Japan’s Hakone region is set to welcome a new luxury resort that places nature and design at the centre of the guest experience, with bookings expected to open closer to its 2028 launch.
Alila Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara Hakone will be the brand’s first property in Japan, developed in partnership with Fujita Corporation. It will be located in Sengokuhara, a mountain area within the larger Hakone region, about two hours from Tokyo and known for its hot springs and forest landscapes.
The location is already a popular escape for travellers leaving the city, with natural hot springs, hiking routes and views of Mount Kintoki. It is also known for its seasonal scenery, especially its wide fields of pampas grass that change with the weather.
The resort’s design will be led by Kengo Kuma and Associates, a studio known for building structures that blend into their surroundings rather than stand apart from them. In this case, rather than reshaping the slope, the hotel will follow its shape.
One of the key features will be in-room hot spring baths. The resort will have 60 rooms and suites, each fitted with its own private onsen-fed bath, allowing guests to experience Hakone’s thermal waters without leaving their accommodation.
Food and beverage plans will focus on local sourcing, with menus expected to change with the seasons and highlight ingredients from the surrounding region. Rather than importing outside dining concepts, the approach is centred on what is already available locally.
Beyond accommodation and dining, the resort will offer curated experiences designed to help guests explore the area’s culture and landscape. These activities are intended to give visitors a more guided way to experience Hakone beyond sightseeing alone.
The development is part of a wider expansion by Hyatt Hotels Corporation in Japan, where it operates multiple hotel brands across major cities and resort destinations.
