A New Era in Kanagawa Tourism: HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE in Hakone to Embrace Japanese Heritage and Natural Wonders in Luxury Setting by 2026

Published on November 7, 2024

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. and Mitsui Fudosan Resort Management Co., Ltd., renowned for luxury hospitality, have announced plans for HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE, set to open in 2026. This highly anticipated 126-room property in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, will embrace the timeless elegance of Japanese culture and landscape, enhancing the appeal of Hakone as a premier hot spring and nature destination. The hotel will follow in the footsteps of HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, which opened in 2020 to critical acclaim and currently holds the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating and Three Michelin Keys recognition.

HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE will be built within the lush Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, spanning 33 acres in the famous hot spring town of Kowakudani, known for its high-saline mineral waters. Located a short walk from the Hakone Tozan Railway’s Kowakudani Station, the hotel will serve as a luxurious retreat, connecting guests with nature and traditional Japanese hospitality.

A Vision of Harmony with Nature

In line with Mitsui Fudosan’s commitment to honoring Japan’s natural beauty, HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE will blend seamlessly with its scenic surroundings. The hotel’s concept, “Embracing Japan’s Beauty,” captures the essence of the Mitsui brand, which values harmony with local traditions, landscape, and heritage. The Hakone location is historically significant, once housing the Mitsui family’s villas. This historical connection enriches the brand’s dedication to preserving Japanese aesthetics and the natural allure that characterizes Hakone.

A Unique Setting in Japan’s Premier Hot Spring Destination

Hakone has been a popular travel destination for centuries, known for its therapeutic hot springs, views of Mount Fuji, and culturally rich sites like the open-air museums and the serene Lake Ashi. It was historically an essential post town along the Tokaido route, connecting Kyoto and Tokyo. Hakone’s thermal springs, shaped by volcanic activity, draw visitors from around the globe. The Kowakudani area, where HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE will be located, is celebrated for its high-saline hot spring, providing a unique spa experience that will be a focal point of the hotel’s wellness offerings.

Guests can also enjoy the nearby Sengenyama Park, Jakotsu River, and Chisuji Falls, with their seasonal beauty and dynamic landscapes. These attractions make HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE an ideal base for travelers seeking both relaxation and immersive experiences in nature.

World-Class Design and Facilities

HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE will feature 126 guest rooms, all drawing water from natural hot springs. Designed to offer a tranquil ambiance, the rooms will have an average size of 60 square meters (645 square feet) and will include larger villas and a Presidential Suite. Canadian-Japanese design firm Yabu Pushelberg, acclaimed for its expertise in creating refined, welcoming interiors, will lead the interior design. Each room will be adorned with natural light and materials that evoke the beauty of the surrounding environment.

Dining will also be a highlight, with an all-day dining option and a specialty restaurant, each featuring large terraces and open spaces that invite guests to enjoy Hakone’s scenic vistas. The restaurants will offer seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, allowing guests to experience the flavors of the region in an elevated setting.

The hotel’s expansive thermal spring facilities will offer a serene spa experience, with mineral-rich waters from Kowakudani’s natural springs, further enhancing the wellness options available to guests. Additional amenities include a bar, fitness gym, and ample common areas designed for relaxation and socializing.

Key Project Details

• Hotel Name: HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE
• Location: 450-1, Kowakudani, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Site Area: Approximately 33 acres
• Proximity to Transport: 2-minute walk from Kowakudani Station, Hakone Tozan Railway
• Structure: 3 floors above ground, 2 floors underground, reinforced concrete with elements of steel and wood
• Construction Start: July 2024
• Opening: Planned for 2026
• Design & Construction: Takenaka Corporation
• Guest Rooms: 126 rooms, with luxurious villas and a Presidential Suite
• Facilities: Restaurants, bar, thermal springs, fitness gym, and wellness spaces

Design Collaborations with Renowned Architects and Designers

In addition to Yabu Pushelberg’s contributions, HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE’s design is a collaborative effort with some of Japan’s most respected architects and designers. A.N.D. (Aoyama Nomura Design) will design the interiors for the specialty restaurant, while Kobayashi Maki Design Workshop will craft the hotel’s exterior. Studio on Site will develop the landscape design, ensuring that the hotel integrates harmoniously with the local environment and the forested areas of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

A Partnership with Marriott’s Luxury Collection

The hotel will join Marriott International’s Luxury Collection, a brand known for its global reach and exclusive properties. This partnership allows HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE to reach a diverse audience of international and domestic travelers, offering guests a level of service and hospitality synonymous with the Marriott name. Mitsui Fudosan Resort Management Co., Ltd., which manages premier properties such as Halekulani Okinawa and HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, will oversee operations, ensuring a high standard of service aligned with the Mitsui brand’s luxury and refinement.

Preserving and Celebrating Hakone’s Rich Cultural Heritage

HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE’s design philosophy emphasizes sustainability and respect for local culture. In Hakone, a town celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, the hotel aims to provide an authentic experience that highlights the region’s historical and cultural significance. With its thermal spring-based spa and dining options rooted in local cuisine, the hotel invites guests to connect deeply with Japanese traditions and Hakone’s landscape.

HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE promises to bring a new level of luxury to Hakone while respecting the history and beauty that define the area. This new property will provide an exceptional experience that combines the traditional with the contemporary, all while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation.