Source: The Ritz-Carlton. Facade, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka.

The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, the newest addition to Marriott Bonvoy’s 31 hotel brands, has opened its doors on Japan’s Kyushu island. This hotel aims to blend the brand’s signature service and modern design with Fukuoka’s unique blend of history, tradition, culinary richness, and burgeoning startup culture.

According to Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury for Marriott International, the opening marks the brand’s seventh hotel in Japan and solidifies its presence in a new and growing market. The Ritz-Carlton has been lauded for its luxury and service since its Japanese debut in 1997, and this new location in Fukuoka seeks to continue that legacy.

Fukuoka, once a significant trading post on the Silk Road, remains a vital link between Japan and Asia. The city is known for its centuries-old festivals like the Hakata Gion Yamakasa summer festival, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It also boasts beaches, natural parks, and historical sites like the Fukuoka Castle ruins.

The hotel occupies the top nine floors of Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City’s 111-meter main tower, the tallest lifestyle complex in the city’s central business district. This prime location offers proximity to Tenjin, a burgeoning tech hub brimming with shops, nightlife, and dining options. Hakata Station, Hakata Port, and Fukuoka Airport, which connects to Tokyo, are all within a 15-minute drive or public transport ride.

Designed by Tokyo-based Kume Sekkei, the hotel’s 25-story glass tower offers panoramic views of the Genkai Sea and surrounding hills. The interior design draws inspiration from “Hakata-ori,” Fukuoka’s traditional yarn-dyed silk and kimono weaving technique, showcasing local artisans’ folding screens, sculptures, paintings, and textiles.

Located on the 19th to 23rd floors, the hotel houses 167 guest rooms, each at least 50 square meters, including 20 suites starting at 75 square meters. Guests can choose from rooms with city views (Fukuoka Skyline), park views (Park View overlooking Ohori Park), or bay views (Bay View offering vistas of Hakata Bay). The Presidential Suite (132 square meters) and Ritz-Carlton Suite (188 square meters) offer additional luxury with private dining rooms and kitchens.

The Ritz-Carlton Club, situated on the top floor, serves as a private retreat for guests staying in club level rooms and suites. It provides five daily culinary presentations: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails. With its bar, private room, and dedicated concierge service, the Club is ideal for both business and social gatherings. Live jazz performances grace the Club every Saturday night.

The hotel’s four restaurants and two bars showcase Fukuoka’s culinary delights. Viridis serves inventive farm-to-table Western cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, while Genjyu highlights three celebrated Japanese culinary traditions - kaiseki, sushi, and teppanyaki. The Lobby Lounge & Bar provides refreshments and light meals throughout the day. For a more scenic experience, Bay offers stunning views, signature cocktails, grilled dishes, and tapas on its terrace. Lastly, Diva, a refined yet cozy café, presents light meals, desserts, and afternoon tea featuring Kyushu’s renowned green teas.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, on the 24th floor, offers an indoor swimming pool with bay views, a well-equipped gym, and private treatment rooms for individuals and couples. Treatments incorporate local ingredients and ESPA products.

Two adaptable banquet spaces, the 108-square-meter Ritz-Carlton Studio and the 336-square-meter Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, cater to various events, from breakout sessions to board meetings. The Ballroom also boasts a 6-square-meter LED screen.

Radu Cernia, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, expresses excitement about the hotel’s debut and their team’s dedication to providing guests with exceptional service. Whether guests are drawn to Fukuoka’s burgeoning startup scene or its rich culture and cuisine, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka aims to create unforgettable experiences.

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