KANAYA RESORT HAKONE: Hotel Review
/
There are few places in Japan that capture the true spirit of refined tranquillity quite like KANAYA RESORT HAKONE. Tucked away in the lush forests of Hakone, this luxurious hideaway feels like something out of a dream - where time slows, nature embraces you from every angle, and every moment feels effortlessly elevated. It’s one of Hakone’s finest resorts, combining timeless sophistication with the soul-soothing serenity of the Japanese mountains.
Location & Getting There
Set in a secluded pocket of Hakone’s natural landscape, KANAYA RESORT HAKONE is all about privacy. During our stay, we even spotted a wild deer (!) wandering gracefully through the gardens - a gentle reminder that you are truly immersed in nature here.
Despite its secluded setting, getting there is surprisingly simple. The resort can arrange a shuttle bus from Gora Station, making the journey seamless and comfortable. The property is also just a short distance from the Pola Museum of Art, one of Hakone’s most beloved cultural landmarks.
Alternatively, you can also opt to drive to the resort.
We visited in autumn, and the scenery was spectacular. Still, it’s easy to imagine how beautiful it would be in every season.
Our Room: The JOHN KANAYA Suite
We stayed in the JOHN KANAYA Suite, and to put it simply - it was perfection.
This isn’t just a hotel room; it’s a private sanctuary with that feels like a penthouse. Spanning an incredible 132 square metres, the suite features a private entrance, a spacious living and dining area, and a fully equipped natural-stone kitchen, all complemented by European antique furnishings and paintings by Loire.
The interiors are refined yet warm - tall windows flood the space with natural light and open out to sweeping forest views.
But the highlight, without question, was the private onsen on the huge balcony. Soaking in natural hot-spring waters while overlooking the serene forest was the ultimate luxury - the kind of experience that leaves a lasting imprint on your memory.
Facilities
The facilities at KANAYA RESORT HAKONE are thoughtfully designed to embody both luxury and relaxation. Each suite has its own private hot-spring bath, drawing directly from the mineral-rich waters of Ōwakudani - renowned for their silky texture and skin-nourishing qualities.
Near the lobby, you’ll find the Forest Terrace & Lounge Bar (Salon de Loire), an elegant space named after French stained-glass artist Gabriel Loire. Here, you can sip original herb teas, champagne, or cocktails while surrounded by forest views that change with the seasons.
Architecture and interiors celebrate Hakone’s nature - polished wood, natural stone, and panoramic glass bring the outside in, creating a seamless harmony between luxury and landscape.
Whether you’re admiring art in the public spaces, reading quietly by the fire, or simply breathing in the mountain air, KANAYA RESORT HAKONE feels less like a hotel and more like an elegant private retreat in the woods.
Dining & Food: SEIYO ZENDOKORO JOHN KANAYA AZABU Restaurant
Dining at SEIYO ZENDOKORO JOHN KANAYA AZABU Restaurant was an amazing experience. The restaurant continues the legacy of the original John Kanaya Azabu in Tokyo - a philosophy that fuses Japanese refinement with Western elegance, known as Wakeiyōsan (“harmony of East and West”).
We enjoyed both dinner and breakfast here, and each meal felt curated and intimate. Dinner was a Japanese-French omakase, beautifully presented and deeply memorable, with dishes crafted around seasonal Hakone ingredients. Every course reflected a quiet precision - elegant plating, subtle flavours, and textures that linger. We dined in a private room, which added an extra touch of exclusivity.
Breakfast was equally great - balancing traditional Japanese elements with modern Western touches. From the presentation to the pacing, every detail reflected the restaurant’s devotion to craftsmanship and serenity.
Staff
The service at KANAYA RESORT HAKONE exemplifies Japanese hospitality at its finest. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by our designated host, who personally walked us through the suite and facilities. Every staff member we encountered was gracious, professional, and genuinely kind, going above and beyond to ensure our stay was flawless - from organising transport to assisting with our taxi to the next destination.
Final Verdict
Our time at KANAYA RESORT HAKONE was nothing short of extraordinary. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left - a haven of elegance, warmth, and quiet magic.
If you’re looking for a luxury retreat in Hakone that balances sophistication with soul, KANAYA RESORT HAKONE is absolutely worth it. It was one of the most incredible stays we’ve ever had - a truly unforgettable experience that will forever define how we remember Hakone.
👉 To book your stay at KANAYA RESORT HAKONE click here.