New hotel for Akasaka-Mitsuke

Mori Trust is planning a 26-story mixed-use hotel and office tower for the corner of the Akasaka-Mitsuke intersection in Tokyo. Construction is scheduled to start in August 2022 with completion expected by February 2025.

Read more


Modernist city hall priced too cheaply, critics say

The former Yokohama City Hall, designed by famed architect Togo Murano and built in 1959, is still awaiting a final decision regarding its fate with some arguing that it has been priced too low.

Read more


Hamamatsucho Building redevelopment kicks off after a delayed start

The official groundbreaking ceremony for the Shibaura 1 Chome Project was held on September 28. This project will see the former Hamamatsucho Building replaced with two 235-meter tall towers.

Read more


New brand moves into historic hotel in Otaru

Boutique ryokan developer and operator Hoshino Resorts has taken over a bankrupt hotel in Otaru, Hokkaido, with plans to re-open it this winter under their OMO brand.

Read more


Foreign buyers battle for Seibu’s hotels

In the few months since news broke of Seibu Holdings’ plan to offload some of its hotels, Blackstone Group and an investment fund affiliated with Morgan Stanley have emerged as possible buyers. Negotiations are expected to conclude by the end of the year.

Read more


Luxury hotelier to pay 1.5 billion Yen for historic site in Kyoto

The operator of a luxury, boutique hotel in Hakone has been selected as the successful bidder for a historically significant site in Kyoto City.

Read more


Historic villa in Kyoto sold last month

A Kyoto-based asset management and real estate company acquired a historic ryotei-style restaurant in the city’s Higashiyama district in July.

Read more