Banyan Tree Group recently announced its first-ever expansion into Japan with five new properties across four concepts. The hospitality group’s partnership with Wealth Management Group saw Dhawa Yura and Garrya Nijo Castle launch in June, with two more properties slated to open now through 2026. Another partnership with Terraform Capital sees plans to build Cassia, a property in the ski resort of Niseko.

Dhawa Yura Kyoto © Banyan Tree Group
Dhawa Yura Kyoto opened June 17, located beside Sanjo Ohashi, a bridge that once served as the final station of the ancient Tokaido Road from Tokyo. The hotel features 138 rooms, with each room and public space showing the city’s history through interior design and artwork. Dhawa Yura Kyoto also includes 8lement Spa for guests to focus on their wellbeing.
June 17 also saw the launch of Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto, a property embracing a simplistic design and amenities to recharge and rejuvenate guests. With just 25 rooms, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto brings a boutique and intimate feel to the city. The lobby provides a meditative view of lush greenery, and the hotel’s restaurant, Singular, creates innovative French dishes. Guests can also enjoy the Wellbeing Room for yoga and restorative exercises.

Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto © Banyan Tree Group
Slated to open spring 2024, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto will sit on a hill overlooking Kyoto. The luxury hilltop urban resort will be the first and only hotel in Kyoto city to have a Noh stage, also known as a performance theater with a unique design concept to immerse the audience into the performance.
Cassia Hirafu, scheduled to open in 2025, will grace Niseko, the most popular ski resort destination in Japan. Set to lie just minutes from Hirafu ski slopes, Cassia Hirafu will have 50 keys for the resort, as well as 113 keys for residential accommodations, from one-bedroom spaces to villas available for sale.

Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto © Banyan Tree Group
Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone will open in 2026 adjacent to Lake Ashino. The property will lie in an area renowned for its hot spring, historical destination and views of Mount Fiji.
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