These hotels interweave history, rich culture and natural wonders.
Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto (Banyan Tree Group)
Banyan Tree Group has announced its expansion into Japan, a frontier location for the global, multi-branded hospitality group. Interweaving historic touchpoints, rich culture and natural wonders to provide true sense-of-place experiences for discerning travellers, the new properties are timely as Japan's borders reopen following a two-year break from international tourism.
Here are the hotels you can visit, or start planning to:
Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto
Located in the Gion and Higashiyama district, this hotel will open in spring 2024 as a 52-key luxury, hilltop urban resort boasting spectacular views of Kyoto. It will also be the first and only hotel in the city to have a Noh stage.
Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone
Renowned for its hot spring, historical destination and views of Mount Fuji, this new luxury resort development is slated to open in 2026, in an area adjacent to Lake Ashino.
Cassia Hirafu
Scheduled for a 2025 opening in the most popular ski resort destination of Japan, Cassia in Niseko will be just minutes away from the Hirafu ski slope. It will have 50 keys for the resort, and 113 for residential accommodation ranging from one-bedroom to villas that will be available for sale.
Dhawa Yura Kyoto
Honouring the city's deeply rooted history, Dhawa Yura Kyoto opened its doors on June 17 beside the iconic Sanjo Ohashi — a bridge that was once the final station of the ancient Tokaido Road from Tokyo. The road served as a route for long-distance voyagers during the Edo period in Japan. The 138-room hotel's historic ties are reflected in the interior design and artwork, and an 8lement Spa will nurture guests on their journey to well-being.
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto
As the first opening under the group's newest concept, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto presents a new and distinct approach to well-being through simple design and amenities that recharge and rejuvenate. The 25-room hotel was launched on June 17, and is located right in front of Nijo Castle, a Unesco World Heritage site first built in 1603 during the Tokugawa Shogunate. It offers a meditative view of lush greenery from the lobby, seasonal cuisine at its innovative French restaurant, Singular, and a Wellbeing Room for restorative exercises and yoga.
This article first appeared on Jul 4, 2022 in The Edge Malaysia.
