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Japan’s tourism surge reached record levels in 2025, with arrivals exceeding 40 million. A weaker yen has boosted international travel and pushed visitor flows into regional destinations like Nozawa Onsen. While demand is rising, so are signs of crowding, higher prices, and infrastructure strain. Patrick Falk reports from Nozawa Onsen for Al Jazeera. Key Points Nozawa Onsen is depicted under strain from heavy crowds and long queues The village’s mix of traditional ryokan, ski

Mitsubishi Estate and Mitsubishi Estate Hotels & Resorts have announced their entry into the apartment hotel segment, launching a new brand aimed at accommodating multi-night stays rather than short overnight visits. The companies will debut the brand, WAYPOINT, with the first property opening on April 1 in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, following the renovation of an existing facility. The official website went live on February 2nd and is now accepting reservations. Waypoint Tsukiji ent

On November 12th, Wealth Management announced that construction has begun on a new hotel project in Hakuba’s Echo Land district, selecting “Cassia Hakuba” as the working brand name. The development is being carried out with Banyan Group, an international hospitality company. A ground-breaking ceremony took place on October 1, and the opening is scheduled for 2028. Finished exterior CG rendering courtesy of Wealth Management’s press release, linked at the bottom of the article

Sun Frontier Hotel Management Co., Ltd. will debut its new Hiyori Terrace brand with the opening of Hiyori Terrace Karuizawa Spa & Resort in March 2028. The 81‑room property will be the company’s first in the Karuizawa area of Nagano Prefecture. Lobby interior CG courtesy of Sun Frontier press release linked at the bottom of this article. The hotel will be located near the intersection of Route 18 Bypass and Prince Street, a 10‑minute drive from the Usui‑Karuizawa Interchang

On October 23 rd , Marriott International unveiled its newest luxury property, the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo to members of the press. Located in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, the 200-room hotel marks the second JW Marriott in Japan, following the brand’s debut in Nara. The JW Marriott brand is positioned at the top of Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 30 brands worldwide. THE LINKPILLAR 1 SOUTH exterior image courtesy of Artellion . The hotel occupies the 23rd to 30th flo

On October 23 rd , Patience Capital Group announced the signing of two new properties in Japan - Madarao Kogen Hotel and Lime Resort Myoko - which will join Accor’s MGallery Collection, the group’s boutique brand of storied hotels. These signings mark a major step in Patience Capital Group’s vision to elevate Japan’s mountain regions into world-class four-season destinations. Signing ceremony in Singapore on October 23rd. From left to right: Maryanne Soo, Managing Director, G

On October 21 st , Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, announced the signing of a hotel management agreement with Patience Capital Group (PCG) for a slope-side mountain hotel and residences at the foothills of Mount Myoko, within Japan’s scenic Suginohara ski resort. Artistic rendering of finished exterior courtesy of IHG & Patience Capital Group.  Meant only for illustrative purposes and subject to change. The development of Six Senses Myo

On September 9 th , the Nikkei Shimbun reported  that Sumihei Corporation, a construction materials trading company founded in 1614 and...

On August 27 th , K-Express, a group company of the Kato Pleasure Group, announced the grand opening of GLAMDAY Style Hotel and Resort...

On August 1 st , the Nikkei Shimbun reported that Okinawa is undergoing a resort hotel construction surge, driven by a strong tourism...

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will make its Japan debut on July 1st with the opening of Fairmont Tokyo; a luxury hotel housed within TOWER S...

On April 25th, Hilton announced they will open Canopy by Hilton Tokyo Akasaka - Hilton's first Canopy-branded hotel in the Greater Tokyo...

On March 31st, Mitsubishi Estate and Mitsubishi Estate Hotels & Resorts held a closing ceremony for the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel,...

The Nikkei Shimbun reported on March 14th that the Japanese government has announced an eight-year delay in the extension of the Hokkaido...

On February 20th, Tokyu Corporation, Tokyu Corporation R&D Center, and The University of Electro-Communications  announced the...

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is set to bring the globally recognized Holiday Inn brand back to Tokyo in collaboration with its long-term...

On November 20th, the Nikkei Shimbun reported that U.S. investment giant Blackstone has secured exclusive negotiation rights to...

Mori Trust, in collaboration with NTT Urban Development, has announced the 1 Hotel Tokyo, Japan’s first under the eco-luxury 1 Hotels...

On November 7th, Mitsui Fudosan announced that in 2026 it will open HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE (all-caps on purpose as registered hotel name...

On October 22nd, the Nikkei Shimbun  reported that Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture announced a draft plan, also on the 22nd, to...