HOTEL THE MITSUI will open its second ultra-luxury property in December 2026, choosing the hot-spring town of Hakone for its first venture outside Kyoto. The move gives UK business travellers a serious new option for extending a Tokyo trip, with the resort sitting less than two hours from the capital.
For SME owners and executives who increasingly bolt a recovery weekend onto a Japan itinerary, the timing matters. Tokyo remains the anchor for most UK corporate visits to Japan, and Hakone’s rail links make it one of the few genuine retreat destinations reachable without an internal flight or a lost working day.
What the resort will offer
Set within Hakone’s forested hills, the property is expected to feature suites and villas designed to frame views of the surrounding mountains, seasonal foliage and volcanic landscapes. Wellness sits at the centre of the concept, with natural onsen facilities, private bathing experiences and a spa programme drawing on traditional Japanese rituals. Hakone’s bathing culture is among the country’s oldest, a tradition explored in our look at Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, the world’s oldest hotel.
Dining will follow the brand’s philosophy of craftsmanship and locality, with restaurants showcasing regional produce and seasonal menus shaped by Hakone’s mountain and coastal influences. The resort is also expected to offer curated cultural experiences, from tea ceremonies and guided nature walks to art and design collaborations reflecting the area’s heritage.
Building on the Kyoto flagship
The opening follows the success of HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, which has earned global recognition for its architecture, service and immersive approach to Japanese culture. Hakone represents the brand’s first expansion beyond that flagship, and the property is set to become one of the region’s most anticipated high-end openings.
It arrives amid a wave of luxury development across Japan, from a former prison converting to a luxury hotel in Nara to new international flags in Tokyo and Osaka. Full details of the Hakone property are on the HOTEL THE MITSUI website, with room categories, wellness concepts and opening packages to be released closer to launch.
The practical case for UK travellers
For UK visitors, the practicalities are favourable. British Citizen passport holders can enter Japan for up to 90 days without a visa, according to official gov.uk entry guidance, making a short leisure extension after meetings a low-friction decision.
Demand is the bigger question. With visitor numbers to Japan climbing sharply, and 2026 widely viewed as the last window before the tourism boom reshapes the country’s key destinations, a December opening in one of Japan’s most popular retreat towns is likely to see early availability move quickly. Business travellers planning Q4 2026 or early 2027 trips to Tokyo may want to watch for the opening packages when they are announced.
