NEIGHBORHOOD
THE HOTEL
In Hakone Gora, where nature and culture blend harmoniously, countless moments of excitement await when encountering the unseen Hakone.
NEIGHBORHOOD
1. Suwa Shrine & Yutate Lion Dance
Suwa Shrine, located approximately a 15-minute walk from the hotel, is a venerable shrine in the Miyagino district. Every July, they dedicate the Yutate Shishi-mai, a lion dance performed with hot water from the kettle, praying for the well-being of the community and a bountiful harvest.
2. Photograph Studio Shima
This long-standing photography studio is located near Gora Station and has a café (Studio Cafe Shima) attached to it. A legend who has continued to capture the landscapes of Hakone across generations. The photographs within the hotel were also taken by them.
3. Hana Kotoba, Japanese-style sweets
At the storefront of the traditional Japanese confectionery shop "Hana Kotoba" across from the hotel, you'll find "Blessing of Life Water," drawn from the pristine springs of Hakone Gora. Please enjoy the various delicacies crafted with this renowned water.
4. Gora Park
Located approximately 10 minutes from Gora Station, "Hakuundo Tea Garden" stands within a European-style garden established by the renowned tea master Gyokusen Masaeda, known as the successor to Sen no Rikyu. The tea room resembles the hotel's front counter.
5.Pola Museum of Art
Approximately 20 minutes by car from the hotel, this museum, showcasing numerous collections gathered by the second-generation of the Pola founding family, is a must-visit. Experience the harmony between nature and art in Hakone while also enjoying a leisurely time at the café.
6. National Tour Trekking & Daimonji Bonfire
The "Daimonji-yaki," where the character "大" (meaning "big" or "great") appears on the summit, is a summer tradition. Guests can immediately enjoy trekking courses in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, experiencing the beauty of nature in every season.
7. Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
Approximately 15 minutes by car from the hotel, this is the first specialized museum in Japan showcasing exquisite Venetian glassware. The museum's garden also features Venetian glass art pieces, enchanting visitors with their fantastical brilliance.
8. Nicolai Bergmann Hakone Gardens
About a 15-minute drive from the hotel, it's a beautiful garden where Hakone's nature blends with contemporary art. Created by Nikolai Bergmann, a flower artist active in Japan for over 10 years, the garden showcases innovative flower art.
9. Hakone Open-Air Museum
Approximately 10 minutes by car from the hotel, this open-air museum combines works by renowned sculptors with expansive gardens. With seasonal exhibitions and more, each visit offers new discoveries.
10. Hakone Tozan Railway
The only mountain railway in Japan that traverses from Odawara to Sounzan, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021. Enjoy the experience of traversing Hakone's mountains alongside beautiful scenery aboard retro-style train cars.
Ingredient Tidbits
Ashigara Beef
Representing Kanagawa Prefecture and awarded the highest quality designation of "Special A5" in 2017, this renowned beef is praised for its exquisite marbling and rich flavor. At Riverside Kitchen & Bar, we serve Ashigara beef, seared on a wood-fired grill using thinnings from the Hakone area. Please enjoy locally-sourced ingredients that prioritize sustainable practices and regional culinary traditions.
Hakone Seiroku Mishima Vegetables
We collaborate with local producers to source delicious agricultural products since there are no fields nearby the hotel. Guests can enjoy dishes made from "Hakone Seiroku Mishima Vegetables," rich in minerals and sweetness, nurtured by the blessings of the Hakone foothills area and Odawara's unique land, as well as various dishes featuring citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.
Shonan Gold
Grown in Odawara, these special oranges boast a Golden Orange flavor and aroma. Developed over many years, the "Shonan Gold" variety sees increasing harvests annually. At Riverside Kitchen & Bar, we utilize its refreshing fragrance and sweetness in creations such as Shonan Gold Margaritas and craft gins featuring original labels.
Ethical Dinning Menu
At Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora, efforts to address agricultural damage caused by nuisance animals in the foothills of Mount Hakone through venison utilization have led to sustainable dining experiences. Through collaboration between the deer meat supplier and the chef at Riverside Kitchen & Bar, ethical utilization and support of local resources are coordinated. Enjoy venison dishes available à la carte.
Coffee roasting in Odawara
"Suzua Coffee" in Odawara has over 50 years of history, specializing in water-drip coffee and roasting various blends of beans. In-store, drip-blended coffee is served in the mornings, while during tea time and dinner, guests can enjoy a carefully crafted cafe menu prepared by the staff. They also offer a selection of meticulously curated hotel original blends.
Craft Gin in Numazu
At Numazu Distillery in Numazu City, a botanical craft gin with a unique blue hue has been created using Tsuchiya Diagram's Butterfly Pea, Shonan Gold, and ginger from Kanagawa Prefecture. The sweetness of Shonan Gold and the spiciness of ginger harmonize, while Butterfly Pea lends its beautiful blue color. This distinctive gin is handmade, and its original label adds to its charm.
Wood-fired grill and thinning materials
The forests surrounding Hakone are rich in diverse ecosystems, yet concerns arise when considering a sustainable society. At Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora, we proactively use thinning materials in our restaurants, looking towards the future. Through offerings like wood-fired cuisine featuring three course dinners, we aspire to realize a sustainable society.
Trekking in Hakone
Mt. Myojo
Hakone offers stunning natural beauty year-round, with breathtaking autumn foliage and panoramic views of Gora from the summit. Rich in history and traditional events like Daimonji-yaki, it provides diverse experiences. From mountain climbing to camping and hot spring facilities, leisure options are plentiful. Mount Myojogatake is a special place where nature and culture meet, attracting mountain worshippers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Mr. Kintoki
Mt. Kintoki in Hakone offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding landscape, attracting hiking enthusiasts. The unique toilet at the trailhead, resembling a base from Evangelion, is a highlight. At the mountain's base, there's a tropical botanical garden, observation decks, and walking trails. Visitors are enchanted by the changing scenery and serene atmosphere year-round.
Mr. Myojin
This mountain, between Minamiashigara City and Hakone Town, is named after its summit shrine dedicated to protecting travelers crossing the Hakone Pass. Enjoy views of Mt. Fuji from Mt. Kintoki. Multiple hiking routes are available, starting from Gora Station. Relax in a hot spring afterward.
Dokugashima trekking
The trail from Dogashima Onsen to Kiga Onsen offers stunning views known as the "Senjin no Tani" (Valley of a Thousand Cliffs). Dogashima showcases monuments and hermitages of the renowned monk Yumso Soseki from the Nanboku-cho period. The walking course from Miyagino Bridge is popular with all ages and is also called "Chamberlain's Promenade," favored by a British Japanologist in the Meiji era.
Old Tokaido Stone Pavement & Amazake Teahouse
The Hakone Old Tokaido Road, one of Edo period's Five Highways, includes the "Hakone Hachiri" section from Odawara Hakone to Mishima. Some parts from Hatajuku to Lake Ashi retain original cobblestones, offering a glimpse into the past. Along this road stands the Amazake Teahouse, established in the early Edo period, with its thatched roof and historic atmosphere intact.
Choanji Temple in Hakone
Choanji Temple, established in 1658 in present-day Sengokuhara, was originally in Ubako. It features five hundred arhats scattered throughout the temple grounds and surrounding hills, creating a Kyoto-like atmosphere. Known for its serene ambiance and stunning seasonal landscapes, particularly during autumn foliage. The main hall remains unchanged since its founding, and visitors can enjoy sculptures and seasonal flowers. The five hundred arhats, expressing various emotions, reflect human diversity.
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