Global economic ups and downs aside, new accommodations options, ranging from traditional-style ryokan inns to chic, five-star outposts of global chains, are set to open in Japan -- the world's second-largest economy and thus one of Asia's leading travel hubs, for both business and pleasure -- now through the end of 2010.
A sampling of soon-to-be entrants on the Japanese hotel scene includes:
• Hoshinoya Kyoto: Set to open Dec. 12, this century-old ryokan in a riverside chalet offers 25 homey, high-quality rooms with river views in Kyoto's scenic Arashiyama district. On arrival, guests will be escorted to their rooms by boat. See http://kyoto.hoshinoya.com/en.
• Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima: Debuting in March on Yakushima Island, a Unesco World Natural Heritage Site south of Kyushu, Sankara will be a modern, luxurious space "that harmonizes [with the] stunning nature of this island," officials said. See www.sankarahotel-spa.com.
• Akihabara Washington Hotel: Washington Hotels shut down this property in Akihabara, a Tokyo neighborhood described as ground zero of Japan's anime pop culture scene, last March for renovations. It reopens April 1 with a focus on "digitally oriented" travelers, offering Internet connectivity, a business center and a women-only floor. See www.wh-rsv.com (Japanese only).
• The Westin Sendai: Starwood Hotels & Resorts comes to Japan's historical, cultural Tohoku region northeast of Tokyo as of Aug. 1. The 240-room, 30-suite hotel will be located in the commercial district of Sendai, "City of Trees." Each unit features Westin's signature Heavenly Bed and 24-hour room service. The hotel boasts two restaurants, a bar, a gym, a spa, seven meetings rooms and a business center. See www.westin.com.
• St. Regis Osaka: Japan's first St. Regis opens in Osaka on Oct. 1, 2010. The property, set on Midosuji Avenue, "Osaka's Champs-Elysees," will offer 159 rooms and suites, a Remede spa and a restaurant from renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. See www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis.
• Capitol Hotel Tokyu: This venerable flagship of the Capitol Hotels group welcomed its last guest on Nov. 30, 2006, and was torn down shortly thereafter. In the fall of 2010, a reborn Capitol Hotel Tokyu reopens as part of the mixed-use Nagatacho 2-chome Project on the same site. The hotel will offer 250 rooms and suites measuring more than 645 square feet each, along with banquet rooms and a spa and fitness center. Go to www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com/en.
An oldie's goodies
It may not be brand-new for 2010, but the 179-unit Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo (which opened in late 2005) hopes to stand out with two packages over the holidays.
The Indulgent package, available Dec. 19 to 26, includes a welcome bottle of champagne, extended check-out and a personalized gift set of monogrammed bath and face towels from renowned Imabari Towel. Rates begin at $880, double, including tax and service fees.
The New Year's package is available for minimum two-night stays from Dec. 31 and includes daily breakfast, one lunch for two at restaurants K'Shiki or Ventaglio, and New Year's Eve or Day dinner for two at one of the hotel's one-star Michelin restaurants, Signature or Sense. Guests will also receive a handcrafted zodiac fan. Rates start at $2,785 for a two-night and $3,342 for a three-night, double-occupancy stay.
For more or to book, visit www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo.
