Tourism Chronology

302Part Ⅲ / Chronology

Table of Contents
1. Chronology........................................................................................................ 303
2. Tourism Goals of Government and Administration...................................... 307
3. DMO Measures................................................................................................ 311
4. Trends in Large Hotel Construction............................................................... 313

About the Editing of the Tourism Chronology
・This Tourism Chronology was written by the Chronology Group of the Asia
Pacific Institute of Research (APIR).
・The last check date of the following data is November 30, 2023 (exceptions
noted).
・Kansai is defined as Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Fukui,Mie, Tottori and Tokushima prefectures, unless otherwise noted.
・DMO is an abbreviation for Destination Management/Marketing Organization.

Tourism Chronology

303

Table 1Year

National and Local Governments
6/17

2014

10/1
12/27

2015

National and private events related to tourism: 2014-2019

Council on the Promotion of Japanas a Tourism-Oriented Country
formulates action plan for 20 million
foreign visitors to Japan.
Expansion of duty-free coverage tocosmetics, medicines, food, etc.
Cabinet approves “Comprehensive
Strategy for Vitalization of Town,
People, and Work”.

Private sector
3/8

Kintetsu to fully open Abeno Harukas.
Project cost: JPY130 billion

7/15

USJ opens new Harry Potter area. 2
million more visitors expected.
KIX celebrates the 20th anniversary of
its opening. New Kansai International
Airport aims to sell its management
rights.

9/2

2/9

Osaka City decides to attract IR to
Yumeshima.

1/16

6/12

Minister of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism approves plans
for seven “wide-area tourism” routes.
Osaka Prefectural Assembly passes
nation’s first ordinance on private
lodging.
Registration of Japanese DMO
candidate corporations started

8/1

10/27
12/15

9/1
11/19

Prefectural police increase the numberof Minami sightseeing bus stops along
Sakaisuji from 2 to 5.
Passenger volume at KIX reaches arecord high of 2.29 million for a single
month in August.
Passenger volume at KIX reaches arecord high of 11.98 million in the
April-September period.
Mitsui Fudosan opens the largest
220,000m2 Expo City.

Part Ⅱ
Part ⅢPart Ⅳ〇In June 2014, the Japanese government set a target of 20 million foreign visitors to Japan at the Council on the Promotion of Japan as a Tourism-Oriented
Country. In December, the Cabinet approved the “Comprehensive Strategy for
Vitalization of Towns, people, and Jobs”, and in February 2016, the first batchof Japanese DMO candidate corporations were registered. In 2017, the Private Lodging Business Act was enacted to accommodate the rapidly increasing
number of foreign visitors to Japan, which exceeded 30 million in 2018.
〇After Osaka City decided in February 2015 to attract IR, the local government
passed the IR Promotion Act in December of the following year. In July 2018,
the IR Development Act was enacted to set forth the specific licensing andapproval system related to IRs.
〇JR West Japan, Kintetsu, Nankai, Keihan, Hankyu, and Eizan Railway companies operated new types of trains (luxury sightseeing, express, sleeper, andcable cars) to promote travel diversification.
〇Luxury brands of overseas hotel chains, such as Hilton and Marriott opened
new hotels, and domestic companies such as Hotel Okura and Mitsui Fudosan
also opened luxury hotels targeting wealthy customers.
〇Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, amidst the discussions about overtourism, a joint declaration for sustainable growth was adopted at the G20
Tourism Ministers’ Meeting (Kutchan, Hokkaido) in October . In November,
Kyoto City announced its basic policy for “sustainable cities”.

Part Ⅰ

1. Chronology ①: 2014-2019

304

Part Ⅲ / Chronology

2/26
4/1

24 organizations registered in the firstbatch of Japanese DMO candidate
corporations.
Osaka Prefecture enacts ordinance on
private lodging.

3/7

USJ visitors topped 12.7 million in FY
2015, setting a new record.

