Royal Hotel Co., Ltd. (Kita-ku, Nakanoshima, Osaka; President: Fumikazu Ueda) has announced that its previously revealed hotel opening in Hakone's Gora area, Kanagawa Prefecture, will be developed under a new hot spring resort brand: "Noir by RIHGA Hakone Gora."
Noir by RIHGA is a luxury hotel brand built around the concept of heartfelt hospitality within a quiet stillness — offering serene spaces attuned to the four seasons, cuisine that draws on the bounty of the land, a hot spring to unwind body and mind, and the hospitality RIHGA Royal Hotels has cultivated over the years, all in service of a refined rest. Responding to diversifying travel styles and the growing wellness trend of recent years, the brand proposes a refined Japanese-style resort. In addition to this property, "Noir by RIHGA Kobe Arima" is planned to open in February 2028, with this property marking the brand's second opening.
The new hotel sits in Kami-Gora in Hakone's Gora area, which flourished as a post town from the Edo period and later as a summer retreat from the Meiji era onward, and which has become especially popular in recent years with inbound visitors. Located in upper Gora, the hotel commands sweeping views from Hakone's outer crater rim across Sagami Bay. The building consists of three structures in total: a north wing housing a restaurant, bar lounge, and large communal bath, plus two guest room wings. Every room is spaciously designed with its own open-air hot-spring bath and terrace. As a retreat where Hakone's grand natural surroundings, cuisine drawing on local blessings, and a soothing hot spring come together in harmony, the hotel aims to be a resort that blends the refined feel of a hotel with the warm hospitality of a ryokan. Further details, including services and the reservation opening date, will be announced once decided.
Brand Concept
Heartfelt hospitality within a quiet stillness.
The murmur of a stream, the rustle of trees, the flicker of light.
Surrendering to nature, soaking in the hot spring — a culture Japan has carried since ancient times.
Since its founding in 1935, the spirit of hospitality that RIHGA Royal Hotels has cultivated is woven into every comfortable stay.
Savoring the blessings of the passing seasons and the flavors of a living land, in a place where people, nature, and food are gently connected.
"Noir" — amid the stillness, a moment for the heart to return.
Target Guests
Thanks to its easy access from the greater Tokyo area, Hakone is extremely popular with inbound visitors and continues to draw large crowds. This property's primary target is upper-middle-income guests in their 40s to 60s, with facilities and services built to offer a refreshing stay even over a short weekend break.
Location
Hakone's Gora area flourished from early times as a post town along the old highways, then later as a summer retreat from the modern era onward, and today is an attractive resort area rich in dramatic natural scenery — epitomized by Owakudani and Lake Ashi — alongside distinctive museums and other cultural facilities. The hotel itself sits in the quiet hillside district of Kami-Gora, in an outstanding location offering views stretching from Mount Daimonji all the way to Sagami Bay.
Rooms
- 90 rooms in total, each 53 sqm (including a 7 sqm terrace)
- Every room comes with a private open-air hot-spring bath
- Spaces that take in the grand landscape of Hakone's mountains
Dining
- All-day dining featuring dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients
- A bar lounge on the top floor
Hot Spring Facilities
- In addition to the open-air bath in each guest room, a large communal bath where guests can fully experience Hakone's hot-spring bathing culture
Facility Overview
| Name | Noir by RIHGA Hakone Gora |
| Address | Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture |
| Building completion | September 2028 (planned) |
| Structure | Reinforced concrete; 4 stories above ground, plus other structures |
| Area | Site: 9,359.78 sqm / Building: 10,104.86 sqm |
| Rooms | 90 (planned) |
| Opening | Around the end of December 2028 (planned) |
Access
About 5 minutes by car from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway; immediately next to Kami-Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car.
All plans described in this release — including facility details and operating information — reflect the current development stage and are subject to change. The renderings shown are based on design-stage drawings and may differ from the finished property, and the shape and color of furnishings and fixtures may also change. Some architectural details and equipment have been simplified or omitted in the renderings.
Upcoming Hotel Openings
Noir by RIHGA Kobe Arima
Opening: February 2028 / Rooms: 93 (planned)
Built around the concept of heartfelt hospitality within a quiet stillness, this Japanese-style resort offers spaces that evoke the four seasons, cuisine drawing on local ingredients, a hot spring to unwind body and mind, and warm hospitality for a refined, restorative stay.
RIHGA Gran Hiroshima
Opening: June 2028 / Rooms: 168 (planned)
Facing Peace Boulevard, the hotel sits in an area convenient for both business and sightseeing. A large communal bath helps guests unwind after a day of travel, and interiors themed around local products and Japanese design create a refined atmosphere.
(Tentative Name) New Hotel in Nakijin, Okinawa
Opening: October 2028 / Rooms: 134 (planned)
Set in an area rich in natural beauty near the World Heritage site Nakijin Castle Ruins and the popular scenic spot Kouri Island, the hotel will pair an outstanding location facing a beautiful beach with well-equipped rooms suited to both short and extended stays, aiming to be a resort where guests can spend calm, restorative time surrounded by history and nature.
RIHGA Gran Chitose
Opening: March 2029 / Rooms: 227 (planned)
Located in front of JR Chitose Station, just two stops from New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido's main gateway, the hotel will offer comfortable spaces and hospitality suited to a wide range of business and leisure needs.
