The Ritz-Carlton, which is part of the Marriott Bonvoy group of hotels, has announced the opening of its new hotel in Fukuoka, Japan. The luxury hotel is located in the tallest building in the city's commercial district and aims to bring its renowned service and modern style to one of Japan's rapidly developing cities known for its start-up scene and rich cultural heritage.
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 introduction of The Ritz-Carlton 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 further stated that they are delighted to expand their luxury presence in Japan by entering a new and promising destination like Fukuoka.
Fukuoka used to be an important stop along the Silk Road trade routes, and today it serves as a major connection between Japan and the rest of Asia. The city is well-known for its annual festivals, such as the Hakata Gion Yamakasa summer festival that has been celebrated for 800 years and is recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. In addition to these festivities, Fukuoka also boasts beautiful beaches, natural parks, and historical sites like the Shofukuji temple from the 12th century and the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is conveniently located next to the trendy area of Tenjin, which is the vibrant center of the city and a growing technology hub filled with shops, bars, cafés, and nightlife. It takes about 15 minutes by car or public transportation to reach Hakata Station, Hakata Port, or Fukuoka Airport from this area, providing convenient connections to Tokyo.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is located on the top nine floors of a 25-story glass tower designed by Kume Sekkei of Tokyo. The interior design and artwork of the hotel, overseen by Layan Architects + Designers from Melbourne, draw inspiration from Fukuoka's traditional craft of yarn-dyed silk and kimono weaving, known as "Hakata-ori". Local artisans have contributed folding screens, sculptures, paintings, and woven textiles to the overall design, creating a cohesive narrative. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the Genkai Sea and surrounding hills, enhancing the sense of place for guests.
The hotel has 167 spacious guestrooms on the 19th to 23rd floors, with each room being 50 square meters in size. There are also 20 suites available, starting at nearly 550 square feet. Some rooms, called Fukuoka Skyline rooms, offer panoramic views of the city, while others, called Park View rooms, have views of the greenery in Ohori Park. The Bay View rooms have views of Hakata Bay and the passing ships. The Presidential Suite is almost 1,500 square feet in size and includes a dining room and kitchen for private meals. The Ritz-Carlton Suite is over 2,000 square feet and also features a dining room and kitchen.
On the 24th floor, there is The Ritz-Carlton Club, which is a private area for guests who are staying in the club and suite categories. The club offers five culinary presentations every day, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d'oeuvres, and cordials. It also has a bar and a private room, making it a convenient location for both business and social gatherings. Live jazz performances are held every Saturday night, and the dedicated concierge service ensures that guests receive personalized care from the moment they make their reservation until they check out.
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The hotel features four restaurants and two bars that showcase the diverse food culture of Fukuoka. Viridis offers creative Western cuisine made from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Genjyu highlights three of Japan's top culinary traditions – kaiseki, sushi, and teppanyaki – in a stylish setting. The Lobby Lounge & Bar provides a welcoming space for guests to enjoy refreshments and light meals throughout the day. Bay, inspired by the ships passing through Hakata Bay, offers original cocktails and delicious chargrilled dishes and tapas, all to be enjoyed on its terrace with stunning views. Diva is a sophisticated yet relaxed café that serves light meals, indulgent desserts, and afternoon tea, featuring the renowned green teas of Kyushu.
The spa at The Ritz-Carlton is situated on the 24th floor and offers a range of luxurious treatments using local ingredients and ESPA products. Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool with a beautiful view of the bay, as well as a gymnasium that offers stunning city views. The hotel also provides child-friendly amenities and activities through their Ritz Kids program, including guided excursions and craft experiences that focus on nature, exploration, responsibility, and culture to engage young travelers and make their visit more enjoyable.
The hotel has two banquet venues on the third floor, namely the Ritz-Carlton Studio and Ritz-Carlton Ballroom. These venues can be easily adjusted to accommodate different types of events such as breakout sessions, board meetings, and other gatherings. The Ballroom is equipped with a LED screen, which allows for impressive film and video presentations. Additionally, the hotel's Chapel, also located on the third floor, combines elements of both Western and Japanese influences to provide a beautiful setting for wedding ceremonies.
Radu Cernia, the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, expressed excitement about the opening of the hotel and the opportunity to provide exceptional care and service to guests. The team of staff members, known as Ladies and Gentlemen, are eager to create memorable experiences for guests. Whether guests are interested in exploring the local start-up scene or immersing themselves in Fukuoka's unique culture and cuisine, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is ready to welcome them and ensure they have an unforgettable stay.
To obtain additional details, please go to the website https://www.ritzcarlton.com/fukuoka.
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