Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts has signed its first hotel in Japan with real estate asset manager, Richesse Management, Inc. The redevelopment of Hotel Ryozen (Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto), located in the centre of Kyoto – the “Thousand-year Capital”, will become the first Banyan Tree hotel in Japan in 2022. Steeped in its rich culture with World Heritage temples and museum, the new hotel will be “the first and only luxury international brand hotel with onsen facilities in the heart of Kyoto City.”

With 49 hotels and resorts, 63 spas, 75 retail galleries and three golf courses in 23 countries, Banyan Tree is centred on four brands: the award-winning Banyan Tree and Angsana, as well as newly established Cassia and Dhawa. The group rides high on its inception motto: “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” and emphasises on building in harmony with nature and developing the local community.

In Japan, Banyan Tree already operates two spas in partner hotels (in Miyazaki and Kobe), and membership residence. The latest hotel agreement signing is Banyan Tree’s symbolic move to further position Kyoto City as an international destination for discerning travellers.

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 specialty 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.

“Kyoto City as a world-class destination for travellers”

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.”