An ultra-luxury design resort tucked into a cedar forest, offering a collection of private forest villas each with indoor and outdoor onsen baths. Breakfast prepared with local Hakone ingredients. Complete seclusion and refinement.
Hakone Retreat fore/rest is an ultra-luxury boutique resort nestled within a dense cedar and cypress forest at Ninotaira, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. Operated by the Hakone Retreat group, the property takes its name — rendered stylistically as fore/rest — from its forest surroundings, with each villa designed to disappear into the woodland canopy rather than impose upon it. This is among the most architecturally distinctive and exclusive properties in Kanagawa.
The resort comprises a small collection of detached private forest villas, each offering complete privacy from neighbouring units. Every villa is equipped with its own indoor and outdoor onsen bath fed by Hakone's geothermal volcanic waters, allowing guests to soak in natural hot spring water surrounded by cedar trees — at night under the stars or at dawn as morning mist drifts through the forest. Villa interiors reflect contemporary Japanese minimalism: low-platform beds, natural wood surfaces, floor-to-ceiling glass walls opening to private forest decks, and curated artworks selected for their relationship to the natural setting.
Breakfast at fore/rest is a kaiseki-influenced morning meal prepared using seasonal local ingredients from the Hakone and Odawara regions, served in-villa or at the intimate communal dining area. The culinary approach emphasizes restraint and seasonality, with dishes that change to reflect the mountain landscape throughout the year.
The resort does not host large groups or wedding events, preserving an atmosphere of total seclusion. Trails through the surrounding Hakone National Park are accessible directly from the property. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is approximately 10 minutes by car, and Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway is nearby for guests wishing to access the broader Hakone loop circuit including the ropeway and Owakudani volcanic valley.
Advance reservations of three to six months are typically necessary, particularly for popular periods including autumn foliage season and the spring Golden Week holiday.
Amenities
- Private onsen in each villa
- Forest outdoor bath
- Kaiseki breakfast
- Art collection
- Forest trails
- Concierge
- Free Wi-Fi
Location
1320-491 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa 250-0631
35.2620, 139.0610 View on map
Highlights
- Private onsen villa
- Cedar forest seclusion
- Artful minimalist design
- Immersive nature retreat
Tips for visiting
- Reserve at least three to six months in advance; the limited number of villas makes availability extremely tight during Golden Week (late April to early May), summer, and autumn foliage season.
- A minimum two-night stay is strongly recommended — the property's immersive forest atmosphere rewards slower-paced guests.
- The outdoor onsen bath is most striking at night or early morning; the resort provides robes for walking between the villa's indoor and outdoor areas in cooler months.
- Meal inclusions vary by package; confirm whether breakfast and dinner are included in the quoted rate at booking, as this significantly affects the total per-night cost.
- The resort is adult-oriented and designed for quiet; it is best suited to couples and solo travelers seeking complete seclusion rather than a family activity base.
Accessibility
The forest villa environment involves natural terrain, woodland paths, and outdoor elements that may pose challenges for guests with limited mobility. Guests with specific accessibility requirements are strongly advised to contact the property directly prior to booking, as the resort's forest setting and villa design may not be fully wheelchair accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
What is typically included in the room rate at Hakone Retreat fore/rest?
Rates typically include a kaiseki-style breakfast prepared with local Hakone ingredients. Some packages also include dinner. Meal inclusions and full rate details should be confirmed at booking as they vary by room type and season.
Do all villas have a private onsen?
Yes. Each private villa at fore/rest includes both an indoor and an outdoor onsen bath fed by Hakone's natural geothermal spring water.
Is the resort suitable for families with children?
The resort is primarily designed for adults seeking quiet and seclusion. Guests traveling with children should confirm age restrictions and suitability directly with the property before booking.
How far is the resort from Hakone-Yumoto Station?
The resort is located in the Ninotaira area of Hakone, approximately 20 to 25 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station by car or taxi. Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway is closer at roughly 10 minutes by car.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies at ultra-luxury Japanese properties are typically strict, especially during peak seasons. Guests should review the specific cancellation terms at the time of booking, as late cancellations may incur significant charges.