Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora welcomes guests into a realm of relaxation. (Picture: IHG)

IHG’s lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora lands in the hot spring zone of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora is InterContinental Hotel Group’s first property under the company’s Hotel Indigo brand umbrella in Japan.

Situated alongside the Hayakawa River, the property boasts a host of natural wonders, including in-room and balcony baths. We find out more about this impressive property.

A captivating mountainside getaway

IHG have opened their first Japanese property under the Hotel Indigo umbrella. The boutique lifestyle brand is taking up residence inside Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the mountainous Kanagawa Prefecture.

Located alongside the Hayakawa River, the Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora will allow guests to indulge in the Japanese tradition of onsen, or hot springs.

The Hakone neighbourhood is known for its proliferation of healing and rejuvenating baths, and the river flows past the minimal facade of this IHG property, which is set against the backdrop of a verdant hillside. The hotel sits at the end of the famous and historic Hakone Tozan Railway, Japan’s only mountain railway line.

“The opening of Japan’s first Hotel Indigo marks a tremendous start to 2020 at a time when Japan is seeing worldwide interest and curiosity from travellers across the globe following the Rugby World Cup and as we lead into the 2020 Olympics,” said Hans Heijligers, CEO of IHG’s Japan operating company.

“Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora represents a bold new direction for boutique hotels in Japan, and we are delighted to witness its growth into diverse neighbourhoods across the country.”

An oasis of calm

This 98-key property bills itself as a “captivating Japanese mountainside getaway” and boasts a stunning location along an idyllic cherry-blossom-lined avenue.

Rest, rejuvenation and relaxation is the name at this Hotel Indigo property, which has the added benefit of private indoor and outdoor onsen baths within each of the 98 rooms and suites, either within the room or on the balcony.

Located just 90 minutes from Tokyo, the property is decked out in a manner that reflects the local culture and is inspired by fire and water, elements traditionally associated with Japan.

The highlight of the main restaurant, the Riverside Kitchen and Bar, is an open pit, or a “theatre of fire”, where locally sourced meats and fish are cooked.

The hotel’s spa redefines the onsen experience and uses wood panelling in its execution that evokes Meiji-era bathhouses, calling it a “contemporary take on an old favourite.”

According to the TOPHOTELCHAINS online database, 62 new Hotel Indigo properties will celebrate their inauguration during the next couple of years: