IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) reports that its Regent brand will expand its footprint in Japan with the opening of Regent Karuizawa in 2028.

The 58-key new-build onsen retreat will be the brand’s first resort location in the country. It will join Regent Karuizawa another IHG hotel, Hotel Indigo Karuizawa, in the Nagano Prefecture town.

Popular with the Japanese Imperial Family, Karuizawa is located one hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train) and is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous mountain resort towns. It offers charming old streets, accessible ski resorts, a selection of famous golf courses, upscale shopping and fine dining as well as waterfalls and lush nature.

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, Regent Karuizawa’s forest setting includes hot springs and views of Mount Asama. In addition to rooms and villas, the property will feature a specialty restaurant with valley views, meeting spaces, and wellness facilities comprised of a gym and a signature spa and onsen.

“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,” says Abhijay Sandilya, managing director, Japan & Micronesia, IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan. “Karuizawa is a special location within easy reach of Tokyo, renowned for its outstanding natural habitat and relaxing, rejuvenating environment. Regent is the perfect brand for this site as it enables us to create an immersive destination that harmonizes tranquility, exploration and luxury while providing seamless experiences for guests that will establish a new standard for luxury hospitality in the area.”

“Inbound travel into Karuizawa has grown 30 percent since 2019, demonstrating the town’s increasing interest from international travelers. Regent Karuizawa will help meet this rising demand by providing experiential trips that encompass authentic cultural moments in the luxury space,” Sandilya explains. “The property also perfectly complements the under-construction Regent Kyoto as it joins IHG’s growing luxury and upper luxury portfolio, while highlighting the attractiveness of our Regent brand to owners looking to open outstanding properties in city and resort locations across Japan.”

IHG has 55 open hotels across 10 brands and 17 pipeline properties in Japan. Regent Karuizawa will become its brand’s second entry into the market, following Regent Kyoto which is set to open earlier in 2028.