Private Japan Editorial
Curation Team
For the discerning traveller planning a luxury retreat to Japan, the decision often narrows down to two world-renowned regions: Hakone and Kawaguchiko. Both are easily accessible from Tokyo, and both offer spectacular ryokans. However, the atmosphere, the landscape, and the emotional resonance of the two areas are vastly different.
Whether you are looking to decompress after a long overnight flight from Sydney, or seeking that single, mesmerising view to define your itinerary, choosing the right sanctuary is paramount.
Hakone: The Forest Sanctuary
Tucked into the mountainous landscape of Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone is Japan's historical onsen capital. For centuries, it has served as a retreat for Tokyo's elite, offering a dense, verdant escape from the metropolis.
The region is defined by its deep valleys, towering cedar trees, and the constant, soothing sound of rushing rivers. The luxury ryokans here are often built directly into the cliff sides or hidden within manicured zen gardens. It is an inward-looking experience—a place for quiet reflection, reading, and absolute stillness.
Because Hakone boasts over a dozen different types of spring water, it provides an unrivalled soaking experience for those seeking therapeutic healing. It is a sanctuary best suited for the first few nights of a journey, allowing the traveller to decompress before diving into the energy of Tokyo or Kyoto. Properties like Hakone Ginyu and Gora Kadan excel at creating enclosed, intimate spaces where you can soak in a hinoki wood tub while surrounded by an impenetrable canopy of green.
Kawaguchiko: The Visual Masterpiece
Situated in the Fuji Five Lakes region, Kawaguchiko trades the dense forest canopy of Hakone for expansive, dramatic landscapes. The undisputed star of the show here is Mount Fuji.
"In the forest, the water heals the body. Before the mountain, the water stills the mind."
Kawaguchiko is an outward-looking destination. The architecture of the region's premier ryokans is designed entirely around the lake and the mountain, generating an energy that is awe-inspiring rather than secluded. Waking up to see the snow-capped peak of Fuji perfectly reflected on the glassy surface of Lake Kawaguchi is a profound moment.
While the onsen water here is still wonderfully relaxing, it intentionally takes a back seat to the view. The private open-air baths are constructed on balconies or rooftop terraces, purposefully angled to give you an unobstructed line of sight. Properties like Kozantei Ubuya offer a deeply romantic setting, where the changing light on the mountain dictates the rhythm of your day and harmonises perfectly with your evening kaiseki service.
Whether you seek the quiet anonymity of ancient forests or the sweeping majesty of Japan's most iconic peak, the choice is ultimately one of personal resonance. For our guests, we arrange stays that honour these distinct landscapes, securing access to heritage properties and private sanctuaries that elevate a simple visit into a lifelong memory.