Accor Opens MGallery Hotel in Kyoto, Japan
Accor has expanded its portfolio of hotels in Japan with the opening of the MGallery Kyoto Yura Hotel.
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Hirofumi Nakano has been appointed as General Manager at Shiji Japan
Shiji is honored to appoint Mr. Hirofumi Nakano as General Manager of Shiji Japan to manage the sales and operations of the office.
FAUCHON Hospitality Expands Boutique Hotel Collection with Second Property to Open in Kyoto, Japan
FAUCHON Hospitality, which debuted its first hotel in Paris in September of 2018, will open a second property in Kyoto, Japan, it was announced today by Jacques-Olivier Chauvin, President and CEO. FAUCHON has been a well-known brand in Japan for the past 47 years, and currently manages 28 shops, two cafes, and two bakeries with cafes throughout the country.
The Labour Challenge for Japan’s Casino Resorts
Integrated casino resorts are moving closer to becoming a reality in Japan. While the Integrated Resort (IR) Implementation Bill was passed by Japan's Diet last summer, it is anyone's guess as to when the actual licenses, expected to be granted in Osaka, Tokyo, and Yokohama, will be awarded. In addition to one or two local Japanese firms such as Sega Sammy and Konami, the likes of global casino players MGM, Las Vegas Sands, Wynn and Caesars, are all pitching and lobbying furiously to win one of the coveted sites. Forecast to become the second largest gaming market in the world after Macau, and at least twice as large as Singapore, Japan has tentatively edged over the last few years towards legalising casino resorts while at the same time seeking to impose certain limitations in order to appease a nation concerned with the dangers of gambling addiction. Industry and government are making a concerted effort to overturn a negative perception of gaming and to better educate the general public on what exactly an IR comprises. In other words, pitching them as large scale entertainment venues centred on a comparatively small casino - in fact only up to 3% of floor space will be devoted to gaming. The huge amounts of patience, money and resources required on the part of these hopeful casino groups to get this far in the bidding process gives some idea as to the size of the potential payoff that is on offer.
By Chris Mumford, Managing Director, AETHOS Consulting Group
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt Brand to Bring Luxury Hotel Experience to Japan's Historic Racing Circuit
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Towa Real Estate Co. Ltd., an affiliate of TOYOTA Group, to develop a 120-key hotel at the Fuji Speedway, Japan's historic racing circuit. Slated to open in 2022, the project will be the first in Japan under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand and the first hotel in the world to be built by Towa Real Estate.
Hilton Sapporo Park Set to Open in 2023
today announced that the company entered into a franchise agreement with GRANVISTA Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd. to open Hilton Sapporo Park in 2023 as a part of reconstruction project for the current Sapporo Park Hotel. This is the second Hilton property in Hokkaido, following Hilton Niseko Village. The hotel will be managed by GRANVISTA Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd.
Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Richesse Management, Inc. announce the first Banyan Tree hotel in Japan
Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, and Richesse Management, Inc. today announce the signing of a hotel management agreement to operate the first Banyan Tree hotel in Japan upon the redevelopment of Hotel Ryozen (Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto). Located in the centre of Kyoto - the "Thousand-year Capital", and steeped in its rich culture with World Heritage temples and museum, the new hotel will be the first and only luxury international brand hotel with onsen facilities in the heart of Kyoto City.
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.