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Marriott Signs Second Courtyard Hotel in Osaka, Japan
Marriott has signed a deal to open a second Courtyard hotel in Osaka, Japan.
Aman to Open Luxury Resort in Kyoto, Japan
Aman has signed a deal with Kyoto Resorts, a subsidiary of the Chartered Group, to manage a luxurious new property in Kyoto, Japan, Aman's third resort in Japan.Scheduled to open 1 November 2019, the Aman Kyoto is situated in a hidden garden close to Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion).The resort, with 24 rooms and two two-bedroom villas, draws on the country's ryokan (traditional inn) and onsen (hot spring) concepts to provide an authentic yet contemporary Kyoto sanctuary surrounded by nature.Unlocking the secrets of Japan's ancient Imperial capital, Aman Kyoto and its secret garden are just a stone's throw from the city's 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, yet feel a world away.The 80-acre Aman Kyoto site comprises 72 acres of permanent forest and eight acres of exquisite gardens lovingly tended over many decades by the previous owner of the site, who was one of Japan's most respected collectors of the obi (the ornamental sash for a traditional Japanese kimono). His unrealised aim was to house his collection in a textile museum to be built within the garden. Aman is honoured to be the garden's next custodian, giving it a fresh lease of life and protecting its fragile grounds for decades to come.The garden is formed as a series of manicured platforms, impeccably kept through the years, within a hidden valley, enclosed on one side by a small stream, and on another by a wooded hill. An ethereal landscape of mature trees, which change colour through the year, transports the garden from one season to another. The platforms, originally intended as locations for the buildings of the museum, now provide the foundations for the sensitively designed pavilions of the resort.Moss-covered stone pathways laid down by the creator of the garden, some edged in massive cut-stone borders, traverse the site. Graceful garden stairways and pathways lead guests to the upper platforms, and are bordered with colourful yama momiji maples and kitayama-sugi (Japanese cedar) planted in avenues. The garden is cleverly designed to self-irrigate through the collection of rainwater via the site's numerous hidden caves and water tunnels.Within the formal lawn in the centre of the site, large granite boulders, originally selected as sculptures by the former owner, define and hold court over the space. The tranquility and drama of this setting, magnified by the breeze in the trees, has inspired the respectful architectural design of Aman Kyoto.Exemplary in its simplicity, the resort is an architectural masterpiece brought into being by Kerry Hill Architects, who designed both Aman Tokyo and Amanemu.Consisting of a series of standalone pavilions, each with a distinct function, Aman Kyoto includes separate Arrival, Living, Dining and Spa Pavilions, four Guest Pavilions housing 24 guest rooms offering leafy seclusion with garden-or-stream views, and two separate Pavilions overlooking the forest canopy housing a pair of two-bedroom villas of unparalleled luxury.Each of Aman Kyoto's 24 guest rooms and two villas is a contemporary reimagining of the traditional ryokan. Strikingly minimalist in their design, the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows framing the spectacular natural surroundings, tatami mats covering the floors, and tokonoma (alcoves where items for artistic appreciation are presented) providing a subtle focal point. The interiors are spacious and light-filled - ingeniously crafted to foster peace, relaxation and contemplation.The colour palette for interiors is neutral, complementing the work of local artisans: handmade raku tile panels grace the Living Pavilion and custom-made ceramic tiles decorate the restaurant. The ofuro bathtubs in each guest room are made of hinoki cypress wood, native to central Japan. All furniture pieces, including traditional Japanese lanterns, have been custom-designed and are exclusive to Aman Kyoto. Carefully selected artefacts, whether vases, artworks or antiques, have been individually selected for each space, celebrating the refined aesthetic and creative values of Japan.Aman Kyoto's signature restaurant in the Dining Pavilion will be a landmark addition to one of Japan's most celebrated gastronomical regions. Showcasing Japanese haute cuisine, multicourse dining experiences will make use of the finest hand-picked local produce. The convivial Living Pavilion with its central fireplace and glass doors opening onto the zen (ornate stone garden) will be no less inspired. Home-cooked Kyoto obanzai-style cuisine will be served throughout the day, and guests can also enjoy afternoon tea and reserve bamboo picnic hampers to be enjoyed al-fresco in the garden or forest glades. The garden itself is ideal for outdoor events, from small private dinners and functions, to weddings, yoga and mindfulness sessions.The natural spring water that flows near Aman Kyoto is central to the philosophy at the resort's Aman Spa, and something of a rarity in the region. Traditional onsen bathing facilities, using the water from a local spring, deliver relaxation and healing in their purest forms, while a range of treatments tap into Japan's plentiful natural apothecary - including Kyoto green tea, Tanba kuromame (black beans), local saké, and cold-pressed tsubaki (camellia) oil.
SureStay Hotel Group® Makes Japanese Debut with Opening of Brand New Hotel in Osaka
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts has launched its exciting new SureStay Hotel Group concept in Japan with the opening of a brand new hotel in Osaka.
Pacifica Capital to Open Japan’s First “Fairfield by Marriott” Summer 2020 in Osaka
Namba Hospitality K.K., a 100% subsidiary of Tokyo-based Pacifica Capital K.K., has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International to open the first "Fairfield by Marriott" in Japan. Construction of the 300-room "Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba" commenced January 2019 and the hotel is expected to open in summer 2020. At completion of construction, Namba Hospitality K.K. will lease the building from the owner and operate the hotel.
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Expands in Japan with the Opening of Brand New Hotel in Downtown Osaka
Best Western Hotels & Resorts has celebrated the launch of a brand new hotel in the heart of Osaka, Japan's second largest city, commercial center and culinary capital.