3/17

Hoshino Resort “Hoshinoya Kyoto”
opened after renovation, adding theview of Arashiyama Katsuragawa River
Himeji Castle, for the first ime, ranks
1st with 2.86 million visitors in FY
2015.
Kumamoto earthquake affects visitors
to Japan; cancellations increase at
hotels in Kansai.
Resdential hotel for the wealthy“Four Seasons Kyoto” opened in
Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto.

6/29

Establishment of “Umi-no-Kyoto” DMO.

4/5

10/1

Osaka City enacts ordinance on
private lodging.

4/26

12/15

The House of Representatives agrees
and passes an amendment to the
IR Promotion Act by the House ofCouncillors.

10/15

3/30

Visa relaxation for visitors to Japan
from five priority countries, including
China and India.
Private Lodging Business Act (Minpaku
Law) is enacted.

6/9

Hilton opens luxury hotel “Conrad
Osaka” in Nakanoshima.

6/17

JR West Japan begins operationof “Mizukaze” luxury sleeper train,targeting the wealthy
USJ records 2 million international
visitors in 2017, doubling in 3 years.

2016

2017

2018

6/9
11/28

41 organizations registered as the firstbatch of Japanese version of DMO.

12/19

1/17

Osaka Tourism Bureau announces
the number of international visitors
to Osaka Prefecture in 2017 exceeds
10 million.
IR Development Act passed andenacted by the House of Councillors.

4/1

Privatization of Kobe Airport. Kansai
Airport begins integrated operation of
3 airports.

5/15

Two new Sunflower Ferry vessels
begin service between Kagoshima andOsaka.
Kansai International Airport closed
until 9/20 due to damage from
Typhoon No. 21 - a hard hit on export
and tourism.

7/20
12/17

The Japan Tourism Agency holds a
ceremony to commemorate the 30
millionth visitor to Japan in 2018.

9/4

10/25
～26

G20 Tourism Ministers meet and makea joint declaration for sustainablegrowth of the tourism industry.
Kyoto City announces basic guidelines
for realizing a “sustainable tourism
city”.
“United Nations Conference on
Tourism and Culture in Kyoto 2019” tobe held in Kyoto City.
Cabinet approves the second phaseof the “Comprehensive Strategy for
Vitalization of Town, People, andWorkplace”.

3/1

11/20
2019

12/12
～13
12/20

3/26
9/20
11/27

Nankai operates a new “Koyasan
Cable Car” between Koyasan and
Gokurakubashi.
KIX’s international scheduled flights
exceeded 3,000 per week for the firsttime, Asian routes increase.
Daimaru Shinsaibashi main building
to be rebuilt with 40,000m2 and an
investment of JPY 37 billion.
Hankyu Hanshin opens “Hotel RESPIRE”
in Umeda with 1030 rooms.

Source: Prepared by APIR based on press releases from various sources

Tourism Chronology

305

Table 2Year

National and Local Governments
4/8

2020

National and private events related to tourism: 2020-2023
Private sector
2/4

Carnival cancels “Diamond Princess”
port call to Kobe Port.

7/22

Municipalities in the vicinity of Osakaand Hyogo Prefectures request
voluntary restraint on travel between
prefectures.
Launching of “GoTo Travel”

5/13

12/18

Cabinet approves IR basic policy.

7/22

12/28

The government temporarily suspends
GoTo Travel.

11/3

Arrivals and departures at KIX over thelong holiday : 2,150 people, a 99.8%
sharp drop YoYMarriott opens first class “JW Marriott
Hotel” in Nara City
Mitsui Fudosan opens first class “Hotel
Mitsui” Near Nijo Castle in Kyoto

