The Marriott International select service line’s new sites will be located along national roadside rest areas in the prefectures of Hyogo, Kagoshima, Okayama, Saga, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka in the southern region of Japan.
Off the beaten path
The Fairfield by Marriott ‘Michi-no-Eki’ project aims to facilitate access to many of Japan’s off-the-beaten-path attractions, offering a comforting hotel experience along the country’s expressways.
The brand was created on the principles of warmth, comfort and simplicity. The calm aesthetics, warm colour palettes, and straightforward design philosophy uses a combination of natural materials and colour tones to represent the connection between the outdoors and indoors. Guestrooms range in size from 21 to 25 sq m and feature complimentary Wi-Fi and a compact shower booth.
Hyogo highlights
The first of the 2023 Japanese seven is the 88-key Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Tajima Yabu, which opened a few weeks ago, located next to Michi-no-Eki Yoka Tajimanokura in Yabu city, in Japan’s southwestern Hyogo Prefecture.
In the same prefecture, Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Awaji Higashiura will bring a further 87 rooms to the portfolio this summer.
In the neighbouring Okayama Prefecture, the 78-key Fairfield by Marriott Okayama Tsuyama is expected to open in spring.
Coming to Kyushu
On Japan’s most southerly island, Kyushu, the 84-room Fairfield by Marriott Saga Ureshino Onsen will welcome guests to Ureshino Onsen, a hot spring town in the Saga Prefecture this summer. Just east of this, Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha will add another 51 rooms to the system around the same time.
Heading south on the same island, the 93-key Fairfield by Marriott Kumamoto Aso will be located in Kumamoto Prefecture’s city of Aso, nestled within one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Opening is due in autumn. This will have been preceded by the brand’s most southerly 2023 opening in Japan, Fairfield by Marriott Kagoshima Tarumizu, a 95-room site scheduled for spring and located at Tarumizu city in Kagoshima Prefecture.
Unique legacy
Diane Mayer, vice president and global brand leader, classic select brands, Marriott International said: “We are thrilled to expand the brand in Asia with seven new Fairfield hotels expected to open in Japan this year. Fairfield is celebrated with a unique legacy in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio and we look forward to delivering the promise of warm hospitality and inviting experiences for guests who are discovering up-and-coming destinations across Japan.”
Masahiro Taguchi, project director of Fairfield by Marriott’s Michi-no-Eki portfolio, added: “The Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki project is aimed at creating a footprint of hotels that stretch from Japan’s snowy northernmost regions to its southern prefectures, where travellers can stop and get a good night’s rest as they explore the many historical and cultural attractions, culinary experiences, and natural sites across each region. Guests can look forward to a pleasant and effortless experience every time they check in at a Fairfield hotel.”
