Gora Kansuiro's origin can be traced back to 1920, although it became a luxury ryokan in 1949. It has celebrity roots, as its founder, Yasuya Iwasaki, was the son of Yataro Iwasaki, the founder of Mitsubishi Zaibatsu, now popular as Mitsubishi. The simple holiday home was converted into a luxury ryokan in 1949 under local industrialist Niroku Suzuki, who acquired the property from the Iwasakis.

The ryokan had an illustrious past, welcoming many notable personalities, including Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress Showa. In 1955, the royal duo left the Imperial Palace for the first time to stay at this property's Kinkatei villa, which still retains its old charm. Other celebrities have also graced the ryokan with their presence. These include actors such as Clint Eastwood and Eric Fleming, the 54th US Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, who visited during the Joint Japan-US Committee on Trade and Economic Affairs, and Edwin O. Reischauer, who was the US ambassador to Japan.

Gora Kansuiro's first hot springs were built in 1952. The springs were named "Tatsumi no Yu" and "Kokakure no Yu" by a famous Japanese author. You can still see the handwritten names on the boards by the springs.

Design and Architecture

The ryokan has meticulously maintained ancient Japanese architecture following the style of the Taishō era. You can also find the architectural styles of "Shoin-Zukuri" and "Sukiya-Zukuri". The former is inspired by the Zen Buddhist monastic homes and developed in the Muromachi era, while the latter is based on the architectural style of Japanese teahouses and developed in the Momoyama era. The ryokan's 14 Japanese-style rooms are spread across the Hanare, Shunju-tei, and Issho-tei areas. Each is equipped with tatami mat flooring, shoji screens, and ranma transom panels.

Did you know that traditional Japanese cuisine or washoku is considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO? You get a taste of this rich heritage at Gora Kansuiro, where fresh seasonal produce is used to create delicious and colorful dishes. The menu changes every couple of months to accommodate seasonal produce. Relish locally sourced vegetables and seafood sourced from Sagami Bay.

Note: Although the ryokan accommodates food allergies, it's best to let the staff know in advance. The staff doesn't claim that the kitchen is completely allergy-friendly as the same utensils or cooking equipment may be used for a variety of dishes.

Breakfast

Wake up to a typical Japanese breakfast of miso soup, rice, tofu, and pickled vegetables. Non-vegetarian delights like egg dishes and grilled fish are also available. The must-try item here is tamagoyaki (rolled omelets), especially if you love fluffy eggs. If you don't feel like Japanese food in the morning, just request a Western breakfast.

Dinner

Dinners are presented in the kaiseki ryori style. A mixture of yakimono (grilled items), nimono (boiled or stewed items) sashimi, and agemono (deep-fried items) are served in a colorful arrangement. You can also take the team's help to pair your meal with some delightful sake.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Gora Kansuiro is a cultural attraction in itself, what with its traditional architecture, kaiseki ryori meals, and quintessentially Japanese in-room decor and amenities. On top of that, you'll get to enjoy another important aspect of Japanese culture: communal bathing in hot spring baths. The onsens at the ryokan were first created in 1952 deriving from two sources. Relax in the open-air bath while gazing at the lush garden or socialize with fellow travelers in the two public indoor baths. Men and women can take shifts to enjoy the baths.

The ryokan also offers a stunning Japanese garden, Kasei-en. It has a beautiful mountain-fed stream and offers distinct colors and blooms each season. For example, springtime brings lovely cherry blossoms and hydrangea with it. Stroll the garden to soak in the beauty of nature and admire exquisite Japanese architecture. If you wish to explore nearby cultural attractions, visit Hakone Open-Air Museum to witness works of art displayed against natural scenery, or spend a day learning pottery at Hakone Craft House. Both attractions are within walking distance of the ryokan.