Part Ⅱ
Part ⅢPart Ⅳ〇Domestic tourism was reviewed during the pandemic, and measures to stimulate demand, such as “Go To Travel” in July 2020 and “National Travel Assistance” from October 2022 to January 2023, were set forth.
〇After the government made a cabinet decision on the basic policy regarding
IR in December 2020, Osaka Prefecture/City announced the outline in September 2021.The government approved the development plan for “Osaka IR”
in April 2023.
〇The government received a new proposal for the Osaka Prefecture/City Super City Initiative in October 21, and made a Cabinet decision to adopt theplan in April 2022.
〇In anticipation of a recovery in inbound tourism demand after the pandemic,
Osaka Prefecture/City set a new goal of ranking MICE among the top 10
in the world in January 2023. A partnership agreement between the Kansai
Tourism Bureau and Mastercard was announced in February of the same
year. The Japan Tourism Agency’s “Tourism Restart Project” was announced
in March of the same year.
〇Ferry Sunflower, a car ferry operator between Kyushu and Kansai, and fourother companies have launched 10 newly built vessels on five routes. The newships feature larger hulls and all private rooms, changing the traveling stylefor those who enjoy traveling by boat.
〇Urban tower hotels with relatively low prices and more rooms were constructed to meet the needs of a diverse range of travelers. Many properties thatwere closed or failed to open due to the pandemic were acquired by, for example, APA Hotel and Hoshino Resort before rebranded.

Part Ⅰ

Chronology ②: 2020-2023

306Part Ⅲ / Chronology

4/1
9/16
9/28

2021

3/30

Osaka Prefecture and City submit new
proposal for “Super City” Initiative

4/9

12/2

Osaka Prefecture resumes lodging
discount campaign for Osaka
residents.
Shiga Prefecture extends lodging
discount campaign to residents of
Fukui Prefecture

4/26

Prefectural discount expands to all
prefectures within regional blocs
Cabinet approves the designationof Osaka City as the “Super City”
concept.
Comprehensive cooperationagreement with Osaka Convention &Tourism Bureau and Airbnb agree on
a comprehensive cooperation about
tourism promotion.
“Nationwide Travel Assistance”
covering nation-wide begins.

1/10

1/10
3/31

4/1
4/12
9/29

10/11

7/28

2023

3/16
3/18

10/15

12/9

2022

“Regional Tourism Business Support”
for travel within prefecture begins.
MGM-ORIX alliance selected as
candidate for Osaka IR project.
Osaka Prefectural Government andCity of Osaka Announce IR Outline

9/22
11/16

11/22

9/1

4/22

“Fauchon Hotel Kyoto” opens in Kyoto
by Fauchon of France
USJ opens a new Nintendo area with
“Mario” theme.
APA Group opens Shin-Osaka Station
Tower, acquires buildings underconstruction with 400 rooms.
Kyoto International ConferenceCenter acquires international hygiene
certification, the first MICE facility inJapan.
Hankyu Hanshin Fudosan opens hotel“remm plus Kobe Sannomiya” directly
above the station.
Hilton opens first class “LXR Hotels” inRakuhoku, Kyoto
Hotel Okura opens “Okazaki Bettei” in
Higashiyama, Kyoto
Hoshino Resort opens “OMO7” hotel
in front of Shin-Imamiya Station

6/25

JR Tokai resumes “Let’s go to Kyoto”
commercials for the first time in two
and a half years.

11/1

Sekisui House and Marriott open
“Michi no Eki” hotel in Toyooka City.

Nationwide Travel Assistance resumes

1/2

Japanese government approves“Tourism Nation Promotion BasicPlan” for FY2023-FY2025 at Cabinet
meeting.
Kyoto Prefecture revises prefecturalcomprehensive tourism strategy

1/20

Hoshino Resort opens “OMO Kansai
Airport”, a transferred property
RIHGA Royal Osaka is sold and bought
by a Canadian investment company.

Japan Tourism Agency approves IR
implementation agreement up by
Osaka Prefectural and Osaka city
Japan National Tourism Organization
announces that the number ofinternational visitors in Octoberexceeded that before the COVID-19
pandemic.
Osaka Convention & Tourism
Bureau and Catalonia (Spain) entera reciprocal tourism prmotion
agreement.

8/29

2/1

APA G opens the urban resort Osaka
Umeda Station Towerwith 1,704
rooms.
“Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel Nara”
opens.

10/4

Koyasan Shukubo Association reopens
the Central Information Center.

10/26

Tourism Expo Japan held at INTEXOsaka for the first time in four years.

