The Ritz-Carlton has opened a new hotel in Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu in Southern Japan. The luxury hotel is located in the tallest tower of the Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City complex in the city's commercial district. The Ritz-Carlton brings its exceptional service and modern design to Fukuoka, a rapidly growing city known for its start-up scene and rich history and culinary culture.
Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury for Marriott International, expressed her excitement about the opening of The Ritz-Carlton's seventh hotel in Japan. She mentioned that since the brand's introduction in Japan in 1997, it has consistently been known for its exceptional luxury and service, loved by both locals and tourists. Edmundson also highlighted the significance of expanding into Fukuoka, a new and growing destination, as a way to enhance their luxury offerings in the country.
Fukuoka used to be an important stop along the Silk Road trade routes, and it continues to serve as a major gateway between Japan and the rest of Asia today. The city is well-known for its annual festivals, including the Hakata Gion Yamakasa summer festival, which has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO for over 800 years. In addition to these festivities, Fukuoka also offers beautiful beaches, natural parks, and historical sites such as the Shofukuji temple from the 12th century and the Fukuoka Castle ruins. The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is conveniently located near Tenjin, the vibrant center of the city and a growing hub for technology, featuring a variety of shops, bars, cafes, and nightlife. This area is just a 15-minute drive or public transportation ride away from Hakata Station, Hakata Port, and Fukuoka Airport, which provide connections to Tokyo.
The uppermost nine floors of a 25-story glass tower in Fukuoka are occupied by The Ritz-Carlton. The tower was designed by Kume Sekkei of Tokyo. Layan Architects + Designers, based in Melbourne, oversaw the hotel's interior design and art, drawing inspiration from Fukuoka's traditional craft of yarn-dyed silk and kimono weaving known as "Hakata-ori". The overall design narrative incorporates folding screens, sculptures, paintings, and woven textiles created by local artisans. The hotel offers expansive views of the Genkai Sea and surrounding hills, providing a unique and exceptional sense of place.
The hotel has 167 spacious guestrooms on the 19th to 23rd floors, which measure 50 square meters. Among these, there are 20 suites that start at almost 550 square feet. The Fukuoka Skyline rooms provide expansive views of the city, while the Park View rooms offer a pleasant view of Ohori Park. Guests staying in the Bay View rooms can enjoy seeing the ships passing by in Hakata Bay and beyond. The Presidential Suite, measuring almost 1,500 square feet, and the Ritz-Carlton Suite, measuring over 2,000 square feet, both have a dining room and kitchen for guests to have private meals. On the 24th and topmost floor of the hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Club is a private area exclusively for guests staying in club and suite categories. It offers five dining options throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, and cordials. The Ritz-Carlton Club also has a bar and a private room, making it a convenient venue for business and social gatherings. Every Saturday night, live jazz performances take place, adding entertainment for the guests. Additionally, there is a dedicated concierge service that ensures personalized care for guests, starting from their pre-arrival until their departure.
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The hotel has four restaurants and two bars that showcase the diverse food culture of Fukuoka. Viridis offers Western cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients, while Genjyu showcases three of Japan's best culinary traditions: kaiseki, sushi, and teppanyaki. The Lobby Lounge & Bar provides a comfortable space for guests to enjoy refreshments and light meals throughout the day. Bay, inspired by the passing ships of Hakata Bay, offers original cocktails and grilled dishes 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.
Located on the 24th floor, the Ritz-Carlton Spa offers various amenities for guests to enjoy. These include an indoor swimming pool with a stunning view of the bay, a gymnasium that provides exceptional city views, and private rooms for both single and double treatments using local ingredients and ESPA products. The hotel also provides child-friendly amenities and activities through its Ritz Kids program. These activities include guided excursions and craft experiences that are designed to engage young travelers with the four pillars of nature, exploration, responsibility, and culture, thereby making the destination come alive for them.
The hotel has two banquet venues on the third floor that are adaptable for various events such as breakout sessions, board meetings, and other gatherings. These venues include the 1,100 square-foot Ritz-Carlton Studio and the 3,600 square-foot Ritz-Carlton Ballroom. The Ballroom features a LED screen that allows for impressive film and video presentations. Additionally, the hotel's Chapel, also situated on the third floor, combines Western and Japanese elements to create a unique setting for wedding ceremonies.
Radu Cernia, the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, expressed excitement about the debut of their hotel. He mentioned that their dedicated team of staff is eager to provide guests with the exceptional care and service that the Ritz-Carlton brand is known for. Whether guests are visiting Fukuoka to experience the local start-up scene or to immerse themselves in the city's captivating culture and cuisine, the hotel aims to warmly welcome them and create unforgettable memories for them.
To find out more, you can visit the website https://www.ritzcarlton.com/fukuoka.
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