Togo Murano-designed hotel in Kyoto to close its doors

Hotel Rubino Kyoto Horikawa will permanently close next March as the prolonged pandemic takes its toll. The hotel was designed by iconic modernist architect Togo Murano and opened in 1972.

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Revisiting small hotel listings now that borders are about to reopen

Starting October 11, Japan’s inbound tourism restrictions introduced during the pandemic will be fully lifted with entry procedures returning to pre-pandemic norms. With inbound tourism about to kick into high gear, let’s take an updated look at the smaller hotels that have been listed for sale recently. A note to readers: you won’t find information published online about larger or higher quality assets available for purchase as information on those listings cannot be shared publicly.

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Details released for new high-rise in Miyamasuzaka 

Details of a 180-meter high-rise for the eastern side of Shibuya Station have been published by the Cabinet Office. The Miyamasuzaka District Redevelopment will see a 33-story office and hotel tower built on the northern side of Miyamasuzaka Street.

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Resort that sold for 11,000 Yen to be transformed into luxury hotel

An onsen resort that cost 4.17 billion Yen to develop during Japan’s bubble years sold last year for just 11,000 Yen (approx. US$100 at the time).

Why did it sell for such a low price?

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Hokkaido city struggling with abandoned buildings

A hotel near Kushiro Station that has been closed since 2012.

Kushiro City in Hokkaido is struggling with a growing number of vacant and seemingly-abandoned buildings in the city center.

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Mampei Hotel to undergo 18-month refurbishment

The historic Mampei Hotel in Karuizawa will temporarily close from January 2023 to undergo an 18-month restoration and refurbishment. It is scheduled to re-open in 2024 to mark its 130-year anniversary.

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Shibuya Upper West Project Details Released

On July 21, Tokyu Corporation and L Catterton Real Estate (a US-based investment company) released details of their planned redevelopment of the Tokyu Department Store in Shibuya. The joint venture will see a 164.8-meter tall mixed-use high-rise containing retail, a small luxury hotel, and high-grade rental apartments.

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