Hakone Tozan Railway's "Night Hydrangea Train" to Begin Operation on Saturday, June 13th; Visitors to be Welcomed with Ryokan-style Hospitality at Gora Station

Hakone Gora Karaku (Location: Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture; General Manager: Tomo Wakayama) will offer hospitality with staff dressed in yukata, accompanied by the Hakone Gora Tourism Association's mascot character "Goran," on the first day of operation for the reserved-seat train "Night Hydrangea Train" by Hakone Tozan Railway. They will greet arriving guests with "Welcome to Hakone Gora" and offer tea and sweets.

Karaku promotes regional co-creation, advocating for coexistence and mutual prosperity with the community. This initiative, conducted on behalf of the Hakone Gora Tourism Association on the launch day of the "Night Hydrangea Train," a special train timed with the hydrangea season, aims to enhance the visitor experience through welcoming services at Gora Station.

Karaku's General Manager, Wakayama, stated, "We are delighted that our facility, located just a few minutes' walk from Gora Station, can represent the ryokans and hotels in the Gora area and welcome guests arriving in Gora. We would be very pleased if this initiative contributes to enhancing the overall appeal and creating vibrancy in Gora."

The "Night Hydrangea Train" runs amidst hydrangeas coloring the railway line.

Event Outline

An hospitality event will be held in front of Gora Station to coincide with the start of operations.

On the day, staff in yukata, along with the Hakone Gora Tourism Association's mascot character "Goran," will offer tea and sweets, welcoming everyone with Hakone's unique and atmospheric hospitality.

Venue: In front of Hakone Tozan Railway Gora Station

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM *Limited quantity, ends when supplies run out.

We look forward to your coverage on the day.

For media inquiries, please contact our PR representatives: Shinohara, Tanimoto, Yamaguchi at 0460-83-8700.

Regional Co-creation Initiatives at Hakone Gora Karaku

In recent years, the rainy season has been considered a period of low tourist demand. However, in Hakone, efforts are being made to create reasons for visits by leveraging seasonal resources, particularly the "Hydrangea Train." By linking with these regional contents, Karaku aims to enhance the value of the station as a starting point for experiences, strengthen the promotion of the region's charm, and contribute to the overall value of the Gora area. This initiative, in collaboration with the Gora Tourism Association, aims to create tourism demand during the rainy season on a community-wide basis. It will be developed as a "regional co-creation model" that integrates not only accommodation facilities but also railways, tourism, and the local community.

About Hakone Gora Karaku

Located on a high plateau at the eastern end, close to Gora Station, Karaku features private open-air hot spring baths in all rooms, private spaces, and exquisite kaiseki and grill courses prepared by the head chef. Additionally, it offers a variety of options for guests to enjoy, including a water terrace, a forest terrace, private baths, observation open-air baths, and a guest lounge. Guests can move freely between these spaces, enjoying a relaxing time where "bright vitality" is born.

About Karaku:

Karaku is a luxury ryokan resort created for all guests to spend their time as they wish, in their own way. With the brand concept "A place where bright vitality is born," we deliver the finest experiences by valuing considerate hospitality and various "spaces (AWAI)," pursuing the essence without compromise. Karaku, launched as the flagship brand of ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS, has had both its facilities, "Hakone Gora Karaku" and "Atami Izusan Karaku," selected for "1 Michelin Key" for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025.

About Sustainability Initiatives:

All 20 facilities operated or supported by ORIX Hotel Management, including 14 ryokans and hotels under ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS, are promoting sustainability initiatives based on five key themes: "Consideration for the Environment," "Comfortable Stays," "Coexistence with the Community," "Creating a Workplace with a Sense of Purpose," and "Fair Business Practices." We will continue to practice sustainable facility management, creating new vitality with the community while cherishing hospitality tailored to each guest.

https://www.orixhotelsandresorts.com/sustainability/

About ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS:

ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS is the brand for the ryokan and hotel operation business of ORIX Hotel Management Corporation. With a wide range of categories, from luxury to casual, encompassing both ryokans and hotels, we offer experiences tailored to the various life stages of our guests, aiming to provide "places you'll want to visit again." We are scheduled to open "Cross Hotel Tokyo Asakusa" in July 2026, and currently operate 15 ryokans and hotels across 6 brands, from Hokkaido in the north to Fukuoka and Oita in the south.

ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS Official Website: https://www.orixhotelsandresorts.com/

ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS Official Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/orix_hotels_and_resorts/

Inquiries Regarding This Press Release

ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS

PR Department, Izu/Hakone Area

Akiko Shinohara ([email protected])

Shiori Tanimoto ([email protected])

Yako Yamaguchi ([email protected])