Kyoto’s hotels see conditions improve for fourth month

According to the Kyoto City Tourism Association, hotel occupancy rates are slowly on the rise as the historic former capital recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Conditions have improved for the past four months, and Japanese guest numbers are close to 80% of what they were pre-pandemic.

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Waldorf Astoria to open first hotel in Japan in 2026

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is opening Japan’s first Waldorf-branded hotel in Tokyo in 2026. The hotel will occupy the 39th ~ 47th floors within the Nihonbashi 1 Chome Central District Redevelopment.

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US$600million+ resort condo development for Niseko

Another week, another multi-billion Yen project announced for Niseko. Singapore-based Shenning Investments is developing a luxury Capella-branded resort in Niseko’s Hanazono district with a planned opening in 2024 ~ 2025. The total cost of the project has not been disclosed but some have estimated it to be over 70 billion Yen (approx. 664 million USD).

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10 billion Yen resort development for Hanazono, Niseko

Apex Property Limited, a Hong Kong developer founded by two female entrepreneurs, is launching a major resort and holiday villa project in Niseko’s Hanazono district.

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100-room condo resort planned for Niseko

A large-scale condominium and resort-style project is planned for the winter ski town of Niseko. Construction is scheduled to start next year, with completion expected in winter 2023.

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Historic villa in Hayama to open as holiday rental

The villa pictured in 2015, before the restoration.

A historic 1920s villa in Hayama has been restored and will open up as a short-term holiday rental next month.

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Troubles continue for Japan’s hotel industry

Several bumper years of growth for Japan’s hotel and tourism industry were brought to a swift end this year as foreign tourists were locked out by international travel bans. Domestic tourism also remains sluggish despite some efforts by the government to subsidize travelers.

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