HVS Asia Pacific Hospitality Newsletter - Week Ending 10 April 2026

Tokyo Capsule Hotel Sold to Daiwa House for JPY2.72 Billion, Japan

Bauhinia Hotels Group Japan 2, a joint-venture company of Optimal Trade Holdings Limited, indirectly owned by Hong Kong-based companies, Chinney Investments Limited (“CIL”) and Hon Kwok Land Investment Company Limited (“Hon Kwok”), has entered into an agreement to sell a capsule hotel in Tokyo, Japan, to Japan-based Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd. (“Daiwa House”) for JPY2.72 billion on a vacant possession basis. The property comprises 161 capsules and five rooms, with a gross floor area of approximately 1,316 square metres (“sqm”), and reportedly generated rental income of around HKD3.6 million for the fiscal year 2025. The vehicle acquired the property in August 2023 for JPY1.57 billion, and the sale represents a 73.2% increase in value. The property is located within walking distance of Asakusa Station and Tawaramachi Station, providing connectivity to the wider parts of Tokyo.

CREAL Acquires Prince Smart Inn Osaka Yodoyabashi in Osaka, Japan

Japan-based CREAL Inc. (“CREAL”) has acquired the 312-key Prince Smart Inn Osaka Yodoyabashi through a special purpose vehicle for an undisclosed amount. The property occupies a site of approximately 1,406 sqm and comprises a total gross floor area of 12,679 sqm across 19 levels, including three basement floors. On-site facilities include a restaurant and a self-service laundrette. Located at Yodoyabashi, the hotel is situated a one-minute walk from Yodoyabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, providing direct connectivity to Osaka’s core business and commercial districts. 

South Korea Introduces Expanded Multiple-Entry Visas for Chinese Nationals

Effective 1 April 2026, the Korean Embassy in China has announced expanded visa policies for Chinese nationals visiting South Korea. Chinese travellers who have previously visited South Korea will now be eligible for a five-year multiple-entry visa. In addition, applicants residing in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and ten other major cities, as well as employees of companies that have invested at least USD1 million in South Korea, may apply for a 10-year multiple-entry visa. The policy is intended to encourage repeat visitation among Chinese travellers, whose repeat visit rate stood at 54.3% in Q4 2025, below that of Japan (76.5%) and Thailand (79.2%). It also aims to stimulate demand amid rising competition from Southeast Asian destinations and elevated airfares. The move builds on the recovery in Chinese outbound travel to South Korea, with arrivals reaching 5.48 million in 2025.