Hilton Brand Returns to Okinawa

The Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort celebrated its grand opening on Thursday.

The opening of the hotel represents a return of the Hilton brand to Okinawa for the first time since 1984.

The nine-story property, managed by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Orix Real Estate Corporation, is located in the center of the island near Kadena Air Base and next to the Mihama Town Resort American Village, one of Okinawa's largest entertainment, retail and dining precincts, and close to the island's famous beaches and attractions.

Naha International Airport is just 45 minutes’ drive from the hotel, while Sunset Beach and the marina are within walking distance. A complimentary shuttle service is available to Araha Beach.

Guest rooms feature a desk, luxurious bedding, WiFi and a bathroom with separate bathtub and rain shower. Most of the guest rooms also feature a private balcony.

Food lovers will be spoiled for choice with several onsite bars and restaurants, offering a variety of local and international cuisine.

Guests can also make the most of a spa, the 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool and two outdoor pools, as well as waterslides in the children's pool.

Tim Soper, vice president, Operations, Japan, Korea and Micronesia, Hilton Worldwide said, "Our Japan story began back in 1963 with the opening of the first Hilton Tokyo in Akasaka, when we became the first truly global hotel brand to commence trading here in Japan. Today we operate 11 properties across three brands in key leisure and business locations in Japan and with aspirations to further develop our operating estate, our commitment to the Japan market is total."

Visitor numbers to Okinawa, famous for its beautiful beaches and rich native culture, rose 33.4% in 2013, making it Japan's fastest-growing tourist destination, with tourists from abroad increasing by 90.4%, according to Japan Tourism Agency figures released in July.