HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE ANNOUNCES DECEMBER 2026 OPENING

Flagship Luxury Resort to Debut Dec. 15, 2026, as the Second Property in the Acclaimed  HOTEL THE MITSUI Portfolio 

HAKONE, Japan (July 13, 2026) - Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., and Mitsui Fudosan Resort Management Co., Ltd., today announce that HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE will open on December 15, 2026, in the renowned hot spring destination of Kowakudani, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. Debuting as Mitsui Fudosan Group’s flagship luxury resort and the second property in the acclaimed HOTEL THE MITSUI collection following the success of HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, the resort marks a significant expansion of the brand and a new chapter in its vision for luxury hospitality in Japan. 

Located on the historic grounds of former Mitsui family villas, HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE honors the area’s rich heritage while embracing the surrounding natural beauty of Hakone. With views of Mount Sengen, restorative hot springs and exceptional culinary offerings, the resort is designed as a sanctuary of tranquility where guests can experience the timeless elegance of Japanese hospitality and a deeper connection to the destination. 

“We are truly honored and delighted to bring the HOTEL THE MITSUI brand to Hakone as its newest destination,” said General Manager Manabu Kusui. “With deep respect for Hakone's rich natural beauty and cultural heritage as one of Japan's premier travel destinations, we will carefully cultivate experiences that reflect the unique character of this remarkable place. Together with our passionate team members, we look forward to continuing the growth of the HOTEL THE MITSUI brand while creating lasting value for all who visit.” 

Since the opening of HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO in 2020, HOTEL THE MITSUI has welcomed guests under its brand concept, “Embracing Japan’s Beauty.” Drawing inspiration from Japan’s cultural heritage, craftsmanship, architecture and culinary traditions, HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE extends this philosophy to a resort setting, offering a distinctive luxury experience rooted in the character and spirit of Hakone. 

Its sister property, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO has earned high acclaim by global standards, including receiving Five Stars from Forbes Travel Guide, Three MICHELIN Keys from Michelin Guide, and being selected as one of The World’s 50 Best Hotels. HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE will open as the latest addition to the Mitsui Fudosan Group’s line of fine luxury hotels. 

Set on an expansive 14-hectare site, the 126-room property is thoughtfully integrated into its natural surroundings. Guests arrive via a tree-lined approach that leads to a dramatic roof structure framing views of Mount Sengen, creating a striking sense of arrival and an immediate connection to the landscape. 

Conceived by the internationally acclaimed design firm Yabu Pushelberg, hotel interiors feature natural materials and textures throughout, blending effortlessly with the surrounding environment. The expansive lounge, with floor-to-ceiling openings and terraces overlooking the landscape, offers a bright and relaxing setting to unwind.

Surrounded by Hakone’s abundant natural beauty, the resort offers a distinctive experience focused on renewal and wellbeing. Guests can relax in natural hot springs, savor seasonal cuisine and recharge through a variety of nature-based activities, including yoga and hiking, all designed to foster a deeper connection with the surrounding environment. 

■ Guest Rooms 

All 126 rooms feature a private bath with natural hot spring water sourced directly from the property's own spring. Accommodations range from 48-square-meter Deluxe Rooms to Villas exceeding 100 square meters, a Presidential Suite spanning more than 200 square meters, and the resort's most exclusive accommodation, the Signature Villa. 

The Grand Rooms feature an impressive six-meter frontage, creating a bright and open atmosphere that seamlessly frames the surrounding landscape. Villas offer both indoor and open-air hot spring baths, providing a quiet sanctuary where guests can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy moments of quiet indulgence. With room types featuring baths overlooking the scenery, guests can take in the sweeping views of Mount Sengen and ever-changing beauty of Hakone's natural surroundings. Thoughtfully designed to blur the boundaries between indoors and out, each room offers a tranquil retreat where nature, comfort and understated luxury exist in harmony. 

Deluxe Room 

Grand Room 

Villa 

Deluxe Room view bath 

■ Thermal Spring & Spa 

Set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Sengen and accompanied by the gentle sounds of the Jakotsu River, the Thermal Spring at HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE offers an open and immersive hot spring experience with both indoor and outdoor bathing facilities creating a profound sense of connection with nature. 

The spa features five treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite, and offers a selection of exclusive treatments created specifically for HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE, providing a personalized and restorative wellness journey. Centered on the concept of “Surrendering to Serenity,” the spa offers a sanctuary enveloped by the tranquility of the forest, inviting guests to experience a deep sense of calm and renewal.

Thermal Spering, indoor and outdoor 

Thermal Spring, outdoor 

■ Dining 

SANKEI kaiseki counter seats 

Led by Executive Chef Hiroshi Takahashi, the property features a diverse array of culinary experiences. The all-day dining venue RIVERINE features indoor seating and an open-air terrace where guests can savor dishes prepared with locally sourced seasonal ingredients in a dynamic open kitchen setting, showcasing fresh seafood from Sagami Bay. Japanese Executive Chef Hiroyuki Kurosu oversees Japanese restaurant SANKEI, showcasing the concept of “Shindofuji,” the harmony between local ingredients and the land through three distinct dining experiences: kaiseki, sushi and teppanyaki. Lastly, The Bar LAMBENT offers a curated selection of Japanese whiskies and signature cocktails, and the space itself features a large-scale art installation inspired by the historic Tokaido route connecting Kyoto, Hakone and Nihonbashi. 

