Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Richesse Management, Inc. announce the first Banyan Tree hotel in Japan

Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman, Banyan Tree Holdings Limited (left) and Mr Kazutoshi Senno, Representative Director, Wealth Management Inc (right) at the signing ceremony.

Hong Kong, March 2019 – Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, and Richesse Management, Inc. announced the signing of a hotel management agreement to operate the first Banyan Tree hotel in Japan upon the redevelopment of Hotel Ryozen (Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto). Located in the centre of Kyoto - the “Thousand-year Capital”, and 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.

Banyan Tree Holdings Limited, the holding company of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, is a leading international operator and developer of premium resorts, hotels, residences and spas, with 49 hotels and resorts, 63 spas, 75 retail galleries and three golf courses in 23 countries. It centred on four brands: the award-winning Banyan Tree and Angsana, as well as newly established Cassia and Dhawa – all located at unique destinations and gateway cities.

Inspired by the romance of travel, Banyan Tree focuses on creating a sanctuary for the senses when spanning its global presence. Rooted in its corporate ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” since its inception in 1994, Banyan Tree’s sustainability approach emphasises on building in harmony with nature and contributing to the progressive growth and development of the community where each of its hotels is planted.

In Japan, Banyan Tree operates two spas in partner hotels (in Miyazaki and Kobe), and membership residence. It is also in a joint marketing agreement with Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd. The hotel agreement signing is Banyan Tree’s symbolic move to further position Kyoto City as an international destination for discerning travellers.

Richesse Management, Inc., a consolidated subsidiary of Wealth Management, Inc., is a leading asset management company in Japan, which offers investor services based on the extensive know-how in real estate securitisation. Its main businesses comprise real estate management, consulting services, joint investment structure organisation as well as development and enhancing valuation of real estates.

Hotel Ryozen will cease operations in end 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.

Mr 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 25^th Anniversary this year, we look forward to greater growth to come.”

Mr Kazutoshi Senno, Representative Director, Wealth Management Inc., said: “With this signing, we will develop our first 5-star boutique luxury hotel in Kyoto, together with globally known brand - Banyan Tree.  The new hotel will showcase the best of Banyan Tree, and we will offer the first urban resort for guests from all over the world, to fully enjoy the beauty of ancient capital, Kyoto.

For high-resolution images, please download here.