Banyan Tree opens Japan hotels

Hilltop views from Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto.

Luxury hospitality group Banyan Tree is opening no fewer than five new properties in Japan. This is the first time Banyan Tree has entered the Japanese market.

Locations include three hotels in Kyoto, one on the shores of Lake Ashino and a ski property in Niseko.

New ski property

Cassia Hirafu is set to launch in 2025 in Japan’s most popular ski resort and just minutes from Hirafu ski slope. The property will offer 50 resort keys, plus 113 keys for residential accommodation.

In Kyoto, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto is located in the Gion and Higashiyama district and is slated to open in spring 2024. With 52 rooms, the hilltop urban resort boasts views over Kyoto city and is the first and only hotel in the city to have a Noh stage (an open-plan performance space for Noh, a form of classical Japanese dance-drama).

Dhawa Yura Kyoto opened last month beside Sanjo Ohashi bridge, once the final station on the ancient Tokaido Road from Tokyo. The 138-room property has been designed to reflect the building’s historic ties and also offers an 8lement Spa.

Historic hotel locations

Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto is a 25-year property that also launched last month, located in front of the UNESCO World Heritage Nijo Castle. Expect lush views, seasonal cuisine and a wellbeing room.

And Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone is slated to open in 2026, with a hot spring and views of Mount Fuji.

“We’re pleased with our strategic entry into Japan, in line with the government’s recent decision to ease international tourism in the country,” said Eddy See, president and chief executive officer of Banyan Tree Group.

Japan recently tentatively reopened its borders, welcoming tour groups from certain countries and territories, including Hong Kong and Singapore. From last month, travellers can enter as part of a guided tour group and with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel.

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