Source: Prepared by APIR based on press releases from various sources

Tourism Chronology

307

Table 3Government’s Goals for Realization of “Tourism Nation”

Yearofformulated

Contents and Targets

Part Ⅱ〇Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, taken into account the rapid increase in inbound tourism demand, the target number of inbound tourism visitors at theend of 2020 was 40 million (calculated in 2017, Table 3).
〇In 2023, the by the end of 2025 was revised downward to “exceed the preCOVID-19 pandemic level (31.88 million visitors)”.
〇Facing the pandemic, domestic tourism was reevaluated and a target of 320
million overnight stays by domestic travelers in rural areas was set for 2023.
〇The outbound target (number of Japanese traveling overseas) has remained
virtually unchanged at 20 million since it was set in 2007.

Part Ⅰ

2. Tourism Goals of Government and Administration[Number of international conferences held]
・Increase by 50% or more by 2011 (252 or more conferences)
2007[Number of overnight stays per capita by Japanese domestic tourist travelers]
・4 nights per year by FY 2010

Part Ⅲ[Number of foreign visitors to Japan]
・10 million by 2010

[Domestic travel expenditure]
・JPY 30 trillion by FY 2010
[Number of foreign visitors to Japan]
・18 million by 2016
[Number of international conferences held]
・Increase by 50% or more by 2016 (1,111 or more conferences)[Number of overnight stays per capita by Japanese domestic tourism]・2.5 nights per year by 2016.
2012[Number of Japanese traveling abroad]・20 million by 2016.
[Domestic tourism expenditure]
・JPY 30 trillion by FY 2016
[Satisfaction level of international visitors to Japan]
・45% to answer “”Very satisfied” and 60% to answer “Definitely want to revisit” in the“International Visitor Survey” by 2016.
[Traveler satisfaction in tourist areas]
・By 2016, 25% to answer “Very satistified” when asked about overall satisfaction,and 25% to answer “Strongly agree” when asked whether to visit Japan again.

Part Ⅳ[Number of Japanese traveling abroad]・20 million by 2010

308

Part Ⅲ / Chronology[Number of foreign visitors to Japan]
・40 million by 2020
[Number of international conferences held]・30% or more conferences held by major Asian countries* by 2020
*Japan, China, Korea, Australia, and Singapore[Number of Japanese traveling abroad]・20 million by 2020.
2017[Domestic tourism expenditure]
・JPY 21 trillion by 2020
[Tourism expenditure by international visitors]
・JPY 8 trillion by FY 2020.
[Number of repeat international visitors]
・24 million by 2020
[Total number of overnight guests by international visitors in local areas*]
・70 million person-nights by 2020
*Areas outside the three major metropolitan areas (Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo,
Kanagawa, Aichi, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo Prefectures)[Number of international visitors to Japan]
・Exceed the 2019 level (31.88 million) by 2025.
[Number of international conferences held]
・30% or more conferences held by major Asian countries* by 2025.
*Top 5 countries in terms of the number of international conferences held in the
Asia-Pacific region (as of 2019: Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan)[Number of Japanese traveling abroad]・Exceed the 2019 level (20.08 million) by 2025.
[Domestic travel expenditure]
・JPY 20 trillion at an early date and JPY 22 trillion by 2025.

2023[Tourism expenditure by international visitors]
・JPY 5 trillion at an early date.
[Tourism expenditure per trip by international visitors]
・200,000 JPY by 2025.
[Number of overnight stays by international visitors in local areas*]
・2 nights by 2025
*Areas outside the three major metropolitan areas (Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo,
Kanagawa, Aichi, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo Prefectures)[Total number of overnight guests by Japanese in rural areas*]・Will be 3.2 million person-nights by 2025
*Areas outside the three major metropolitan areas (Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo,
Kanagawa, Aichi, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo Prefectures)

Source: Prepared by APIR based on each year’s Basic Plan for the Promotion of Tourism

Tourism Chronology

309〇The goals set by each of the six prefectures in the Kansai region indicatesthat tourists are clustered in Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo prefectures, whichfurther raise the importance of the currently discussed issue of “Creating amechanism to attract tourists to the rural regions” at the broader Kansai level(Table 4).

