by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 4:36 PM ET, Thu April 5, 2018
The Ritz-Carlton will open a resort in a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nikko, Japan, a region that for centuries was a center of Shinto and Buddhist worship.
Slated to open in 2020, the property is aimed at addressing a growing desire for luxury resort experiences in stunning global locations, the company said in a statement.
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, will be surrounded by mountainous landscapes and sacred forests. The area is also home to Nikko National Park, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys and hiking trails.
"Today's luxury traveler is increasingly seeking out unique experiences and the opportunity to become immersed in a destination's culture. We are delighted to meet this need by opening exceptional properties in exciting new locations such as Nikko," Lisa Holladay, global brand leader for The Ritz-Carlton, said in a statement. "We will be working to curate a Nikko experience that truly showcases what is special about this destination while bringing to life and honoring its UNESCO heritage."
Located in the Northern Kanto region of Japan, Nikko is about two hours north of Tokyo and is an outdoor and cultural tourism destination featuring many natural jewels including the Kegon Falls and an array of famous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.
Nikko and the surrounding area was named a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the cultural, religious and architectural significance of its richly decorated temples.
Set amid the mountains and forests that make up the site, The Ritz-Carlton property will be located along the east end of Lake Chuzenji and south of Mount Nantai.
Owned by Tobu Railway Co., the property will provide guests with easy access to prominent scenic attractions including Nikko's National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage designated area.
"We are pleased to welcome the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand to Nikko, which can be easily accessed from our railway lines," Yoshizumi Nezu, president, Tobu Railway Co., Ltd, said in a statement. "The land surrounding the hotel has many stories to tell and is rich in history and abundant in nature. Through The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko we hope to introduce the various Nikko attractions to both Japanese and international visitors, eventually contributing to the strength of the Japanese tourism industry."
The property will include 94 guestrooms and suites, each designed to provide guests with an extravagant view of either Lake Chuzenji or Mount Nantai.
Dining options are expected to include an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge and bar, and a Western restaurant.
The fitness facilities and signature Ritz-Carlton Spa meanwhile will offer an opportunity for rejuvenation through unique treatment rooms and a private Onsen-Japanese hot springs.
"Nikko has a long and rich history, making it an attractive destination for domestic travelers and a growing destination for overseas travelers looking to more deeply experience Japan and its culture," Paul Foskey, chief development officer, Asia Pacific, Marriott International said in a statement "We are truly excited to be collaborating with Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. to bring yet another unique resort to Japan."
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