Marriott International has opened just the fifth Ritz-Carlton Reserve property worldwide, and the first in Japan.
Higashiyama Niseko Village, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri in the winter sports destination of Niseko.
The ski-in/ski-out property is set within the Niseko United ski area, which offers 2,191 acres of skiable terrain and access to extensive backcountry skiing, as well as an international ski school, chairlifts and gondolas, a dining and retail venue, an outdoor activity park and two golf courses.
Higashiyama Niseko Village features 50 rooms and suites, a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring), spa facilities and a fitness centre.
Food and beverage options include Sushi Nagi, Yukibana for “locally sourced vegetables, prized cuts and seafood”, and Ume Lounge for cocktails and of Izakaya-style dishes.
The hotel joins four other properties under the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand – Mandapa in Bali, Phulay Bay in Thailand, Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico, and Zandun in Mexico.
Earlier this year Marriott opened a Ritz-Carlton property in Nikko in the Northern Kanto region of Japan, around two and a half hours north of Tokyo.
Commenting on the opening of Higashiyama Niseko Village Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International, said:
“Marriott International’s luxury brand footprint continues to expand in Japan, and we are very excited to be opening the very first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the country, the latest property in our long-standing partnership with YTL Hotels.
“Despite the challenges of the past year, we have seen a strong growth in demand from the luxury travel sector. With the opening of Higashiyama Niseko Village, we look forward to providing our guests a warm and familiar welcome, a luxurious home away from home when they travel to Niseko, Japan’s amazing winter wonderland.”
