(TAN): Marriott International recently announced the planned openings of eight new Fairfield by Marriott properties in Japan, looking to more than double the size of the brand in the country.
Japanese developer Sekisui House has partnered with Marriott International to further their ‘Trip Base’ initiative which aims at revitalizing local sightseeing spots with the opening of hotels alongside ‘Michi-no-Eki’ roadside stations. Created over two decades ago, The Michi-no-Eki rest stop system provides stop-over rest facilities for road trip travellers in Japan, situated close to national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
As part of the Marriott Michi-no-Eki project, Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Seiryu Satoyama Park, Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Mino, Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Utsunomiya, Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Kyotamba, Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Gujo and Fairfield by Marriott Mie Mihama are scheduled to open in October, followed by Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Motegi in November and Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Miyazu in December.
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Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International said, “These new openings underscore Marriott International’s commitment to growing our presence in Japan to serve travelers here. The new hotels will deliver the brand’s principles of friendly service and family treatment, giving travellers access to inspiring natural destinations across the country.”
Each guest room in the hotels averages about 25 square meters and offers a comfortable bed and fast complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotels also offer optional breakfast take-away in bento boxes for guests to enjoy at the hotel or while on the road.
Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Seiryu Satoyama Park (85 rooms, October 6): This hotel is a great starting point for family holidays exploring Gifu Seiryu Satoyama Park, an urban park designed to emulate the rural landscape of Japan’s Showa era (1926-1989). The park features the nostalgic Satoyama Café, a foot spa corner and a charming morning market.
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Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Mino (54 rooms, October 6): Surrounded by the views of the great Nagara River and emerald-green mountains, guests can explore Mino’s ancient buildings and streetscapes that date back to Japan’s Edo period. Visitors can also savour the delicious Ayu sweet fish caught in the pristine waters of the river, served with fresh seasonal vegetables from the surrounding countryside.
Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Utsunomiya (87 rooms, October 7): Conveniently located near the Utsunomiya Romantic Village, this hotel can be made a base for sightseeing around the rural countryside. Guests get to enjoy hands-on experiences with local farming, strawberry picking, forest hikes and traditional hot springs. This area is famous for its delicious gyoza dumplings.
Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Kyotamba (75 rooms, October 8): This hotel is located at the gateway of the Kyotamba region, characterized by its rolling green hills. The climate of the Tamba plateau produces Tamba chestnuts and Tamba black beans.
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Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Gujo (87 rooms, October 9): Guests can explore nearby Gujo Hachiman Castle and the old-world charm of the castle town, surrounded by beautiful rural Japanese countryside. In Gujo, the Kokin Denju no Sato Field Museum features classical waka poetry readings, and thermal spring-filled ceramic baths and foot spas. Guests can also discover the delicacies of this region, including salt-grilled Ayu sweet fish and keichan, a traditional chicken dish.
Fairfield by Marriott Mie Mihama (63 rooms, October 12): This hotel is located next to the Michi-no-Eki Park Shichiri-Mihama roadside station, right in front of the Hamakaido. Due to the year-round warm weather, guests can explore nearby Shichiri Mihama Beach, selected as one of Japan’s “100 Great Beaches”.
Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Motegi (52 rooms, November 20): This hotel is located next to Michi-no-Eki Motegi, near the Mooka Railway station and tracks. Motor racing fans will also enjoy visiting the famous international racing circuit nearby, Twin Ring Motegi.
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Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Miyazu (93 rooms, December 15): This hotel is located in Kyoto, offering views of the clear waters of Miyazu Bay. Guests can enjoy the ocean breeze, explore the charming ancient streets of Kyoto, and discover classic Japanese cuisine at Osakana Kitchen Miyazu. They can also take a pleasure cruise to see the beautiful Amanohashidate sandbar, voted as one of the three most scenic views in Japan.
Masahiro Taguchi, project director of Fairfield by Marriott’s Michi-no-Eki portfolio, said, “Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Hotels will welcome guests with the beauty of simplicity, and offer comfortable start points for travelers to explore local destinations and hidden gems.”
