The Ritz-Carlton has opened its new hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, in Southern Japan. Located in the tallest building in Fukuoka's commercial district, the luxury hotel brings the brand's excellent service and modern design to a city known for its growing start-up scene and rich cultural heritage.
Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury for Marriott International, expressed her excitement about the opening of The Ritz-Carlton's seventh hotel in Japan. She highlighted that since the brand's introduction in Japan in 1997, it has gained a reputation for its exceptional luxury and service, which has been appreciated by both locals and tourists. The addition of a new hotel in Fukuoka allows the brand to enhance its luxury presence in the country and explore a promising and emerging destination.
Fukuoka used to be an important stop along the Silk Road trade routes, and today it remains a significant gateway connecting Japan to the rest of Asia. This destination is well-known for its annual festivals, including the ancient Hakata Gion Yamakasa summer festival, which has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Fukuoka also offers attractions such as stunning beaches, natural parks, and historic sites like the Shofukuji temple from the 12th century and the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is conveniently located near Tenjin, the lively center of the city known for its technological advancements, as well as its abundance of shops, bars, cafes, and nightlife. It takes about 15 minutes by car or public transportation to reach Hakata Station, Hakata Port, or Fukuoka Airport, which provide transportation links to Tokyo.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is located on the highest nine floors of a 25-story glass tower designed by Kume Sekkei from Tokyo. Layan Architects + Designers, based in Melbourne, oversaw the interior design and artwork of the hotel, drawing inspiration from Fukuoka's traditional craft of yarn-dyed silk and kimono weaving known as "Hakata-ori". Throughout the hotel, folding screens, sculptures, paintings, and woven textiles created by local artisans are incorporated into the overall design concept. The hotel offers expansive views of the Genkai Sea and surrounding hills, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere.
The hotel has 167 guestrooms spread across 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. The Fukuoka Skyline rooms offer great views of the city, while the Park View rooms overlook the greenery of Ohori Park. The Bay View rooms provide a view of Hakata Bay and the passing ships. The Presidential Suite and the Ritz-Carlton Suite are the largest, with sizes of nearly 1,500 square feet and over 2,000 square feet respectively. Both suites have a dining room and kitchen for private meals. On the topmost floor, the 24th floor, The Ritz-Carlton Club is available exclusively for guests staying in club and suite categories. The club provides five culinary presentations throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d'oeuvres, and cordials. It also has a bar and a private room, making it a convenient venue for business and social gatherings. Live jazz performances are held every Saturday night, and a dedicated concierge service is available to provide personalized care for guests from the moment they book until they check out.
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The hotel's dining options are a reflection of Fukuoka's vibrant food culture. At Viridis, they take locally produced ingredients and use them to create unique Western dishes. Genjyu is a stylish restaurant that showcases 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, delicious desserts, and afternoon tea featuring the renowned green teas of Kyushu.
Situated on the 24th floor, the Ritz-Carlton Spa offers various amenities and facilities for guests to enjoy. These include an indoor swimming pool that provides a stunning view of the bay, a well-equipped gymnasium with impressive city views, and private rooms for luxurious treatments using local ingredients and ESPA products. The hotel also caters to families with child-friendly amenities and activities, such as guided excursions and craft experiences, which are part of the Ritz Kids program. These activities are designed to engage young travelers with nature, exploration, responsibility, and culture, making their stay more enjoyable and educational.
The hotel has two banquet venues on the third floor that are highly adaptable. These venues, called the Ritz-Carlton Studio and Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, can be set up in various ways 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 Western and Japanese styles to create a unique setting for wedding ceremonies.
Radu Cernia, the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, expressed his excitement about the opening of the hotel and the opportunity to showcase the exceptional service and care the brand is known for. The team of dedicated staff members is eager to ensure that guests have a delightful experience during their stay. Whether guests are visiting to explore the local start-up scene or to immerse themselves in Fukuoka's vibrant culture and cuisine, the hotel is committed to providing a warm welcome and creating unforgettable memories for each guest.
To find out additional details, you can visit the website https://www.ritzcarlton.com/fukuoka.
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