Design concept

Exterior design
The vertical and horizontal louvres are inspired by the lattice work of “Ajiro” wood weaving pattern representative of the parquet motif from traditional Hakone Arts & Craft which originated at the end of the Edo period. The entrance has a simple and minimalist design in the image of a Hakone villa, to keep the arriving guests in anticipation of the next sequence through the lobby.

Interior / FF & E Design
Haku-undo tea house at Gora Park is made by one of the three more recent tea masters from Odawara region. It remains a valuable example of the “country house” that will serve as a “blueprint” of the old wooden village farmhouses, which it was rebuilt upon in latter style. The interior space thus pays homage to this informal country house approach as its main theme for the entire hotel, including the details in the lobby space to the guest room amenities. Furthermore, such an approach seems most appropriate as indeed named, “Gora”, evokes the motifs of natural rugged rocks which surrounds the area, complimented by the tree-lined cherry blossoms in Hayakawa, and some elements taken from the historic photo studio in front of Gora station. The spectacle of lights from the fireflies in summer which can be viewed from the parquet lined outdoor decking is just one of the playful gestures which engages the guest to fully indulge in local surrounding and its ambience in truly experiencing this Indigo hotel in Hakone, Japan.