The Ritz-Carlton has opened a new hotel in Fukuoka, Japan, located on the island of Kyushu in Southern Japan. The hotel is situated within the tallest urban lifestyle complex in the city's core commercial district. The Ritz-Carlton aims to bring its exceptional service and contemporary style to Fukuoka, which is known for its growing start-up scene and rich history, traditions, and culinary culture.
Tina Edmundson, President of Marriott International's Luxury division, expressed her excitement about the opening of The Ritz-Carlton's seventh hotel in Japan. She mentioned that ever since The Ritz-Carlton made its debut in Japan in 1997, the brand has garnered a reputation for its exceptional luxury and service, loved by both locals and tourists. Edmundson also mentioned that entering Fukuoka, a new and growing destination, will further solidify their position as a top luxury hotel brand in the country.
In the past, Fukuoka played an important role in the Silk Road trade routes, and today it continues to be a significant connection point between Japan and the rest of Asia. One of the city's notable features is its annual festivals, including the Hakata Gion Yamakasa summer festival, which has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO for over 800 years. Fukuoka also offers attractions such as stunning beaches, natural parks, and historic sites like the Shofukuji temple from the 12th century and the remains of Fukuoka Castle. The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is conveniently located near Tenjin, which is the vibrant center of the city and a growing tech hub with a variety of shops, bars, cafés, and nightlife. From this area, it takes about 15 minutes by car or public transportation to reach Hakata Station, Hakata Port, or Fukuoka Airport, providing easy access to Tokyo.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is located on the top nine floors of a 25-story glass tower designed by Kume Sekkei from Tokyo. Layan Architects + Designers, based in Melbourne, have overseen 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". The design narrative incorporates folding screens, sculptures, paintings, and woven textiles created by local artisans. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the Genkai Sea and surrounding hills, creating a unique and immersive experience.
The hotel has 167 spacious guestrooms, located on the 19th to 23rd floors, with an average size of 50 square meters. Among these, there are 20 suites that start at approximately 550 square feet. The Fukuoka Skyline rooms provide beautiful views of the city, while the Park View rooms overlook the lush greenery of Ohori Park. Guests staying in the Bay View rooms can enjoy the sight of passing ships in Hakata Bay and beyond. The Presidential Suite, measuring nearly 1,500 square feet, and the Ritz-Carlton Suite, which is over 2,000 square feet, both include a dining room and kitchen for guests to have private meals.
On the topmost floor, the 24th floor, there is The Ritz-Carlton Club, which is exclusively available for guests staying in club and suite categories. The club offers five culinary presentations throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d'oeuvres, and cordials. It also features a bar and a private room, making it a convenient venue for business meetings and social gatherings. Guests can enjoy live jazz performances every Saturday night, and the dedicated concierge service ensures that guests receive personalized care from the moment they book until they check out.
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The hotel features four restaurants and two bars that represent the diverse food culture of Fukuoka. Viridis specializes in creating innovative Western cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Genjyu offers a stylish setting to experience three of Japan's finest culinary traditions: kaiseki, sushi, and teppanyaki. The Lobby Lounge & Bar is a comfortable 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 savored 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.
Situated on the 24th floor, the Ritz-Carlton Spa offers a range of luxurious treatments using local ingredients and ESPA products. Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool that provides stunning views of the bay, as well as a gymnasium with exceptional city vistas. The spa provides both single and double private rooms for guests to relax and unwind. The hotel also caters to families with child-friendly amenities and activities from their Ritz Kids program. These include guided excursions and craft experiences that aim to engage young travelers with nature, exploration, responsibility, and culture, making the destination come alive for them.
The hotel has two banquet venues on the third floor that are flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate various events such as breakout sessions, board meetings, and other gatherings. The Ritz-Carlton Studio is 1,100 square feet in size, while the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom is 3,600 square feet. The Ballroom is equipped with a LED screen, allowing for impressive film and video presentations. Additionally, the hotel's Chapel, also located on the third floor, 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 hotel's team is highly skilled and dedicated to providing exceptional care and service to the guests. Whether the guests are interested in exploring the local start-up scene or immersing themselves in Fukuoka's rich culture and cuisine, the hotel aims to create unforgettable memories for them.
To gather additional details, please refer to the website https://www.ritzcarlton.com/fukuoka.
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