IHG to Debut Regent Karuizawa, a Kengo Kuma–Designed Luxury Resort in Japan’s Mountain Highlands by 2028

IHG to Debut Regent Karuizawa, a Kengo Kuma–Designed Luxury Resort in Japan’s Mountain Highlands by 2028

Karuizawa welcomes first Regent hotel

IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled plans to bring its prestigious Regent brand to Japan with the launch of Regent Karuizawa, an exclusive 58-key resort in the historic mountain town of Karuizawa. Scheduled to open in 2028, the property is poised to redefine the standard of luxury hospitality in the region—merging contemporary elegance, serene surroundings, and the breathtaking natural beauty of Nagano’s highlands.

Designed by acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma, the resort will be set within a lush forest, offering panoramic views of Mount Asama and direct access to Karuizawa’s renowned hot springs. A mix of rooms and private villas will give guests the choice between secluded retreats and refined hotel living, making it an emblem of quiet sophistication.

But Regent Karuizawa represents more than a new chapter in IHG’s portfolio—it also illustrates the growing alignment between ultra-luxury hospitality and regenerative principles. Karuizawa’s protected landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and rising popularity as a wellness destination provide fertile ground for hotels to move beyond sustainability and embrace regeneration: restoring ecosystems, enriching local communities, and elevating guest well-being through design and operations.

From the perspective of Regenera Luxury, Regent Karuizawa is a compelling case study of how high-end brands can integrate regenerative values into every aspect of the guest experience. Elements such as low-impact architectural integration by Kengo Kuma, the use of natural hot springs, and a wellness-focused offer echo key criteria of the Regenera Luxury Certification—which assesses not just environmental footprint but also social, cultural, and economic contributions to local destinations.

As luxury travelers increasingly seek experiences that are both exclusive and meaningful, properties like Regent Karuizawa highlight the future of the sector. For suppliers, investors, and developers, this signals a strategic shift: premium amenities, interior design, and technology must now serve not only aesthetics and comfort, but also the long-term restoration of place—the hallmark of the new regenerative luxury paradigm.

By connecting the vision of Regent Karuizawa with the standards promoted by Regenera Luxury, we see how flagship resorts can act as catalysts for a new kind of tourism: one that delivers high-end hospitality while actively enhancing the environments and communities that make destinations extraordinary.

Rendering of the Upcoming Regent Karuizawa© IHG