Kyoto

Osaka

Target Value

Period54.1 million people
41 million people

Number of visitors who experienced Biwaichi

110,000 people

Tourism expenditure per trip (day trip)

JPY 4,600

Tourism expenditure per trip (overnight stay)

JPY 21,000

Tourism expenditure (Total)

JPY 213.9 billion

Tourist satisfaction

87.4%

Repeat visitor rate

68.8%

Willingness of prefectural residents to recommend
tourism in Shiga Prefecture

100.0%

Business operators engaging in Shiga Rhythm

100.0%

Rate of tourists interacting with locals during theirtrip to Kyoto

Increase by 1 point
annually

Visitors satisfaction

90.0%

Repeat visitor (visiting 4 times or more) rate

50.0%

Number of international conferences held in theprefecture

50 conferences

Rate of residents thinking that tourism resources intheir area are utilized

63.0%

Off-season to peak season ratio (tourists in offseason months/tourists in peak months)

67.5%

Tourism expenditure per trip within the prefecture

JPY 5,500

Number of times information on training andseminars for developing, securing, and retaining
human resources provided

100 cases

Total number of overnight stays by Japanese

30 million personnights

By 2023

11.525 million
peopleTwo years
after theliftingof entry
restrictions

Number of international visitors to Osaka

Part Ⅰ

Total number of visitors
Total number of overnight guests

By FY 2024

Part Ⅱ

Shiga

Outcome Indicators

Part Ⅲ

Prefecture

Tourism Strategy Goals for Kansai Six Prefectures

By 2026

Part Ⅳ

Table 4

310

Hyogo

Nara

Wakayama

Part Ⅲ / Chronology

Tourism expenditure

JPY 1,450 billion

Average number of nights

1.5 nights

Total number of overnight stays (domestic)

15 million people

Total number of overnight stays (international
visitors)

3 million people

Rate of lodging by international visitors

17.0%

Tourism expenditure per trip (domestic, overnight)

JPY 64,000

Tourism expenditure per trip (domestic, day trip)

JPY 19,000

Tourism expenditure per trip (international visitors)

JPY 60,000

Repeat visitor rate

70.0%

Visitor satisfaction

80.0%

Resident satisfaction

75.0%

Tourism expenditure

JPY 210 billion

Tourism expenditure per trip (overnight)

JPY 28,000

Tourism expenditure per trip (day trip)

JPY 5,000

Total number of overnight stays

3.5 million people

Number of visitors

51 million people

Number of international visitors

4.5 million people

Number of hotel and inn guest rooms

12,000 rooms

Number of guests (day trip)

33 million people

Number of guests (overnight)

7.13 million people

Number of international guests

1.4 million people

Number of cruise ship calls

30 ships

By FY 2027

By FY 2025

By FY 2026

Source: Prepared by APIR based on the “First Action Plan of Cigarism Tourism Promotion Vision” for Shiga Prefecture, “Kyoto Prefecture Tourism Strategy (March 2020)” for Kyoto Prefecture, “Osaka Urban Attractiveness Creation Strategy 2025 (March 2024)” for Osaka Prefecture, “Nara Prefecture Tourism Strategy(July 2021)” for Nara Prefecture, “Hyogo Prefecture New Tourism Strategy (March 2023)” for Hyogo
Prefecture, and “Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Promotion Vision Phase 1 Action Plan (March 2020)”
for Wakayama Prefecture. For Wakayama Prefecture, based on the “Wakayama Prefecture Comprehensive Strategy for Urban, Human and Cultural Development (March 2020).

