount Fuji rising majestically in the distance.

In the hills above the lake, the pampas grass fields of Sengokuhara sway in the breeze like ripples on water. Lush and green in summer, the fields turn a brilliant gold in autumn, creating a breathtaking seasonal spectacle. On rainy days, take a break from the weather and explore the art scene at the Narukawa Art Museum, the Pola Museum of Art, or the Venetian Glass Museum. For a snack, ask your driver to recommend one of the small local cafes and restaurants surrounding the lake.

For a perfect blend of traditional and modern Japanese hospitality, there is no better place to stay in Hakone than Hanaougi MADOKANOMORI. Opened in 2014, MADOKANOMORI takes full advantage of its scenic Gora location, offering private open-air rotemburo onsen baths that overlook the surrounding natural beauty. Drawing inspiration from its sister ryokan—the renowned Hanaougi ryokan in Hida-Takayama, Gifu—the ryokan showcases traditional Hida craftsmanship throughout, reflected in both its architecture and interior design.

After checking in at MADOKANOMORI, take a moment to admire the traditional irori sunken hearth near the lounge, featuring a black kettle suspended from the ceiling by an intricately crafted jizaikagi pothook. As you walk through the hallways to your guest room, you will experience the ryokan’s distinctive aesthetic—one that celebrates the natural beauty of wood, highlighting its organic grains, swirls, knots, and burls.

With each guest room featuring its own outdoor onsen bath nestled among the trees, providing expansive views of the Hakone mountains, the ryokan feels like an integral part of the natural world. Interiors are spacious and thoughtfully designed for maximum comfort, offering inviting sofas and large beds where you can truly unwind. No two rooms at MADOKANOMORI are identical in layout or design, ensuring that every stay feels uniquely personal and special.

Wabunka's exclusive plan will guarantee you a seat at the counter of Hanaougi MADOKANOMORI's renowned Kappo Mugen restaurant for a special dining experience. There, you will enjoy a multi-course kappo-style meal prepared by the skilled in-house chef, who will personally prepare each exquisite dish right before your eyes. The restaurant's unique eco-friendly cooking methods provide extraordinary flavor with an innovative twist.

The counter itself is a masterpiece of both art and nature. Crafted by master artisans from a single slab of zelkova wood, it serves as the stunning centerpiece of the restaurant’s warm interior, thoughtfully designed to encourage conversation between the chef and guests. The cuisine is not only exquisite in flavor but also visually captivating—each dish prepared right before your eyes, heightening the anticipation of every course. Local seasonal ingredients take center stage, complemented by prime cuts of premium wagyu beef, expertly grilled to perfection.

If you are in the mood for a drink after your meal, head next door to Kura Bar Kodama, which features its own striking zelkova centerpiece table, framed by half-timbered walls and ceiling. Beyond the beauty of its wooden craftsmanship, MADOKANOMORI is deeply committed to sustainability and eco-friendly tourism—reflected in its careful sourcing of materials and ingredients. The ryokan’s kitchen uses hydrogen gas for cooking, a zero-emission fuel that produces a stronger flame, enhancing the natural flavors of each dish.

Hakone has long been cherished as a retreat from the rigors of city life, offering travelers the perfect balance of untamed natural beauty and refined comfort. A guided tour around Lake Ashinoko and the surrounding Hakone Highlands provides a relaxing and enriching way to experience the region—immersing yourself in its stunning landscapes while discovering its rich history and cultural heritage.

Located in the tranquil town of Gora, Hanaougi MADOKANOMORI offers convenient access to Lake Ashinoko and all major Hakone attractions—alongside the unique experience of staying in a modern ryokan featuring private open-air rotemburo onsen baths and luxurious kappo-style dining. With its exquisite architecture and interior design that showcase traditional woodwork and decoration, seamlessly blended with modern comforts, MADOKANOMORI is also deeply committed to sustainable, eco-friendly tourism. A stay here brings you closer to both nature and tradition in every sense.