Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts arrives in Japan for the first time via Hotel Ryozen

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, and Richesse Management, Inc. announced the signing of a hotel management agreement to operate the first Banyan Tree hotel in Japan upon the redevelopment of Hotel Ryozen (Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto). The property, located in the centre of Kyoto – the “Thousand-year Capital”, steeped in its rich culture with World Heritage temples and museum, will be the first and only luxury international brand hotel with onsen facilities in the heart of Kyoto City.

In Japan, Banyan Tree operates two spas in partner hotels in Miyazaki and Kobe and membership residence. It is also in a joint marketing agreement with Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd. The hotel agreement signing is Banyan Tree’s symbolic move to further position Kyoto City as an international destination for discerning travellers.

Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree, said: “As we accelerate our expansion to grow our brands worldwide, this agreement marks Banyan Tree’s move in planting the first hotel flag in Japan, renowned for its distinctive culture, cuisine and scenic destinations.

“We aspire to further develop the potential of Kyoto City as a world-class destination for travellers who seek exceptional experiences. With our Banyan Tree Group growing from strength to strength and celebrating the 25th Anniversary this year, we look forward to greater growth to come.”

Mr Kazutoshi Senno, Representative Director, Wealth Management Inc., said: “With this signing, we will develop our first 5-star boutique luxury hotel in Kyoto, together with globally known brand – Banyan Tree.  The new hotel will showcase the best of Banyan Tree, and we will offer the first urban resort for guests from all over the world, to fully enjoy the beauty of ancient capital, Kyoto.”

Hotel Ryozen will cease operations at the end of October 2019. The redevelopment will see a close collaboration between Richesse Management and Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts to design and construct the first Banyan Tree hotel.

Welcoming renowned Kengo Kuma as the Master Architect, and scheduled to open by 2022, the 60-room luxury resort will include a speciality restaurant, bar, library, gymnasium, an award-winning Banyan Tree Spa and onsen facilities – the first and only luxury international brand onsen hotel in the heart of Kyoto City.