Tourism Chronology

311

Table 5

2017

2018

･DMO Net Contents: Business process optimization support, human resource matching, and human resource
development programs (basic and applied)･Promote strategy development using big data
･Facilitate human resource matching of those who have finished the human resource development program･Financial support for organizational establishment, autonomous operations, entrepreneurship, and productivity
improvement･Support for establishing and managing Japanese version of DMO by DBJ･Support for the region-wide DMO managing the seven prefectures in the Setouchi area through investment of
Cool Japan Organization･Support for the enhancement of tourism contents, improvement of reception environment, and promotion of
tourism in region-wide cooperation･Consulting support and promotion know-how by JNTO

2019

･DMO Net Contents: Business process optimization support, promoting human resource exchange andcollaboration, cooperation among DMOs. Human resource development programs (basic and applied)･Promote strategy development using big data
･Facilitate human resource matching of those who have finished the human resource development program･Financial support from organizational establishment to initiatves aimed at autonomizing operations･Support for the region-wide DMO managing the seven prefectures in the Setouchi area through investment of
Cool Japan Organization･Support for promoting travelling and staying through region-wide cooperation･Discuss a system of selection criteria and selection process for “globally-recognized DMO”
･Accelerate the formation of “globally-recognized DMO” by providing consulting support and promotional
know-howPart Ⅲ

Targets･Enhance “DMO Net” functions･DMO Net contents: Human resource matching･Promote strategy development using big data
･Establise a human resource development program for tourism destination management.
･Financial support for establishing organizations, autonomizing operations, entrepreneurship, and improving
productivity･Support for establishing and managing Japanese version of DMO by DBJ･Promote and utilize the “Tourism Forecasting Platform”･Submit the “Investment in the Regional Future Promotion Bill (Cabinet Submission No. 30)” to the Diet.

Part ⅣFY

DMO measures indicated by the government

Part Ⅱ〇In FY 2017, DMO Net were strengthened, and since FY 2018, contents suchas human resource matching and human resource development programs
have been enhanced. From FY 2021, seminar and symposiums have been
held with the help of DMO Net.
〇“Strategies development using big data” has been promoted since FY 2017.
In FY 2020, model project of a specific system design and development was
implemented. In FY 2021, collection of concrete data on the lodging, GPSinformation, and SNS of tourists was promoted. In FY 2022, support for theapplication of DMP (Data Management Platform) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) in strategy development was presented.
〇From FY 2020, DMO support will focus on “DMOs with high motivation andpotential”. In FY 2021, “DMO registration requirements are tightened”. In FY
2023, a policy of strategic support was established for “‘pioneering DMO’ thatare candidates for ‘globally-recognized DMO’”.

Part Ⅰ

3. DMO Measures312

Part Ⅲ / Chronology

2020･DMO Net contents: marketing (basic and applied), human resource development programs (basic andapplied), and other e-learning materials･Promote strategy development using big data･Implemente a model project to design and develop a system for collecting and analyzing tourist data forstrategy development･Support for the region-wide DMO managing the seven prefectures in the Setouchi area through investment of
Cool Japan Organization･Enchance stay-related content through region-wide collaboration, and provide support for infrastructuredevelopment for region-wide excursion tourism･Raise the level of DMOs based on guidelines･Focused support for DMOs with high motivation and potential･Support for matching with human resources possessing professional expertise and foreigner’s perspectives, aswell as for the cost of hiring･Comprehensive support through collaboration among related ministries and agencies

2021･DMO Net Contents: Information on various trainings, seminars, and symposiums･Rebuild and implement model projects for data collection platform and CRM application･Promote collection and analysis of DMO’s big data such as tourist accommodation, characteristics, GPS data,
SNS, etc.
･Support for the region-wide DMO managing the seven prefectures in the Setouchi area through investment of
Cool Japan Organization･Supporting infrastructure investment in projects that leverage tourism resources to improve the local economy･Raise the level of DMOs in accordance with stricter registration requirements･Focused support for DMOs with high motivation and potential･Matching with human resources posessing professional expertise and foreigner’s perspectives. Support forhiring cost
･Conduct nationwide training programs and symposiums, and provide support for participation･Conduct meetings to exchange opinions among DMOs in each area to promote the sharing of roles andcooperation･Support for initiatives to promote region-wide excursion tours

