Japan hotels shift from business to luxury with hot springs, Jacuzzis

$730-a-night rooms take spotlight as industry grapples with slow tourism recovery

Orix is opening a second hotel under its Karaku luxury brand, which started with the Hakone Gora Karaku inn. (Image obtained by Nikkei)

YOSHIHIRO HARA, TARO SAEKI and MAMI OSADA, Nikkei staff writers

December 11, 2022 06:28 JST

TOKYO -- From a private hot spring getaway to luxury suites in the heart of Tokyo, hotel operators are preparing unique accommodations across Japan in hopes of attracting wealthy foreign tourists.

Orix Group plans to open a second hotel under the Karaku luxury brand next winter in Atami, one of Japan's most popular destinations for onsen hot springs. All 57 rooms will be equipped with a private open-air bath.