A brand-new luxury hotel on Japan’s third-largest island now awaits its first guests.

Located within the 111-metre tower of Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is the newest choice of stay for travellers flocking to the emerging Kyushu city, famous for its flourishing start-up scene, local festivals, and thriving food culture—as expected of the “Ramen Capital of Japan” and the notable birthplace of Hakata ramen.

As the Ritz-Carlton’s seventh hotel in Japan, the brand continues to expand its footprint and legacy in a market it has operated in since 1997. Nine floors of the Kume Sekkei-designed tower are reserved for The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka’s 147 rooms and 20 suites, including the spacious Presidential Suite and flagship Ritz-Carlton Suite, looking out at the Genkai Sea. 

Leaning on the city’s history as a waypoint on the Silk Road, and its rich cultural importance as the host of several long-standing Japanese festivals—the 800-year-old Hakata Gion Yamakasa summer celebration among them—the design of the hotel is equally rooted in tradition. Melbourne-based Layan Architects + Designers layered elements of Fukuoka’s heritage craft into the space, drawing on hakata-ori, a yarn-dyed silk and kimono-weaving art, to inform the design narrative. Artisan-made sculptures, paintings, woven textiles, and folding screens further enhance the intricate visual texture of the interiors.

Four new restaurants and two bars will bolster the city’s vibrant culinary choices. Viridis takes sustainable, farm-to-table Western dining to the skies; Genjyu presents a bold trifecta of kaiseki, sushi, and teppanyaki in one; Diva’s café setting showcases afternoon tea and desserts; and the ever-present Lobby Lounge & Bar welcomes guests for drinks and light meals. On Bay’s terrace, enjoy cocktails with char-grilled dishes and tapas.

Following in the footsteps of the Ritz-Carltons in Osaka and Tokyo, the Fukuoka property will introduce the newly revamped Ritz-Carlton Club concept to the topmost floor of the hotel. Available only to club- and suite-level guests, the exclusive experience offers a dedicated concierge to assist with personalised service, weekly live jazz performances, a private room and bar, and five culinary presentations per day, starting from breakfast.

Expect Fukuoka to also offer the signature Ritz-Carlton Spa, plus indoor swimming pool and fitness centre, and the popular Ritz Kids programme to engage young travellers in guided activities and cultural experiences. Much like its sister locations, there’s also a chapel and two banquet venues—Ritz-Carlton Studio and Ritz-Carlton Ballroom—for large gatherings.  

Guests who venture out of the hotel will find themselves comfortably situated in the centre of cultural attractions, retail and dining options, natural parks, and historical sites, such as the ruins of Fukuoka Castle and the ancient Shofuku-ji temple. Hakata Station, Hakata Port, and Fukuoka Airport are also only 15 minutes away by car or public transportation. 

All images courtesy of Christopher Cypert.