Hilton is accelerating the expansion of its luxury LXR Hotels & Resorts brand in Japan, with plans to add a landmark heritage hotel in Tokyo and a new luxury resort in Hakone.
The move will grow LXR's presence beyond its existing Japanese flagship, Roku Kyoto, which became the brand's debut property in the country in 2021.
Now, a Tokyo landmark is set to officially join the LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio by 2027. Owned by global investment firm Brookfield and managed by Hilton, the near-century-old Hotel Gajoen in the Meguro district will enter a new phase following a series of enhancements to guestrooms and facilities. Rooms and restaurants are expected to resume operations from mid-2026.
Regarded as one of Tokyo’s most iconic hospitality addresses, the hotel is home to Hyakudan Kaidan, or the Hundred-Step Staircase, a designated Tangible Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the only remaining wooden structure from the original hotel.
When it reopens, the hotel will feature 60 guestrooms, including suites exceeding 100sqm, alongside five dining venues, a spa, fitness centre and approximately 5,700sqm of meetings and event space. Situated near Meguro Station, the property also overlooks the cherry blossom-lined Meguro River.
Meanwhile, Hilton announced another LXR Hotels & Resorts signing in Hakone Gora, which will mark the group’s debut in the hot spring destinations.
Scheduled to open in summer 2028, the newbuild, yet-to-be-named resort will be developed with The Sankei Building and Haseko Real Estate Development.
Located within the Momijidani area of Hakone, the resort will overlook forested landscapes and natural hot springs, with nearby attractions including the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Museum of Art and Gora Park. The property will sit within walking distance of Koen-Kami Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car line, around 90 minutes from central Tokyo.