Hakone, Kanagawa and Japan Welcome LXR Hotels & Resorts. How Will Hilton’s First Hotel in Hakone Elevate Luxury Hot Spring Tourism?

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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June 26, 2026 8:18 PM

Hakone, Kanagawa and Japan are preparing to welcome a new chapter in luxury hospitality as Hilton announces the signing of Hakone Gora, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Scheduled to open in summer 2028, the resort will become Hilton’s first hotel in Hakone, one of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring destinations. Developed in partnership with THE SANKEI BUILDING CO., LTD. and HASEKO Real Estate Development, Inc., the property will introduce the globally recognised LXR Hotels & Resorts brand to the heart of Hakone Gora, offering travellers a luxury retreat surrounded by mountain landscapes, natural hot springs and renowned cultural attractions.

Hilton Expands into Hakone

The signing represents an important milestone for Hilton’s continued growth in Japan.

Although Hilton already operates several hotels across the country, the new property will become the company’s first hotel in Hakone, strengthening its presence in one of Japan’s most established leisure destinations.

The project also reflects growing international demand for luxury wellness holidays centred around Japan’s famous onsen, or natural hot springs.

By entering Hakone, Hilton further expands its portfolio in destinations known for combining nature, culture and premium hospitality.

LXR Hotels & Resorts Continues Growing in Japan

Hakone Gora will join the expanding LXR Hotels & Resorts collection, Hilton’s luxury brand known for independent properties with distinctive local character.

The brand made its Japanese debut with ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts in 2021 and has continued expanding with planned developments in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Niseko, Hokkaido.

Globally, LXR Hotels & Resorts includes approximately 40 operating and pipeline properties, each designed to deliver personalised luxury experiences inspired by their individual destinations.

The Hakone project further strengthens the brand’s presence within Japan’s luxury travel market.

A Prime Setting in Hakone Gora

The resort will be located in Hakone Gora, one of the most scenic areas within Hakone National Park.

Surrounded by forests and mountain landscapes, the property overlooks Momijidani, an area widely recognised for its spectacular autumn foliage.

The peaceful setting allows guests to immerse themselves in changing seasonal scenery while enjoying the tranquillity that has long attracted visitors to Hakone.

The resort has been designed as a sanctuary where travellers can disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with nature through mountain air, thermal waters and quiet surroundings.

Gateway to Japan’s Hot Spring Culture

Hakone has been famous for its natural hot springs for centuries.

Visitors travel from across Japan and around the world to experience traditional onsen bathing while enjoying panoramic mountain views.

The new LXR resort builds upon this heritage by offering luxury accommodation within one of the country’s premier wellness destinations.

Its location allows guests to experience authentic Japanese hospitality alongside the restorative benefits of natural geothermal waters that define the Hakone region.

Close to Cultural Attractions

Beyond its natural beauty, the hotel places guests within walking distance of several of Hakone’s most significant cultural attractions.

The internationally acclaimed Hakone Open-Air Museum showcases sculptures set against dramatic mountain landscapes.

Nearby, the Hakone Museum of Art presents Japanese ceramics, traditional artworks and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Visitors can also explore Gora Park, one of Japan’s oldest French-style landscaped parks, known for seasonal flowers, walking paths and panoramic views.

Together, these attractions offer a combination of art, history and nature rarely found within a single destination.

Excellent Accessibility from Tokyo

Although surrounded by mountains, Hakone remains easily accessible from the Japanese capital.

The resort is located approximately 90 minutes by train from central Tokyo, making it an attractive destination for both international visitors and domestic travellers seeking short luxury escapes.

Guests will also benefit from the hotel’s location just a three-minute walk from Koen-Kami Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car line, providing convenient connections throughout the Hakone region.

This accessibility supports year-round tourism while encouraging multi-destination itineraries across Japan.

Hilton Honors Benefits

The new hotel will participate in the Hilton Honors loyalty programme.

Members booking directly through Hilton channels will have access to exclusive benefits including discounted member rates, flexible combinations of points and cash payments, complimentary standard Wi-Fi and digital services through the Hilton Honors mobile application.

Features such as Digital Key, online check-in and room selection further enhance convenience for international travellers.

The integration strengthens Hilton’s appeal among returning guests exploring Japan.

Supporting Tourism in Kanagawa

The arrival of LXR Hotels & Resorts is expected to further strengthen Hakone’s tourism economy.

Luxury accommodation developments support local employment while encouraging visitor spending across restaurants, museums, transport providers, cultural attractions and retail businesses.

The project also reinforces Kanagawa Prefecture’s reputation as one of Japan’s leading destinations for wellness tourism, cultural experiences and premium hospitality.

Its proximity to Tokyo positions Hakone as an increasingly attractive extension to wider Japan travel itineraries.

Key Statistics

• Scheduled to open in summer 2028.
• Hilton’s first hotel in Hakone.
• Located in Hakone Gora, overlooking Momijidani.
• Approximately 90 minutes by train from central Tokyo.
• Just three minutes’ walk from Koen-Kami Station.
• LXR Hotels & Resorts currently has approximately 40 operating and pipeline properties worldwide.

Chronological Tracker

2021 – LXR Hotels & Resorts debuts in Japan with ROKU KYOTO.

2026 – Hilton announces the signing of Hakone Gora, LXR Hotels & Resorts.

Summer 2028 – Hakone Gora, LXR Hotels & Resorts is scheduled to open.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will Hakone Gora, LXR Hotels & Resorts be located?

The resort will be located in Hakone Gora, Kanagawa Prefecture, overlooking Momijidani and close to Hakone’s major cultural attractions.

2. When is the hotel expected to open?

The property is scheduled to welcome guests in summer 2028.

3. What attractions are located nearby?

Guests can easily visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Museum of Art, Gora Park and numerous natural hot springs throughout Hakone.

Dates

2021 – LXR Hotels & Resorts debuts in Japan with ROKU KYOTO.

Summer 2028 – Hakone Gora, LXR Hotels & Resorts is scheduled to open.

Conclusion

The signing of Hakone Gora, LXR Hotels & Resorts marks a significant expansion of Hilton’s luxury portfolio in Japan while introducing its first property to one of the country’s most renowned hot spring destinations. Combining the natural beauty of Hakone, the cultural richness of nearby museums and gardens, and the personalised luxury for which the LXR Hotels & Resorts brand is recognised, the new resort is set to strengthen Kanagawa’s tourism offering. With convenient access from Tokyo and an emphasis on wellness, culture and nature, the property is expected to become an important addition to Japan’s growing luxury hospitality landscape when it opens in summer 2028.