The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s esteemed portfolio of 31 exceptional hotel brands, has proudly announced the grand opening of its latest addition, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, located on the picturesque island of Kyushu in Southern Japan.
Rising above the bustling city of Fukuoka, this luxurious hotel is situated within the 111-meter main tower of Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City, the tallest urban lifestyle complex in the core commercial district. With its unmatched service and contemporary aesthetic, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka aims to captivate both locals and visitors in one of Japan’s fastest-growing cities, renowned for its thriving start-up scene, rich history, cherished traditions, and exceptional culinary culture.
Tina Edmundson, the President of Luxury for Marriott International, expressed her excitement about the expansion of The Ritz-Carlton brand in Japan, stating, “Since we first debuted The Ritz-Carlton in Japan in 1997, the brand has been consistently recognized for its legendary luxury and service, beloved by locals and visitors to Japan alike. We are excited to further strengthen our luxury positioning in the country by entering a new and emerging destination such as Fukuoka.”
Fukuoka, once a pivotal point along the Silk Road trade routes, maintains its significance as a major gateway between Japan and the rest of Asia. The city is renowned for its vibrant annual festivals, including the Hakata Gion Yamakasa summer festival, a UNESCO-designated Intangible Cultural Heritage with an impressive 800-year history. Fukuoka’s attractions extend beyond its festivals, boasting beautiful beaches, natural parks, and historic sites such as the 12th-century Shofukuji temple and the Fukuoka Castle ruins. The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka enjoys a prime location adjacent to Tenjin, the trendy heart of the city and a rising tech hub filled with shops, bars, cafés, and a lively nightlife scene. Moreover, the hotel is conveniently situated within a 15-minute drive or public transportation ride to Hakata Station, Hakata Port, and Fukuoka Airport, connecting the city to Tokyo and other major destinations.
The architectural masterpiece housing The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka consists of a 25-story glass tower, with the hotel occupying the nine topmost floors. Designed by Kume Sekkei of Tokyo and overseen by Melbourne-based Layan Architects + Designers, the hotel’s interior design and artwork draw inspiration from Fukuoka’s traditional yarn-dyed silk and kimono weaving craft, known as “Hakata-ori.” Throughout the hotel, visitors will encounter folding screens, sculptures, paintings, and woven textiles created by local artisans, all seamlessly integrated into the overall design narrative. The hotel’s elevated location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Genkai Sea and the surrounding hills, creating an exceptional sense of place and providing guests with a truly immersive experience.
Featuring 167 generously sized guestrooms, including 20 suites, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka offers a range of accommodation options on the 19th to 23rd floors. The guestrooms span 50 square meters, while the suites start at 75 square meters, ensuring ample space for comfort and relaxation. Fukuoka Skyline rooms offer sweeping views of the city, while Park View rooms provide a tranquil atmosphere overlooking the lush greenery of Ohori Park. Bay View rooms allow guests to admire the passing ships of Hakata Bay and beyond. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the 132-square-meter Presidential Suite and the 188-square-meter Ritz-Carlton Suite boast a dining room and kitchen for private meals. On the 24th and topmost floor, The Ritz-Carlton Club serves as a private sanctuary exclusively available to guests staying in club and suite categories. The club offers five culinary presentations daily, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, and cordials, all accompanied by live jazz performances every Saturday night. With its bar and private room, The Ritz-Carlton Club serves as an ideal venue for business and social gatherings, while a dedicated concierge service ensures personalized care from pre-arrival to departure.
Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the hotel’s four restaurants and two bars, which showcase Fukuoka’s vibrant food culture. Viridis, the hotel’s farm-to-sky Western cuisine restaurant, masterfully transforms locally sourced, sustainably produced ingredients into creative culinary delights. Genjyu, a stylish establishment, invites guests to savor three of Japan’s finest culinary traditions—kaiseki, sushi, and teppanyaki. The Lobby Lounge & Bar offers a welcoming space for guests to enjoy refreshments and light meals throughout the day, while Bay, inspired by the passing ships of Hakata Bay, serves original cocktails alongside chargrilled dishes and tapas, all to be savored on its terrace, offering breathtaking views. For a refined yet relaxed café experience, Diva serves light meals, decadent desserts, and traditional afternoon tea, featuring the celebrated green teas of Kyushu.
To complete the extraordinary experience, The Ritz-Carlton Spa awaits guests on the 24th floor. The spa boasts an indoor swimming pool with a mesmerizing view of the bay, a state-of-the-art gymnasium offering exceptional city views, and single and double private rooms where guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments utilizing local ingredients and featuring products from ESPA. The hotel also caters to families, offering child-friendly amenities and activities through the brand’s renowned Ritz Kids program, including guided excursions and craft experiences centered around the program’s four pillars of nature, exploration, responsibility, and culture, ensuring young travelers have an unforgettable stay.
For those seeking event spaces, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka offers two versatile banquet venues on the third floor. The 108-square-meter Ritz-Carlton Studio and the 336-square-meter Ritz-Carlton Ballroom can be flexibly configured to accommodate a variety of gatherings, including breakout sessions, board meetings, and conferences. The Ballroom is equipped with a six-meter-square LED screen, providing a spectacular backdrop for film screenings and video presentations. Moreover, the hotel’s Chapel, also located on the third floor, seamlessly blends Western and Japanese influences, creating an idyllic setting for wedding ceremonies.
Radu Cernia, the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, expressed his enthusiasm for the hotel’s debut, saying, “We are excited to debut The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, and our talented team of Ladies and Gentlemen look forward to delighting guests with the brand’s legendary care and service. Whether our guests are here to explore the local start-up scene or discover Fukuoka’s fascinating culture and cuisine, we look forward to welcoming them to The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka and providing them with unforgettable memories.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka epitomizes the perfect blend of luxury, culture, and exceptional service, offering a haven for travelers in the vibrant city of Fukuoka. With its prime location, stunning design, exquisite dining options, rejuvenating spa, and world-class amenities, the hotel promises an unforgettable stay for discerning guests seeking an elevated experience in the heart of Southern Japan.
