IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced plans for its first Regent resort in Japan, with the 58-room Regent Karuizawa set to open in 2028.
The luxury onsen retreat will be built in the historic mountain town of Karuizawa, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The property will feature rooms and villas set amongst forest and hot springs, with views of Mount Asama.
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director, Japan & Micronesia, IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, said: “We are delighted to announce the addition of Regent Karuizawa, our first Regent resort destination in Japan, to our estate, marking another important milestone in the growth of the brand in the country and around the world.”
The development comes as inbound travel to Karuizawa has grown 30% since 2019. Sandilya noted that “Regent Karuizawa will help meet this rising demand by providing experiential trips that encompass authentic cultural moments in the luxury space.”
Located approximately one hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen, Karuizawa is a year-round destination popular with Japan’s Imperial Family. The town offers skiing, golf courses, shopping and dining options.
The resort will include dining venues, meeting spaces, a spa, onsen facilities and a gym. It will join Hotel Indigo Karuizawa as the second IHG property in the town.
Regent Karuizawa will become the brand’s second Japanese property, following Regent Kyoto which is also scheduled to open in 2028. IHG currently operates 55 hotels across 10 brands in Japan, with 17 properties in development.
AloJapan.com