The Ritz-Carlton, a luxury hotel brand under Marriott Bonvoy, has announced the opening of their new hotel in Fukuoka, Japan. The hotel is located in the tallest tower of the Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City complex, which is known for its vibrant commercial district. The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka aims to provide excellent service and a modern atmosphere in one of Japan's rapidly developing cities, known for its start-up scene, rich history, traditions, and delicious culinary offerings.
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 highlighted the brand's reputation for exceptional luxury and service, which has made it a favorite among both locals and tourists since its debut in Japan in 1997. Edmundson also mentioned the strategic move of expanding into Fukuoka, a growing and promising destination, to reinforce the brand's position in the luxury market in Japan.
Fukuoka used to be an important stop along the Silk Road trade routes, and today it still serves as a major connection between Japan and the rest of Asia. The city is well-known for its annual festivals, including the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa summer festival, which has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. In addition to these festivals, Fukuoka also offers 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 that is known for its tech industry, as well as its abundance of shops, bars, cafes, and nightlife. From this area, it takes about 15 minutes by car or public transportation to reach Hakata Station, Hakata Port, or Fukuoka Airport, which provides connections to Tokyo.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is located on the highest nine floors of a 25-story glass tower, which was designed by Kume Sekkei from Tokyo. The interior design and artwork of the hotel, overseen by Layan Architects + Designers based in 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, which are seamlessly incorporated into the overall design of the hotel. Guests can enjoy expansive views of the Genkai Sea and surrounding hills from the hotel, adding to the unique ambiance and sense of place.
From the 19th to 23rd floors, there are 167 spacious guestrooms in the hotel, which are approximately 50 square meters in size. Among these, there are 20 suites that start at around 550 square feet. Some of the rooms, known as Fukuoka Skyline rooms, provide breathtaking views of the city. There are also Park View rooms that overlook the beautiful greenery of Ohori Park, as well as Bay View rooms that offer a glimpse of the passing ships in Hakata Bay and beyond.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, there are two special suites available. The Presidential Suite is nearly 1,500 square feet and the Ritz-Carlton Suite is over 2,000 square feet. Both of these suites have a dining room and kitchen, allowing guests to enjoy private meals if desired.
On the very top floor of the hotel, the 24th floor, there is a private area called The Ritz-Carlton Club. This exclusive space is reserved for guests staying in club and suite categories. The club offers a variety of culinary presentations throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d'oeuvres, and cordials. In addition, there is a bar and a private room in The Ritz-Carlton Club, making it a convenient venue for both business and social gatherings. On Saturday nights, guests can enjoy live jazz performances. Furthermore, the dedicated concierge service ensures that guests receive personalized care from the moment they make their reservation until the time they check out.
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The hotel has four restaurants and two bars that highlight the diverse and lively food scene in Fukuoka. Viridis takes locally sourced ingredients and turns them into innovative Western dishes, focusing on sustainability. Genjyu showcases 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 grilled dishes, perfect for enjoying on its terrace with stunning views. Diva is a sophisticated yet relaxed café that serves light meals, indulgent desserts, and afternoon tea, highlighting the renowned green teas of Kyushu.
On the 24th floor of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, there is a spa that offers various amenities and services. These include an indoor swimming pool with a view of the bay, a gymnasium that offers exceptional city views, and private rooms for treatments using local ingredients and ESPA products. Additionally, the hotel provides child-friendly amenities and activities through their Ritz Kids program, such as guided excursions and craft experiences. These activities are designed to bring the destination alive for young travelers and are centered around the program's four pillars of nature, exploration, responsibility, and culture.
The hotel has two banquet venues on the third floor that can be easily adjusted to fit different types of events such as breakout sessions, board meetings, and other gatherings. The Ritz-Carlton Studio spans 1,100 square feet, while the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom spans 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 elements to create a unique setting for wedding ceremonies.
Radu Cernia, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, expressed his excitement in introducing the hotel to the public. He emphasized the commitment of their team, comprised of highly skilled individuals, to providing exceptional care and service to the guests. Regardless of whether visitors are interested in exploring the local start-up scene or immersing themselves in Fukuoka's captivating culture and cuisine, the hotel eagerly awaits the opportunity to welcome them and create memorable experiences.
To find out more, please visit the official website of Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka at https://www.ritzcarlton
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