Thursday, July 17, 2025
Image Credits Minor HotelsExciting new addition to the Anantara brand: Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd. (Royal Minor), a 50/50 joint venture between Royal Holdings Co., Ltd. and Minor Hotels, has signed a management agreement with IFGIC, a global investment company, for Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas in Japan. Anantara Karuizawa Retreat, the new luxury hotel, will open in 2030, heralding the first footprint of Minor Hotels in Asia. This partnership with List Development Co., Ltd. (LD) will see the debut of the Anantara brand in Karuizawa, a popular destination for its natural beauty and refreshing highland climate in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
Nestled on a peaceful, 10-acre (four-hectare) wooded site with views of iconic Mount Asama, Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will bring Anantara’s stylish luxury and sense of true indulgence to one of Japan’s most recognised mountain resort regions. The new build will comprise a collection of suites and luxury villas designed to entice guests in search of a peaceful getaway amongst the beauty of the Japanese landscape.
The Strategic Location of Karuizawa
Karuizawa has long been a favourite weekend getaway for residents of Tokyo and other urban centres in Japan. This historic resort town, easily accessible from Tokyo via the Karuizawa Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train), offers a blend of natural beauty and year-round outdoor attractions. Visitors to Karuizawa can enjoy a variety of leisure activities, from hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter, making it a year-round destination. The cool summer climate and rich seasonal landscapes only enhance the allure of the region.
The location of Anantara Karuizawa Retreat is ideal for those seeking both serenity and adventure. Situated just over an hour from Tokyo, the resort offers easy access to major transportation hubs and a range of recreational options. Guests will be able to enjoy outdoor experiences such as hiking, golf, and hot springs in addition to winter sports like skiing. Moreover, the area has a growing international appeal, especially among affluent travellers, making it a perfect fit for Anantara’s luxury brand.
A Luxurious and Nature-Focused Escape
Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will feature a total of 51 keys, including 23 suites and 18 luxury villas. The suites will range from 60 to 120 square meters, offering spacious accommodations with a focus on natural materials and modern luxury. The villas, available in two- and three-bedroom configurations, will range from 70 to 270 square meters and will be considered for future branded residence offerings, with more details to be announced as the project progresses.
The resort will offer a highly personalised experience for guests, with luxury accommodations and attentive service at the forefront of the offering. The design of the resort will incorporate local elements to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, including the use of timber peaks and large windows to provide sweeping views of Mount Asama. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying the comfort and sophistication of modern luxury.
Wellness at the Core: Spa, Onsen, and More
True to the Anantara brand’s commitment to wellness, the Karuizawa Retreat will offer an array of wellness facilities, including an Anantara Spa and onsen, an integral part of the traditional Japanese healing experience. These wellness offerings will be complemented by a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and a variety of wellness programming across the property. The hotel’s focus on well-being will provide guests with a holistic escape from their everyday lives, with an emphasis on rejuvenation and relaxation.
In addition to wellness, the resort will offer a range of dining options, including three on-site food and beverage outlets: an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality concept, and a bar. These venues will showcase the finest local and international cuisine, with a particular focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The resort will also offer flexible meeting facilities, catering to the growing demand for corporate gatherings in the region. This makes it an attractive option not just for leisure travellers but also for business professionals seeking a tranquil yet well-equipped destination for meetings and events.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
One of the key features of Anantara Karuizawa Retreat is its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly development. The resort will focus on incorporating green technologies, using sustainable building materials, and implementing energy-efficient systems to minimise its environmental footprint. The surrounding natural landscape, with its abundance of forests and mountains, will be carefully preserved to ensure that the resort integrates harmoniously with the environment.
Sustainability efforts will be visible in various aspects of the property, from water conservation to waste reduction initiatives. By blending luxury with sustainability, Anantara Karuizawa Retreat aims to offer guests not only a lavish experience but one that is conscious of its environmental impact, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Expanding the Anantara Brand in Japan
The agreement for the Anantara Karuizawa Retreat is an important milestone for Minor Hotels, as it is the first Anantara to be announced in Japan. It is also a part of the company’s overall plan to build upon its position in Asia, including key markets such as Japan, where demand for luxury travel experiences is increasing at a rapid pace. “Demand for upscale, luxury travel is growing at an estimated 4%-6% a year in the global market,” said Joe Diaz, co-founder of AFAR and co-president of AFAR Media.
“And much of that growth is being driven by Asia’s booming economy. The development is also in line with Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd.’s aspirations, which has a target to build 21 hotels in Japan by 2035 with the use of 3 of Minor Hotels’ international brands: Anantara, Tivoli, and Avani.
Investment in premium hospitality is associated with Japan’s attractiveness as a luxury destination for foreign travellers. With more wealthy visitors to Japan growing every year, there is an evident need for such exclusive, intelligently designed resorts in the country’s most in-demand locations. This is also where the Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will respond to the increasing market and pave the way for future development in Japan’s well-positioned tourism industry.
Conclusion: A New Era for Japan’s Luxury Travel Market
The debut of Anantara Karuizawa Retreat in 2030 will mark a new echelon of luxury in Japan’s destination alpine resort. Combining contemporary design, comfort, and sustainability, the resort will be one of the region’s premier spots for peace and relaxation, exploration, and physical well-being. Its high location, wellness, and sustainable vision, along with the Anantara ecology and advocacy, will establish it as the country’s leading luxury resort destination, offering leisure and business visitors to Japan inspiring experiences.
Royal Minor’s collaboration with List Development Co., Ltd., on this project represents a dynamic new era for luxury hospitality and international business in Japan. The Anantara Karuizawa Retreat, in addition to the planned pipeline, will assist in establishing Japan in the global high-end tourism industry, appealing to sophisticated global travellers.
News Source: Minor Hotels
