Where Japan Slows Down

Exploring Gora: Cable Cars, Volcanoes, and Mountain Views in Hakone

After spending a couple of days being thoroughly spoiled at Hakone Gora KARAKU, it was finally time to explore the town itself.

And honestly?

I fell in love with Gora.

Not because of massive attractions or bustling shopping streets. In fact, Gora is quite the opposite. It’s small, quiet, and nestled high in the mountains of the Hakone region.

What captured my attention was the atmosphere.

Everywhere you look is green.

Not just a little green.

An overwhelming amount of green.

Towering trees, forested hillsides, winding mountain roads, and lush valleys stretching as far as you can see. After spending time in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagoya, Gora felt like stepping into an entirely different version of Japan.

One that moves at a much slower pace.

A Town Built Into a Mountain

One thing that quickly became obvious is that Gora isn’t a town that happens to be near a mountain.

The town is the mountain.

Roads climb steep hillsides. Buildings seem to emerge directly from the forests. Homes, shops, and hotels are tucked into slopes that would make most Canadians think twice before pouring a foundation.

Even after two days, I was still amazed at how people managed to build entire neighborhoods on terrain that looked more suitable for mountain goats.

The steep landscape is part of the charm.

Every turn reveals another incredible view.

Riding the Hakone Ropeway

The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the journey up the mountain.

We started by boarding the cable car, which steadily climbed the mountainside through dense forest.

The higher we climbed, the better the views became.

But that was only the beginning.

At the top, we transferred to the ropeway, an aerial gondola system that glides high above Hakone’s volcanic landscape.

If you’re nervous about heights, this might be the moment you question your life choices.

The views were spectacular.

The drop beneath us was significant.

And then came the volcano.

Floating Above a Living Volcano

As the gondola moved across the mountain, the scenery suddenly changed.

The lush forests gave way to a rocky, steaming landscape unlike anything we’d seen elsewhere in Japan.

Below us were massive volcanic steam vents sending clouds of sulfur-rich steam into the air.

And the smell.

Let’s just say you know you’re near a volcano.

The sulfur scent was strong enough that there was absolutely no mistaking what was happening beneath our feet.

For some people, it might be unpleasant.

For me, it was fascinating.

This wasn’t a theme park attraction or something recreated for tourists.

This was the earth reminding everyone who’s really in charge.

The entire area felt otherworldly, as though we’d suddenly been transported from a peaceful mountain forest to another planet.

The Reward at the Top

Once we reached the upper station, we spent some time soaking in the views.

On a clear day, visitors can often enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji from various points around Hakone, one of the reasons the region has long been a favorite destination for both Japanese and international travelers.

Even without perfect visibility, standing high above the surrounding mountains was worth the trip.

The air felt different.

Cooler.

Crisper.

And somehow quieter.

Of course, no adventure is complete without a little souvenir shopping.

While exploring, I came across a bottle of Mt. Fuji whisky that simply had to come home with me.

Was it part of the original plan?

Absolutely not.

Did I buy it anyway?

Absolutely yes.

Travel purchases tend to make perfect sense while you’re on vacation.

Why Gora Stole My Heart

When people think about Japan, they often picture Tokyo’s neon lights, Kyoto’s temples, or Osaka’s street food.

All wonderful experiences.

But Gora offered something entirely different.

It offered space.

Space to breathe.

Space to slow down.

Space to simply enjoy being surrounded by nature.

Between the lush mountains, the winding roads, the volcanic landscapes, the cable cars, and the peaceful atmosphere, Gora became one of my favorite stops during our entire three-week journey.

It wasn’t flashy.

It wasn’t crowded.

It wasn’t trying to impress anyone.

And maybe that’s exactly why I loved it so much.

Why It’s Worth It

If your Japan itinerary is packed with busy cities, do yourself a favor and spend a few days in Hakone.

Take the cable car.

Ride the ropeway.

Stand above a steaming volcano.

Enjoy the mountain views.

And allow yourself time to experience a completely different side of Japan.

Because sometimes the places that leave the biggest impression aren’t the ones with the most famous attractions.

Sometimes they’re the quiet mountain towns you almost skipped.

And for me, that place was Gora.