The latest overseas luxury hospitality investment in Japan has been announced with a management deal to develop a prime property in Karuizawa.
To open in 2030, the Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will feature suites and branded residences on a “serene 10-acre forested site facing Mount Asama” in Nagano Prefecture.
Coming in 2030: 10-acre Escape in Karuizawa with Mountain Views
“We are extremely proud to partner with List Development Co., Ltd. for the launch of the Anantara Karuizawa Retreat,” said Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd. President and Representative Director Kohei Motoyama.
“The company brings exceptional expertise in creating luxury properties, aligning perfectly with Anantara’s philosophy of offering refined stays and distinctive design. Together, we aim to create a retreat that coexists harmoniously with Karuizawa’s rich natural surroundings and further enhances its unique appeal.”
Location, Location, Location
Anantara Karuizawa Retreat’s strategic spot near the Karuizawa Hokuriku Shinkansen Station provides convenient access from Tokyo, about one hour away by train, as well as from nearby Nagano, Kanazawa and Maebashi cities.
“We are truly honoured to bring the renowned luxury hotel brand Anantara to Japan for the first time through this landmark project in partnership with Royal Minor,” said List Development Co., Ltd. President and COO Hiroyuki Kiuchi.
Royal Minor Hotels and List Development announce Japan’s first Anantara Property
“We have long been committed to enriching people’s lifestyles by creating high-quality homes and communities. In recent years, we have extended this philosophy to hotel condominiums and luxury residences, applying the know-how we have cultivated over time.
“It is within this context that our vision has aligned with that of Royal Minor, resulting in the signing of this hotel management agreement. Karuizawa is one of Japan’s premier resort destinations, offering excellent access from the Tokyo metropolitan area as well as rich natural surroundings and beautiful seasonal landscapes. We were particularly drawn to its global recognition and the growing demand among affluent travellers seeking high-quality experiences.
“The site also enjoys a rare vantage point overlooking Mount Asama, a symbol of Karuizawa, and we are confident that introducing the Anantara brand in this exceptional location will provide guests from Japan and abroad with a truly enriching and luxurious retreat. We will do our utmost to ensure that Anantara Karuizawa Retreat becomes a new landmark for the area and contributes to the revitalisation of the local economy.”
Karuizawa is a favored weekend escape, renowned for its cool climate in the summer and abundant year-round outdoor attractions, including the Karuizawa Kazakoshi Park, golf courses, forests, hiking trails, hot springs and skiing.
Karuizawa: A Serene Escape for All Seasons
The destination’s international appeal is on the rise, especially among Asian travelers, and it is within two to three hours by train from Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita international airports.
Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will provide its guests with highly personalized service and exclusive accommodations, offering 23 suites from 60 to 120 square meters and 18 luxury two- and three-bedroom villas, which are being considered for future branded residence offerings, with further details to be announced as plans progress, ranging in size from 70 sqm to 270 sqm.
The villas will provide an additional 28 keys to the hotel’s inventory, with select two-bedroom villas available as 70 sqm standard and 130 sqm one-bedroom villas, bringing the total key count to 51. Guests will enjoy three on-site food and beverage outlets, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty concept and a bar. Wellness will be a fundamental part of the resort’s offering, centred around an Anantara Spa and onsen, and with additional wellness programming across the property. Other leisure facilities will include a swimming pool, fitness center, library and residents’ lounge.
The property will also offer flexible meeting facilities for the growing demand of corporate gatherings in the region. The design of Anantara Karuizawa is expected to blend modern themes with the natural surroundings and materials such as exposed timber peaks and large windows to create harmony with the environment and offer sweeping views of Mount Asama.
The company’s entry into Japan will focus on key gateway business and leisure destinations. With a strategy to cater to the growing demand for luxury and lifestyle travel, the joint venture will integrate Minor Hotels’ global expertise with local market insights to create properties that appeal to a diverse range of discerning travellers.
“This partnership represents a significant milestone in our journey to bring world-class hospitality to Japan, combining our deep understanding of the Japanese market with Minor Hotels’ proven expertise in luxury hospitality,” said Masataka Abe, President and Representative Director of Royal Minor Hotels.
Anantara Enters Japan with a New Luxury Vision
The management contract signing of Anantara Karuizawa Retreat is the first since the establishment of the Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd. partnership in March 2025. Royal Minor plans to partner with leading Japanese real estate developers to operate hotels under three of Minor Hotels’ globally recognised brands – Anantara, Tivoli and Avani – and open 21 hotels in Japan by 2035.
Minor International Public Company Limited (MINT), the parent company of Minor Hotels, and Royal Holdings Co., Ltd. (Royal), is a leading Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed hotel and restaurant operator.
The partnership marks Minor Hotels’ entry into Japan’s dynamic luxury and lifestyle hotel market.This partnership forms Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd., a 50/50 joint venture between Royal and Minor Hotels. This venture aims to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences and expand Minor Hotels’ presence in the Japanese market. The joint venture will collaborate with leading Japanese real estate developers to operate hotels under three globally recognised Minor Hotels brands: Anantara, Avani and Tivoli. The hotels will be developed through a combination of management agreements and lease arrangements, with a target of 21 hotels by 2035.
MINT and Royal have cultivated a long-standing partnership built on trust and shared goals, beginning with a successful franchise collaboration of the Sizzler brand in Japan. This enduring relationship laid the foundation for the joint entry into Japan’s luxury and lifestyle hospitality sector.
Royal, with its extensive expertise in the Japanese market and its successful operation of 43 Richmond Hotels nationwide through its subsidiary, Rnt Hotels Co., brings invaluable local market knowledge to the partnership, industry analysts say. Combining this with Minor Hotels’ global hospitality expertise, the joint venture aims to create a unique blend of Japanese and international luxury and lifestyle that resonates with both domestic and international travellers.
“We are thrilled to expand our presence in the vibrant Japanese market, a key growth area for our company. Through our partnership with Royal, we aim to deliver unparalleled hospitality experiences that authentically reflect Japan’s unique culture while showcasing the global excellence of our renowned brands,” said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels.
The venture will leverage Minor Hotels’ global expertise, while Royal will contribute its strong operational support and market knowledge, ensuring seamless execution and sustainable growth in Japan’s fast-growing hospitality sector. Additionally, GHA Discovery, Minor Hotels’ award-winning loyalty program, will play a crucial role in driving guest loyalty and attracting new members to the expanding portfolio of hotels in Japan. The loyalty program will provide exclusive benefits and personalized experiences, further enhancing the appeal of the joint venture’s offerings.
