Gora Kadan

Set within lush, peaceful gardens, Gora Kadan is a place that makes it difficult not to relax. Of course, this is largely thanks to its spring-fed onsens (open-air stone baths) where your worries will simply float away. While some rooms have a private onsen, the main pool sits in a secluded spot amongst the greenery. The spa also features an indoor swimming pool and an array of treatments including Dead Sea salt therapy. For meals, the restaurant serves a spread of Kaiseki cuisine, enjoyed in an intimate setting.

As is the case with most ryokans, the rooms are simply yet beautifully designed. Light wooden furnishings are kept to a minimum and you have a choice of western-style beds or authentic tatami mat futons. Some rooms enjoy a balcony while others open out to their own garden. The most high-end suites boast a private outdoor onsen. Although the rooms are minimalist, they do have a TV, DVD player, air-con, kettle, minibar and wifi.

The Gora Kadan is in a prime location for enjoying Hakone's ample offerings. For culture buffs, pay a visit to one of the many museums, including the POLA Museum of Art, the Glass Forest or the open-air museum. If you're feeling more adventurous, take a ride on one of the ropeways for the ultimate views of the park and Mount Fuji, or opt for a cruise across the waters of Lake Ashi. Hakone is also a hotbed of hiking trails so be sure to pack your walking shoes!