Gora District

Overview

Gora is a hillside resort district centered around the terminus of the Hakone Tozan Railway. It is the cultural hub of Hakone, with major museums, a French-inspired park, and some of the region's best ryokan clustered along its steep, winding streets.

Highlights

• Museum Cluster: The Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Museum of Art, and Gora Park are all within walking distance of each other.
• Hakone Tozan Railway Terminus: The mountain railway's final station is surrounded by shops, cafés, and the beginning of the cable car route to Owakudani.
• Hot Spring Ryokan: Several high-end ryokan in the district offer traditional kaiseki dinners and private open-air baths.

History

Gora developed as a resort district in the early 20th century when the Hakone Tozan Railway extended to this point in 1919. Its elevation (about 540m) provided cooler summer temperatures, attracting wealthy Tokyo families who built vacation villas.

Visitor Tips

• Base Camp: Gora makes an excellent base for exploring Hakone if you want to stay overnight in a ryokan with easy access to museums and transport links.
• Steep Hills: The district is built on a steep hillside — comfortable shoes are essential.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes for a walk-through.