First Ritz-Carlton Reserve Opens in Japan

(31 Oct 2021) Marriott has opened the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel in Japan, the fifth Ritz-Carlton Reserve anywhere in the world.

Located in the country’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, the Higashiyama Niseko Village, owned by YTL Hotels, is positioned at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri in the heart of Niseko Village, one of Japan's top winter sports destinations.

The resort is set within the Niseko United ski area that offers 2,191 acres of skiable terrain and access to extensive backcountry skiing. The area also has an international ski school, chairlifts and gondolas, a dining and retail venue, an outdoor activity park and two world-class golf courses.

Dato’ Mark Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Hotels, said, “YTL Hotels’ illustrious portfolio continues to expand in Japan and globally, and it is a pleasure to work with Marriott International on this exceptional property. We have immense commitment and dedication to making an even greater mark on the world with Japan’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Niseko Village. Higashiyama Niseko Village offers a world-class gateway to Niseko’s adventurous mountains, renowned gastronomy, culture and traditions. With every privilege and convenience afforded, our guests can look forward to being pampered and cared for in every way conceivable through its evolving seasons. YTL will continue to build on the area’s natural attractions to strengthen Niseko Village’s reputation as the most sought-after and snowiest award-winning ski resort in Asia over the next ten years.”

Higashiyama Niseko Village features 50 guest rooms and suites, a choice of restaurants, a lounge bar with fireplace, a spa, fitness centre, and a traditional Japanese onsen which makes the most of the mineral-rich waters of Niseko's natural underground hot springs.

“Marriott International's luxury brand footprint continues to expand in Japan, and we are very excited to be opening the very first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the country, the latest property in our long-standing partnership with YTL Hotels,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. “Despite the challenges of the past year, we have seen a strong growth in demand from the luxury travel sector. With the opening of Higashiyama Niseko Village, we look forward to providing our guests a warm and familiar welcome, a luxurious home away from home when they travel to Niseko, Japan's amazing winter wonderland.”

Bringing to life the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand’s commitment to intuitive and heartfelt service, a personal host or “Do San” (a person of Hokkaido) will assist guests enjoy a highly personalised stay through a single touchpoint to access every service, amenity and offerings. Their sense of genuine care and responsibility, known as “omotenashi”, is the gold standard of Japanese hospitality, driven from the purity of heart and mutual respect with no pretence or expectation, that has evolved over the centuries as a subtle art form.

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