Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced on 16 June 2025 the signing of Hilton Takayama Resort in partnership with Central Japan Railway Company and its subsidiaries—JR Tokai Real Estate Co., Ltd. and JR Tokai Hotels Co., Ltd.
The JR Central Group currently operates the Hotel Associa Takayama Resort in Takayama—a renowned tourist destination in Japan known for its traditional streets, crafts, and local cuisine. The hotel will be rebranded under Hilton’s flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, marking Hilton’s first entry into Gifu Prefecture. This hotel will continue to be operated by JR Tokai Hotels Co., Ltd., which has cultivated many years of hotel management experience in Takayama.
The interior design of the hotel will be carried out by Hashimoto Yukio Design Studio, with the renovation concept theme, “Art of Mountain Folk”, inspired by the unique shapes and impressions created by the nature and craftsmanship of Takayama. This concept aims to express the beauty produced by the rich nature of Hida Takayama and the Alps, providing a higher quality and more comfortable stay.
As part of this renovation, and in addition to the existing 70 sqm suite rooms, new 90 sqm suite rooms will be added to the hotel’s total of 283 rooms. Additionally, the hotel will be establishing a new executive lounge that will be available to Diamond members of Hilton’s guest loyalty programme, Hilton Honors, as well as a new fitness centre. Hilton will provide high-quality services that will satisfy both domestic and international guests.
“The Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand has been providing innovative products and services for over 100 years, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of our guests and setting the standard for hospitality. In Japan, we currently operate 16 hotels under this brand in both urban and resort locations from Hokkaido to Okinawa. We are delighted to open Hilton Takayama Resort in Hida Takayama, a new destination where guests can experience the beauty of nature, tradition, and history. We are confident that the hotel will offer exceptional hospitality to guests from both Japan and abroad,” said Joseph Khairallah, area vice president, head of Japan, Korea & Micronesia, Hilton.
“We are honoured to partner with Central Japan Railway Company, JR Tokai Real Estate Co., Ltd. and JR Tokai Hotels Co., Ltd. to open Hilton Takayama Resort. Gifu Prefecture, including Takayama City with its preserved historic streets, is gaining increasing attention from international tourists. Additionally, Takayama’s easy access to popular tourist destinations in urban and nearby areas is expected to further boost visitor numbers. With the strong partnership of these three companies, we are preparing for the opening in the fall of 2026”, commented Hirohisa Fujimoto, vice president of development – Japan & Micronesia, Hilton.
“For the JR Central Group, Takayama holds a special place in our hearts. By partnering with Hilton, a global hotel chain, we aim to invite a wider range of guests from both domestic and international locations to experience the charm of Takayama. Including this Hilton Takayama Resort, we will continue to work together with the local community to further enhance the appeal of the area through various group-wide initiatives such as railway transportation and tourism campaigns,” remarked Shunsuke Niwa, President and Representative Director, Central Japan Railway Company.
