Marriott is planning to introduce six new hotels across four prefectures in Japan this year under its Fairfield by Marriott brand.
The hotels will form part of the brand’s “Michi-no-eki” project, and be located near the eponymous roadside rest stations across Japan. They will also be situated close to national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with each property taking inspiration from its natural surroundings.
The agreement expands the collaboration with Sekisui House for the project, with the brand previously expanding its presence in Japan last year with eight new properties.
Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International, commented:
“We are excited to continue the Fairfield by Marriott brand expansion in Japan this year, with the opening of six more hotels in collaboration with our partner, Sekisui House.
“These new openings underscore Marriott International’s commitment to growing our presence in Japan to serve travelers here. As we see the growing demand for self-drive travel, the new hotels will deliver on the brand’s principles of friendly service and warm hospitality in undiscovered destinations across Japan.”
The new openings include:
Fairfield by Marriott Mie Odai
The 72-room hotel opened on March 9 in Odai, a town located in the Mie Prefecture. The location includes attractions such as Nanatsugama Falls and activities such as fishing in the Miya River or hiking along the Osugidani and Mount Somon trails.
Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko
The 91-room hotel will open on March 22 in Nikko, a town in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture. Marriott describes the hotel as ideal for worshippers and culture seekers, with its location close to UNESCO World Heritage monuments including the Toshogu shrine, Futarasan-jinja Shinto shrine and Rinno-ji Buddhist temple, along with natural attractions such as Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai. Visitors will also be able to discover the traditional crafts of the Tochigi region, such as Nikko-bori woodcarving, Nikko-geta sandals and Kanuma-kumiko wood latticework.
Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kushimoto
The 90-room hotel will open on April 14 in the coastal town of Kushimoto, located on the southernmost point of Japan’s main island Honshu. It will be adjacent to the roadside station overlooking Hashigui-iwa Rocks, which Marriott describes as one of the famous natural wonders in Japan. The area is known for its seafood cuisine, and also offers a range of activities, including swimming, scuba diving and walking along the ancient trails on the Ohechi route of the World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo.
Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Susami
The 90-room hotel is set to open on June 9 next to Michi-no-Eki Susami, which looks out onto the Pacific Ocean. The destination is known for its famous local cuisine and the ancient paths of Nagaizaka on the Ohechi route of the World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo.
Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Takayama Shokawa
The 64-room hotel is set to open this summer, surrounded by mountains and the famous ancient Shokawa Sakura – two cherry blossom trees that have stood on the shore of Lake Miboro for the last 500 years. The property will also neighbour the hot spring, Ouka no Yu, and guests will be able to experience local exquisite produce, including Hida Beef, and hand-kneaded soba noodles made from millstone-ground buckwheat grown in the hills around Hida.