The Luxury Collection Debuts IRAPH SUI On Okinawa's Irabu Island
The Luxury Collection®, part of Marriott International, Inc., today announced the opening of the 58-room IRAPH SUI, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Miyako Okinawa, marking the third Luxury Collection property in Japan. Owned by Mori Trust Co. Ltd., IRAPH SUI is a stunning seafront property that overlooks the warm pristine waters of Japan's southern Okinawa islands.
Marriott Signs First Aloft Hotel in Japan
Marriott has signed the first Aloft hotel in Japan. The new-build Aloft Tokyo Ginza is scheduled to open in spring 2020, just in time for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Four Seasons Hotels And Resorts And Berjaya To Introduce New Resort And Residences In Japan
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world's leading luxury hospitality company, and Berjaya Okinawa Development Co. Ltd. ("Berjaya Okinawa"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysian group Berjaya Land Berhad ("BLand"), which in turn is a subsidiary of Berjaya Corporation Berhad ("BCorp"), today announced its new development on the island of Okinawa. The project will debut as part of the development's master plan as Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Okinawa.
Hard Rock International Unveils Full-Scale Model of its World-Class Entertainment Resort Concept to Japan
Jim Allen, chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International, revealed a full-scale model of Hard Rock Japan's World-Class Entertainment Resort concept during Hokkaido's Integrated Resort Showcase on January 09. Key elements of the design include monorail access from Chitose International Airport, Hard Rock's signature guitar-shaped hotel, a Four Seasons Resort, a Hard Rock Live venue, multipurpose Broadway-style theaters, a state-of-the-art wellness center and more than 215,000 square feet of world-class retail and dining space. The new design also features an authentic Ainu village experience, designed to help raise awareness for the local indigenous Ainu people and educate those who visit the proposed Japan Hard Rock Resort destination in the city of Tomakomai.
Japan's New 'Sayonara' Tax on Travelers Is Here
Thanks to a bevy of flight deals and new routes, it's now easier than ever to get to Japan — but it also just got slightly more expensive to leave the country once you've had your fill of Tokyo sushi, Okinawa beaches, and Kyoto temples. On Monday, the country began collecting a "sayonara" tax from visitors. The new fee of ¥1,000 ($9.23) will be tacked onto plane and ship transportation fares of all passengers when booking, regardless of nationality.
Airbnb, HomeAway and Others Form International Vacation Rental Group in Japan
The big vacation rental players have formed an association in Japan, with the blessing of the Japan Tourism Agency. It may be a model for other Asian countries to follow.
Pullman Tokyo Tamachi, The Brand Introduces Its First Address On Japanese Soil
Pullman Tokyo Tamachi… this is the name of the first Pullman address in Japan. In the heart of the capital, it connects the international style of the brand with a delicate touch of Japanese art and culture.
Red Planet to Invest up to 22 Billion Yen Into New Hotels Through Japan Joint Venture With GreenOak
Red Planet Japan Inc. (3350:JP) today announced the formation of a joint venture with funds managed by GreenOak Investment Management K.K., the Japanese arm of GreenOak Real Estate, that will develop Red Planet branded hotels in select city centres throughout Japan.
Yuji Tanaka has been named General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo announced the appointment of Yuji Tanaka as the propertys new general manager. Tanaka comes with 30 years of hotelier experience, the more recent of which as a general manager at other luxury properties.
Marriott and Sekisui House Announce 15 New Fairfield By Marriott Properties by 2021
Marriott International, Inc., today announced the signing of 12 Fairfield by Marriott hotels across five prefectures in Japan Kyoto, Wakayama, Mie, Gifu and Tochigi in a long-standing collaboration with Japanese real estate developer, Sekisui House; in total, an anticipated 15 hotels will be signed by next year. All properties are expected to open by 2021, with the first dozen hotels scheduled to open in late 2020. All properties are expected to open by 2021, with the first dozen hotels scheduled to open in late 2020. With more visitors exploring Japans lesser known destinations, these upcoming Fairfield by Marriott Hotels will give travelers access to remote destinations whilst ensuring that guests can count on the international brands standards of warm hospitality and inviting spaces with each and every stay.
Toy Story Themed Hotel at Tokyo Disney Resort
A new hotel to be built within the Tokyo Disney Resort will feature the Toy Story film series. (Provided by Oriental Land Co.)
Hospitality Market in Japan Increasingly Bifurcated between High- and Low-End Options
The hotel industry in Japan is evolving, with new lodging models emerging, some of which incorporate elements of the burgeoning sharing economy. A panel of real estate and hotel experts at the ULI Japan Fall Conference, held in Tokyo in November, discussed the capsule hotel and other models in Japan.
Pre-olympic Hotel Building Boom Also Needs To Consider Post-olympic Downsides
With the anticipation of high demand in 2020, particularly during the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics scheduled for July and August, Japan's capital has been seeing a boom in new hotels, Shukan Jitsuwa (Dec 6) reports.
Tavinos' Opening First Hotel Under Brand in Tokyo
Tavinos' design concept is based on Japanese pop culture, with eye-popping Manga (animation), covering the hotel. The stylish guest rooms, 12 square meters/129 square feet on average, are minimally furnished with smart storage to maximize space. Continental breakfast will be available in the spacious lobby lounge, also serving as a communal area for guests to meet and mingle. An AI concierge will provide local information and matching for guests interested in similar activities. Fujita Kanko will open the first 188-room Tavinos in Hamamatsu-cho, Tokyo, in August 2019, followed by the second 278-room Tavinos in Asakusa, Tokyo, in May, 2020.