Mizu no Kaori
Western bed and adjoining tatami seating area with shoji screens at Mizu no Kaori in Kanagawa
Tiled indoor onsen with washing area and garden-facing windows at Mizu no Kaori, Kanagawa
Indoor tiled onsen pool with washing stools and green foliage beyond windows at Mizu no Kaori in Kanagawa
Dining area with tables, wooden chairs and pendant lights at Mizu no Kaori, Kanagawa
Traditional tatami room with low table and shoji screens at Mizu no Kaori in Kanagawa
Stone-lined outdoor onsen under wooden pavilion with bamboo screens and garden view in Kanagawa
Tatami room with low table, zabuton cushions and stacked futon beside sliding wooden partitions at Mizu no Kaori in Kanagawa

Mizu no Kaori

9.0
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.0/10, based on 68 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Mountain Setting Forest Surroundings Hot Spring Town Hot Spring Bath Public Onsen Open-Air Bath
Staff 9,0/10
Facilities 9,1/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 8,8/10
Value for money 8,7/10
Location 8,6/10

Ryokan highlights

A quiet Gora ryokan known for opaque hot springs, mountain surroundings, and strong value.

Opaque Hot SpringMilky Owakudani-fed onsen is a standout feature repeatedly highlighted by property descriptions.
Private Bath OptionPrivate bath availability adds flexibility for couples, families, or more secluded soaking.
Mountain SettingRooms and common areas benefit from calm green mountain surroundings in Gora.
Good Gora AccessUseful base near Sounzan and Gora area sightseeing, with parking and reported station transport help.
Strong Value StayReview scores indicate especially solid value compared with many Hakone ryokan stays.
Peaceful AtmosphereSmall-scale inn feel and quiet setting suit travelers seeking a relaxed Hakone retreat.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsAccess is the strongest stay-length driver here: arrive for check-in, use the baths, eat dinner, sleep well, then explore the Hakone ropeway side or Gora area before moving on. A second night works only if you want a slower Hakone pace with more bath time and nearby sights.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1-night or light 2-night Hakone onsen stay for travelers who want quiet baths near Sounzan, not a highly walkable sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Not very walkableThe inn sits uphill near Sounzan rather than in central Gora, so station access is not as easy on foot with luggage.
Limited long-stay baseThis area supports a short Hakone stay well, but the property itself is better for an onsen break than a long regional base.
Private bath costs extraThe reservable open-air bath is private but has a separate fee and should be booked ahead.

Food & drinks

A small Gora ryokan with breakfast and dinner service, likely centered on kaiseki-style meals in an on-site dining room, plus useful restaurants near Gora and Sounzan.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Ryokan meal venue for breakfast and dinner.

  • Kaiseki dinnerfoodMulti-course Japanese dinner.
  • Japanese breakfastfoodHearty set-style morning meal.
  • Seasonal coursesspecialtyLocal ingredients, changing by season.
  • Tea servicedrinkSimple hot tea with meals.
GORA BREWERY & GRILL (nearby)
nearbyabout 8 min walk from Gora Station

Popular Gora brewpub with grill dishes and craft beer.

  • Craft beerdrinkHouse-brewed beer selection.
  • Grilled steakfoodJapanese-style grilled meat dishes.
  • SushifoodSushi among the mixed menu.
  • Happy hour drinksspecialtyGood stop for afternoon drinks.
Cafe Restaurant Shunsai (nearby)
nearbynear Gora Station area

Casual Japanese cafe-restaurant for lunch or light dinner.

  • Japanese set mealsfoodSimple local meal plates.
  • Cafe drinksdrinkCoffee and tea options.
  • Seasonal dishesspecialtyShort rotating menu.
  • Light lunchfoodUseful stop between sightseeing.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Gora/Sounzan area of Hakone, where the most practical arrival is usually via Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto and then onward by mountain rail, cable car, bus, or short taxi ride.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

A very small Gora ryokan best suited to travelers who want a quieter, more intimate Hakone stay with a distinctive milky hot spring experience. It is less ideal if you want extensive facilities, easy walkable transit, or a large full-service luxury ryokan.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Distinctive milky onsen waterIts standout feature is the opaque, milky hot spring water drawn from the Owakudani area, which feels more characteristic than a standard clear bath. That gives the bathing experience a stronger Hakone identity.
  • Private bath optionThe ryokan offers a reservable private bath, which is especially appealing for couples, families, or guests who prefer more privacy than a public bath setting.
  • Very intimate scaleWith only 7 rooms, the property feels quieter and more personal than larger Hakone inns. This small scale can make the stay feel restful rather than crowded.
  • Traditional stay without being oversizedThe room mix is centered on Japanese-style and Japanese-Western rooms, so it keeps a ryokan feel without turning into a sprawling resort complex. It suits travelers who want a simpler, more low-key traditional stay.
  • Unusual clay therapy angleThis ryokan is known for pairing its hot spring stay with clay therapy, which is a more unusual wellness angle in Hakone. That makes it more interesting for guests who want something beyond just soaking and sleeping.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Limited facilities overallThis is a small inn, not a full-scale luxury resort, so you should not expect a wide range of lounges, entertainment spaces, or elaborate public facilities.
  • Few room choicesBecause the property has only 7 rooms, your options are naturally limited and the room style that best fits your trip may not always be available.
  • No pickup serviceThe property does not offer station pickup, which can be inconvenient in Hakone if you are carrying luggage or arriving after a long transit day.
  • Better for quiet stays than convenienceIts appeal is calm and seclusion rather than high-energy convenience, so it may feel too subdued if you want a busy area with many shops and attractions right outside.
  • Less suited to travelers wanting big outdoor bathsThe bath setup is more modest than at famous high-end Hakone ryokans with multiple large rotenburo areas. If expansive bathing facilities are your priority, this may feel limited.

Ranking around this ryokan in Kanagawa

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 42nd out of 128 ryokans in Kanagawa.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
37th Yushintei 9.0/10 737
38th Susukinohara Ichinoyu 9.0/10 628
39th Senkyoro 9.0/10 412
40th Hakone Yuyado Zen 9.0/10 316
41st Fukushimakan 9.0/10 82
42nd Mizu no Kaori Current ryokan 9.0/10 68
43rd Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan 8.9/10 1,309
44th Yama no Chaya 9.0/10 67
45th Hakone Retreat villa 1/f 8.9/10 794
46th Ryokan Matsushima 9.0/10 64
47th Musashino Bekkan 8.9/10 707
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Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

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1

4 days – Kanagawa > Hyogo > Iwate

4 stops
Arthur Blanc Updated 20 May 2026 1 matching ryokan
Hot Spring Town 31% Mountain Setting 31% Forest Surroundings 15% Countryside Escape 8% Garden Setting 8% Riverside Location 7%
1. Mizu no Kaori 2. Hotel Okada 3. KAMENOI HOTEL Arima 4. KAMENOI HOTEL Ichinoseki

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