Ascott Opens First Citadines in Osaka, Japan

Ascott has expanded its already considerable portfolio of serviced apartments in Japan, with the opening of its first Citadines serviced residence in Osaka.

Ascott is operating the property through a master lease agreement with Toshin Development Company Ltd, a subsidiary of the Takashimaya Group.

Located near the Namba Station, Citadines Namba Osaka is in a vibrant financial, retail, and recreational hub within close proximity to tourist hotspots. Guests can easily visit nearby attractions such as the Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

Mr Tan Lai Seng, Ascott’s Regional Manager for Japan & Korea, said, “With Japan’s thriving economy and inbound travel market, we see great opportunities to expand in the country where we have a strong portfolio of over 5,000 units across more than 30 serviced residences, hotels and rental housing properties in nine cities. Our properties have been performing well at an occupancy rate of 80% to 90%. Upcoming major events such as the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and Osaka-Kansai World Expo are expected to boost demand for our lodging properties, including Citadines Namba Osaka.”

Citadines Namba Osaka signifies a successful transformation from a department store into a serviced residence. It is part of the Takashimaya Higashi Annex, an integrated development which also comprises offices, shops and Takashimaya Historical Museum.

Paying homage to the heritage building’s roots as a department store, Citadines Namba Osaka has taken on a modern Art Deco design that evokes nostalgic memories of a department store of the past, with concepts of fashion and shopping being weaved into different parts of the property, furniture pieces, signages and artwork.

The old-world charm of the marbled column lobby is accentuated by intricate details such as acanthus motifs, ornate carvings, decorative travel trunks and elevators with dial indicators retaining the original design used in the building years ago.

In collaboration with Takashimaya Osaka Department Store, cosmetics, fashion accessories, handbags and shoes in showcases are displayed at the reception  area. Along with a carousel-themed children’s playroom and an industrial-themed restaurant with a vintage car, they all add to the quaint and playful vibes of the design.

The Citadines serviced residence offers 313 units with varied apartment types to cater to guests on short and long stays.

Guests can make use of the on-property facilities such as restaurants, gymnasium, meeting rooms, launderette, children’s playroom, as well as a residents’ lounge with a kitchen.

Besides Citadines Namba Osaka, Ascott also operates seven other serviced residences in Japan. They are Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo, Somerset Azabu East Tokyo, Somerset Ginza East Tokyo, Somerset Shinagawa Tokyo, Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo, Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto and Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo. Next year, the company will open lyf Tenjin Fukuoka as well as Ascott’s first property in Yokohama, another Citadines property, in 2023.

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