It’s often said that Japan, overwhelmed by its own allure, is overrun with tourists and choked by crowds. While that may hold true for the golden route cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, there’s far more to discover beyond the usual path. And you don’t have to go far to find it. Just a two-hour train or car ride from Tokyo leads to serene locations where you can unwind and experience a quieter, often overlooked side of the country. Whether you dream of soaking in thermal hot springs or wandering through mist-veiled bamboo forests, these hidden stays promise a more enchanting kind of journey.
HAKONE
Hakone is one of the most accessible and beloved retreats from Tokyo. Well-connected by trains, buses and roads, it’s ideal for travelers seeking minimal transit and maximum sights. While best known for its postcard-worthy views of Mount Fuji, Hakone also offers a rich array of experiences along the Hakone Loop — a scenic circular route dotted with famous parks, volcanic landscapes and fascinating museums.
Once the summer villa of a member of the Imperial Japanese family, Gora Kadan is now a Three MICHELIN Key establishment. The property features luxury amenities, including a world-class spa and Restaurant Kaiseki Kadan, housed in a historic Western-style villa dating back to the 1900s. The true highlight of Gora Kadan is its meticulously manicured Japanese gardens, framed by Hakone’s dramatic mountain landscape. Each suite includes a private garden, while higher-tier rooms enhance the experience with open-air onsens — some carved from solid rock.
Perched high on the mountainside, Hakone Gora Karaku is the perfect hideaway. Each suite features a private mineral bath that complements the property’s expansive communal onsen. Awarded One MICHELIN Key, the hotel blends contemporary elegance with the warmth of time-honored Japanese hospitality. Its prime location near the heart of Gora village ensures effortless access — making it as convenient as it is captivating.
FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO
Just under an hour from Tokyo by train, Fujikawaguchiko offers mesmerizing views of Mount Fuji reflected in the still waters of Lake Kawaguchi. Known for its flower fields and charming attractions like the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, this lakeside escape is a favorite for travelers seeking scenic beauty with a touch of whimsy.
Rustic, modern and boasting unforgettable views, Fufu Kawaguchiko impresses with its blend of thoughtful design, natural scenery and elevated cuisine. This Two MICHELIN Key property stands out for offering every guest room an open-air onsen bath and a direct view of Japan’s most iconic peak — Mount Fuji. As with most ryokans, guests can expect a multi-course breakfast and a traditional kaiseki dinner, but Fufu Kawaguchiko goes a step further. At its restaurant, Yamanoha, hyper-local and seasonal ingredients are prepared over wood fire and volcanic stone. It’s an experience you’d be hard-pressed to find in nearby Tokyo.
IZU CITY
Tucked along the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Izu City offers breathtaking vistas of both Mount Fuji and the sea. Just 90 minutes by train from Tokyo, this quiet haven is steeped in history, with ancient temples and timeworn forests waiting to be explored.
Asaba Ryokan is not merely a ryokan — it is a living family legacy. Founded in 1484 by Yakuro Yukitada Asaba, this Two MICHELIN Key property has remained in the same family for over five centuries. With just a dozen rooms, the intimacy and heritage are key appeals. Each suite opens onto a tranquil inner courtyard with a traditional Noh stage, where seasonal performances bring Japan’s classical arts to life — from the refined drama of Noh and the comic flair of Kyogen, to the lyrical beauty of Shinnai storytelling and the intricate puppetry of Bunraku. When the stage is still, the surrounding bamboo groves and reflective pond offer a peaceful retreat. In-room dining, from elegant breakfasts to multi-course kaiseki dinners, is served by your personal host — a timeless experience.
ATAMI
Head slightly south and you’ll find Atami — just 40 minutes from Tokyo via Shinkansen. Often overlooked by international travelers, this seaside town is cherished by locals for its soothing onsens and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Atami’s quiet charm and relative anonymity are exactly what make it a perfect escape from the city crowds.
With panoramic views of Sagami Bay, the One MICHELIN Key Atami Izusan Karaku is a dream escape for thalassophiles — lovers of the sea who find peace in ocean views and coastal breezes. Every minimalist suite features a private terrace and open-air onsen, inviting the ocean breeze to drift in. The serene aesthetic continues at the infinity-style public baths, where water, sea and sky blend into one shimmering horizon. For dining, indulge in a refined kaiseki experience at Mutsuki or enjoy the day’s freshest catch at Sushi Aiju for a quintessential taste of the region.
Hero image: Fufu Kawaguchiko
