The Ritz-Carlton, which is one of the 31 hotel brands under Marriott Bonvoy, has announced the opening of its new hotel in Fukuoka, Japan. Located in the southern region of Kyushu, the luxury hotel is situated in the tallest building of the Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City complex. The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka aims to provide exceptional service and a modern design to one of Japan's rapidly developing cities known for its start-up scene, rich history, traditions, and excellent food culture.
Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury for Marriott International, expressed her excitement about the opening of the seventh Ritz-Carlton hotel in Japan. She mentioned that since the first Ritz-Carlton hotel was introduced in Japan in 1997, the brand has gained a reputation for its exceptional luxury and service, which has been appreciated by both locals and tourists. Edmundson also stated that they are looking forward to enhancing their luxury presence in Japan by venturing into Fukuoka, a promising and upcoming destination.
Fukuoka used to be an important stop along the Silk Road trade routes, and today it continues to be a major gateway connecting Japan with the rest of Asia. The city is well-known for its annual festivals, including the Hakata Gion Yamakasa summer festival, which has a history of 800 years and is recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Aside from these festivities, Fukuoka is also famous for its beautiful beaches, natural parks, and historical sites such as the Shofukuji temple from the 12th century and the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is conveniently located near Tenjin, the vibrant center of the city known for its tech industry, as well as its shops, bars, cafés, and nightlife. This area is just a 15-minute car or public transportation ride away from Hakata Station, Hakata Port, and Fukuoka Airport, which provide transportation links to Tokyo.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is located on the top nine floors of a 25-story glass tower that was designed by Kume Sekkei from Tokyo. The interior design and artwork of the hotel were overseen by Layan Architects + Designers, based in Melbourne. They drew inspiration from Fukuoka's traditional craft of yarn-dyed silk and kimono weaving, known as "Hakata-ori". The hotel incorporates folding screens, sculptures, paintings, and woven textiles created by local artisans into its overall design. Guests can enjoy expansive views of the Genkai Sea and surrounding hills from the hotel, which creates a unique and memorable experience.
The hotel has 167 spacious guestrooms, ranging from 50 square meters to 550 square feet. There are 20 suites available, with some offering stunning views of the city skyline, others overlooking the greenery of Ohori Park, and some with views of Hakata Bay. The Presidential Suite and Ritz-Carlton Suite are the largest, featuring a dining room and kitchen for private meals. On the top floor, The Ritz-Carlton Club is a private area for guests in club and suite categories. It offers five dining options throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, and cordials. The club also has a bar and a private room, making it a convenient venue for business and social gatherings. Guests can enjoy live jazz performances every Saturday night, and a dedicated concierge service is available to assist guests from before arrival until departure.
Prom
The hotel has a variety of dining options that showcase the rich food culture of Fukuoka. The restaurant Viridis offers Western cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients in a creative and sustainable way. Genjyu is a stylish restaurant that highlights three of Japan's best culinary traditions: kaiseki, sushi, and teppanyaki. The Lobby Lounge & Bar is a welcoming space where guests can enjoy refreshments and light meals throughout the day. Bay, inspired by the ships passing through Hakata Bay, offers original cocktails and grilled dishes to be enjoyed on its terrace with stunning views. Diva is a relaxed café that serves light meals, indulgent desserts, and afternoon tea featuring the renowned green teas of Kyushu.
Situated on the 24th floor, the Ritz-Carlton Spa offers various amenities for guests to enjoy. These include an indoor swimming pool that provides a stunning view of the bay, a gymnasium with exceptional city views, and private rooms for guests to indulge in treatments that use local ingredients and ESPA products. Additionally, the hotel provides child-friendly amenities and activities as part of their Ritz Kids program. These activities, such as guided excursions and craft experiences, are designed around the program's four pillars of nature, exploration, responsibility, and culture. This ensures that young travelers can fully experience and appreciate the destination they are visiting.
There are two banquet venues on the third floor of the hotel that can be used for various events. The Ritz-Carlton Studio is 1,100 square feet and the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom is 3,600 square feet. Both venues can be set up in different ways to accommodate breakout sessions, board meetings, and other gatherings. The Ballroom has a LED screen that can be used for impressive film and video presentations. Additionally, the hotel has a Chapel on the third floor that combines Western and Japanese influences for wedding ceremonies.
Radu Cernia, the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, expressed his excitement about the opening of the hotel. He mentioned that the team of staff, known as Ladies and Gentlemen, are eager to provide exceptional care and service to the guests. Whether the guests are interested in exploring the local start-up scene or experiencing the unique culture and cuisine of Fukuoka, the hotel aims to create unforgettable memories for them.
To find out more, please visit the website https://www.ritzcarlton.com/fukuoka.
Holland America Line experiences its busiest day ever for bookings. A unique rockabilly holiday, where clothing is optional, will take place in Jamaica from August 16th to 23rd. Stay updated with the latest news from the hospitality industry by subscribing to our daily newsletter.
The Park Hyatt Dubai has announced the appointment of Cobo as its general manager. In an interview with Breaking Travel News, Kym Barter, the general manager of Atlantis, the Palm, shares insights into his role. Breaking Travel News explores the Ozondjou Track & Trails in Namibia. APT and Travelmarvel have launched a new competition for agents. In other news, the world's first 'clothing optional' rockabilly holiday will take place in Jamaica from August 16th-23rd. Holland America Line experiences its highest booking day in history. Melbourne's former prison has been transformed into a unique urban retreat called The Interlude. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Aviation Impact Accelerator have partnered to accelerate the aviation sector's journey towards net-zero emissions. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) highlights the role of tourism in sustainable development at the UN High-Level Political Forum. A new urban resort in central Vietnam aims to redefine the region's food and beverage offerings. Dona Regis-Prosper from St. Lucia is named the first female Secretary-General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). The Italian National Tourist Board releases the latest news for summer 2023.
