Royal Minor Hotels Co Ltd and List Development Co Ltd (LD) formally signed a management contract for the first-ever Anantara property in Japan.

Royal Minor and LD held a signing ceremony of the HMA at the Tokyo American Club on Thursday, 10th July.

LD president and CEO Naoyuki Kitami and Minor International’s founder and chairman William E Heinecke both went onstage to speak about the agreement and its significance for both organizations.

The agreement itself was signed by LD chief operating officer Hiroyuki Kiuchi and Royal Minor president and representative director Kohei Motoyama.

Kikuchi remarked: “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. 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.”

Motoyama commented: “We are extremely proud to partner with List Development Co., Ltd. for the launch of the Anantara Karuizawa Retreat. 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.”

Harnessing the beauty of the natural environment The 51-key establishment, expected to open by 2030, will boast suites and branded residences on a serene ten-acre forested site facing Mount Asama in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

The design of Anantara Karuizawa is anticipated to blend modern design with the site’s natural surroundings, utilizing natural materials such as exposed timber peaks and large windows to create harmony with the environment and offer sweeping views of Mount Asama.

Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will harness the region’s year-round natural beauty and connectivity to offer travelers nature-led escapes.

The property’s strategic location near the Karuizawa Hokuriku Shinkansen Station provides convenient access from Tokyo, which is just over an hour away by train, as well as from nearby cities such as Nagano, Kanazawa, and Maebashi.

Karuizawa is a favored weekend getaway renowned for its cool climate in summer and abundant year-round outdoor attractions, including the Karuizawa Kazakoshi Park, golf courses, forests, hiking trails, hot springs, and skiing.

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.

What to expect Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will provide its guests with highly personalized service and exclusive accommodations, offering 23 suites measuring 60 to 120 sqm 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 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 fundamental to the resort’s offering, centered around an Anantara Spa and onsen, with additional wellness programming across the property.

Other leisure facilities will include a swimming pool, fitness center, library, and resident’s lounge.

Additionally, the property will offer flexible meeting facilities to meet the growing demand for corporate gatherings in the region.