- Interior
- Architecture & development
KUON is tucked in the green hills of Hakone Gora, a retreat where time slows and the world feels calmer. The hotel was created for rest and reflection. It is a place where guests can step away from the city and where every detail, from the way light falls across a wall to the texture of the furniture, shapes the experience. Here, luxury is quiet. It is not about showing off, but about feeling at ease and finding your own calm.
The hotel was designed by negu inc., led by architectural designer Kenta Nagai. The studio sees a space as more than walls and objects. It is the way light, sound, movement, and people come together. They arrange these elements carefully so that everything feels balanced and in harmony. The result is a space that invites guests to slow down, feel at ease, and connect with themselves. 
Low, ground-level perspectives open the body and mind, and warm materials like local Komatsu stone, plaster, wood, and copper create a comforting, tactile environment
KUON reflects this approach. The hotel blends naturally into Hakone Gora’s landscape, respecting the original structure while creating a fresh, inviting atmosphere. The interiors are neither strictly Japanese nor Western, but carry a subtle sense of place all their own. Low, ground-level perspectives open the body and mind, and warm materials like local Komatsu stone, plaster, wood, and copper create a comforting, tactile environment. At the entrance, a large stone block grounds the space and all furniture is custom-made to feel personal and welcoming. The two tea lounges offer different moods: one frames the view of Gora like a painting, perfect for quiet reflection, while the other is a cozy, intimate corner for two.
The guestrooms continue this balance of openness and retreat. Concept rooms extend into open-air baths and verandas, letting in fresh air and greenery, while bed areas soften light and adjust ceiling heights to feel calm and enclosed. Standard rooms center around a sofa designed like a large zabuton, blending traditional Japanese floor living with Western furniture. Every surface, every gesture, from lighting to layout, is meant to make the space feel comfortable and special. 
KUON Hakone Gora shows that contemporary luxury does not need to be flashy. Every detail is designed to help guests relax and feel at ease. It is a place where time slows down, and simple, quiet moments become memorable experiences. 
Design Collaboration: ASATOYORU
Branding Design: terminal Inc.
Construction : ZYCC CORPORATION
Furniture : Mirai-sousakujo
Art Object : diorama
Landscape/Plants: Yard Works Inc.
Lighting Plan : aurora inc. /MAXRAY INC.
Photography by JUNPEI KATO
Text by Ellen De Meyer