The Bar LAMBENT 

RIVERINE indoor seating 

■ Spaces 

The resort offers an open and airy Function Room complete with a private terrace, and suited to a wide range of occasions, from private group gatherings and celebratory events to corporate off-site meetings. Nestled within the forest, detached pavilion SHIKI-AN is a traditional sukiya-style structure crafted by Kyoto based firm Yasui Moku Komuten, in part using timber sourced from the property itself. SHIKI-AN serves as a distinct destination for tea ceremonies and other special gatherings.

Function Room 

Exterior of the SHIKI-AN 

HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE’s extensive grounds also feature walking trails, a riverside terrace deck along the Jakotsu River and a yoga terrace nestled among the trees, allowing visitors to experience the expansive natural surroundings. 

Jakotsu River 

Chisuji Falls 

Reservations will open on July 15, 2026. To learn more, visit the official website here: https://www.hotelthemitsui.com/en/hakone/. 

■ Executive bio 

Manabu Kusui 

Cluster General Manager, HOTEL THE MITSUI 

General Manager, HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE 

Manabu Kusui serves as Cluster General Manager for HOTEL THE MITSUI and General Manager of the upcoming HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE, a dual role he assumes as of July 2025. 

He was appointed General Manager of HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO in June 2018, where he has played a leading role in shaping the property’s guest experience, commercial strategy, and positioning within Japan’s luxury hospitality landscape. 

Under his leadership, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO was the first property in Japan to earn a Forbes Travel Guide Five Star rating in its opening year inspection and has retained that distinction for five consecutive years. In June 2026, Kusui was named the No. 1 General Manager in Japan by Travel + Leisure APAC.

Prior to joining HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, Kusui held senior sales and marketing leadership roles at several of Tokyo’s most prestigious luxury hotels, including Executive Assistant Manager of Sales & Marketing at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo; Director of Sales & Marketing at Four Seasons Hotel Marunouchi, Tokyo; and Director of Sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. 

He began his hospitality career in 1994 at Park Hyatt Tokyo and later gained international experience with Hyatt Regency Saipan, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, and Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong before returning to Japan. 

＜HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE Overview＞ Hotel name	HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE
Opening date (planned)	December 15, 2026
Location	450-1 and other lots, Mitsukurisawa, Kowakudani, Hakone town, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture (lot number)
Site area	Approx. 1,458,509 ft2 (approx. 135,500 m2)
Design and construction	Takenaka Corporation
Project management	Nikken Sekkei Ltd
Number of guest rooms	126
Food and beverage facilities	Sankei (Japanese cuisine)	64 seats (including 8 private-room seats)
Of which: kaiseki 32 seats, sushi 10 seats, teppanyaki 14 seats, private rooms 8 seats
RIVERINE (all-day dining)	96 seats (including 8 private-room seats), plus terrace seating
The Bar LAMBENT	34 seats, plus terrace seating
Spa	Thermal Spring (a bathing facility using natural hot spring water to be enjoyed while wearing a swimsuit)  Five spa treatment rooms (four rooms for one person, one room for two people)
Other facilities	SHIKI-AN Villa  Function room (approx. 786 ft² / approx. 73 m²), seating 36 for formal dining or 50 for standing receptions  Fitness gym, walking paths, Jakotsu River terrace deck, yoga terrace
General Manager	Manabu Kusui
Operating company	Mitsui Fudosan Resort Management Co., Ltd.
Official website	https://www.hotelthemitsui.com/en/hakone/
Official social media	Official Instagram account: @hotel_the_mitsui_hakone

ABOUT HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE

HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE is the second property within the HOTEL THE MITSUI ultra-luxury hospitality portfolio. Scheduled to open on December 15, 2026, the hotel is set within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park on 34 acres of natural landscape shaped by forest, river and mountain views. Built on a site once home to villas owned by the Mitsui family, the hotel presents a contemporary expression of Japanese luxury hospitality rooted in Hakone’s heritage as one of Japan’s most celebrated mountain retreats. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE will feature 126 rooms, suites and villas, each with its own natural hot spring bath, along with private balconies overlooking Mount Sengen and the surrounding landscape. The hotel will offer three dining concepts, including SANKEI, led by Michelin-starred Chef Hiroyuki Kurosu; the all-day RIVERINE restaurant; and The Bar LAMBENT, a refined evening venue reflecting Hakone’s history along the Golden Route. Wellbeing will be central to the guest experience, with a Thermal Spring fed by the hotel’s own source from Kowakudani Onsen, an infinity-style outdoor standing bath, and Thermal Spring SPA with five treatment rooms.