Japan’s most iconic mountain has a new neighbour! Opened on 20 July 2025, Gōra Kadan Fuji is the second property from the prestigious Gōra Kadan group, and it offers something very few hotels can: a front-row view of Mount Fuji, framed from almost every angle of the property. The new opening blends contemporary architecture with deep respect for tradition. Designed by Ogitsu Architects Studio with interiors by Aoyama Nomura Design (A.N.D.), the 42 suites and villas are inspired by Japan’s traditional inn, the ryokan, but reimagined with modern comforts. New features include tatami mats, cedar ceilings and shoji screens paired with Fuji-facing balconies, private outdoor onsens, and even villas with their own pool or sauna.
The exclusivity of the venue makes it ideal for groups. The entire property can be taken over, with experiences built around Japan’s extraordinary seasons, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fiery foliage in autumn and snow-dusted panoramas in winter. Here, nature is the star of the show, enhanced by carefully designed spaces like the long columned corridor that draws the eye to Fuji’s summit.
Wellness is another core focus. The onsen hot springs, sourced from 1,500 metres beneath the mountain, flow into both public and private baths, so guests can experience authentic Japanese bathing culture. Beyond that, the Kadan Spa offers treatments rooted in nature, while an 18-metre infinity pool creates a dramatic spot for a sunrise dip. Later this year, the addition of a 36-hole golf course with a clubhouse and Fuji-view terrace will add yet another option for incentive-friendly programmes.
Dining here is an art form in itself. Five restaurants bring together Japanese tradition and international flair, with highlights including kaiseki dining crafted around seasonal ingredients, kappo counter dining for interactive culinary theatre, a Sushi Sho outpost serving premium Edomae sushi, and a teppanyaki experience courtesy of Tokyo’s three-Michelin-starred Kanda. Every meal becomes a celebration of place and provenance, from wasabi cultivated in Fuji’s underground springs to dishes presented on hand-selected ceramics.
Beyond its facilities, Gōra Kadan Fuji is steeped in heritage. The original Gōra Kadan in Hakone, once the summer villa of a branch of Japan’s Imperial Family, has been welcoming guests since 1948 and is a long-standing Relais & Châteaux member. This new chapter carries forward that legacy of elegance, refinement and omotenashi, Japan’s famed spirit of hospitality, into a setting that few destinations can rival. For event planners, it’s hard to imagine a more unique venue for an incentive or leadership retreat than one set against Japan’s most recognisable icon.