2022･DMO Net Contents: Information on various training programs, seminars, symposiums, etc. Support for training
courses for human resource development･Expand horizontally the mechanism for collecting and analyzing tourist data, strategy development based ondata, and implementing the according initiatives･Support for analysis and strategy development using DMP and CRM･Support for the hiring and training of digital tourism human resources･Support the efforts to improve the distribution environment by disseminating information through websites andSNS and listing travel products on OTAs
･Registration and renewal of DMO registration based on guidelines･Provide various information to DMOs, strengthening their systems, and provide support to facilitate destination
development･Focused support for pioneering DMOs with high motivation and potential･Based on guidelines, promote the establishment of CFO for DMOs to manage finances and ensure stable
funding. Disseminate guidebooks, horizontal deployment of best practices, and provide information throughtraining and seminars regarding independent financial resources･Matching with human resources possessing professional expertise and foreigner’s perspectives. Support forhiring cost
･Support for the region-wide DMO managing the seven prefectures in the Setouchi area through investment of
Cool Japan Organization･Supporting infrastructure investment in projects that leverage tourism resources to improve the local economy

2023･Select “pioneering DMOs” that are candidates for “globally-recognized DMO” to provide strategic support･Support DMOs in securing financial resources based on guidelines･Horizontal expansion of best practices, and sharing initiatives that address challenges･Promote the division of roles and cooperation based on the guidelines of the registration system. Support for
integrated regional initiatives･Aim to create a virtuous cycle in which media outlets share tourism contents of developed regions. The regions
then use the received market responses to improve the next tourism resources.
･Cooperate with region-wide DMO to share information, and provide the latest mark trends obtained fromoverseas network･Provide consultation. Introduce and share the latest market trends and domestic inbound initiatives to regions
through online seminars and the “Regional Inbound Promotion Website”･Utilize the “DMO Net” to provide information on various training programs, seminars, symposiums, etc.
･Support for participating in training sessions regarding recruitment and development of talents to secure
human resource･Matching with human resources possessing professional expertise and foreigner’s perspectives. Support forhiring cost
･Dispatch experts to regions that are promoting region-wide excursion tourism to help attract domestic andforeign tourists･Publish and horizontally deploy information on challenges regarding reception infrastructure development, as
well as related initiatives and results on the websites of regional Transport Bureaus

Source: Prepared by APIR based on each year’s Tourism White Paper

Tourism Chronology

313〇Table 6 shows the registered and candidate DMOs operating in the Kansai region. Each prefectures has DMOs that managed the whole region, except for Tottori Prefecture and Tokushima Prefecture, while Kansai Tourism
Headquarter manages the entire Kansai region.
〇As of June 2023, there are 51 registered DMOs in Kansai, of which 1 is aregion-wide partnership DMO, 23 are regional partnership DMOs, and 27
are regional DMOs. In addition, there are 10 DMOs candidate, of which 3 areregional partnership DMOs and 7 are regional DMOs.

List of construction projects (estimated) costing more than 10
JPY billion, in order of year of opening (2017-2023)

Table 6-1

Part Ⅱ〇From 2017 to 2026, there are 30 properties (large hotels) valued more than
JPY 10 billion. As of 2023, 17 have been opened, of which 10 are domestic
brands. 11 out of 17, or about 60%, of the hotels have relatively reasonable unit
price per night (Table 6-1, Table 6-2).

Part Ⅰ

4. Trends in Large Hotel Construction

Jun-17

BrandName

Brand Grade

CONRAD
US
OSAKA

H

Pref.

Operator

Property Introduction(<Reference> Press Release/Home Page)

Osaka

The second Conrad, Hilton’s most luxurious brand, hotelin Japan. Magnificent panoramic views from the upper
Hiltonfloors of Festival Tower West (33rd to 40th floors).
Worldwide
Located in Nakanoshima. Directly connected to Higobashi
Subway Station.

JP

B

Hyogo

Conveniently located 15 minutes from the World Heritage
and National Treasure “Himeji Castle”. Hotel Monterey
Himeji offers chic and elegant guest rooms that blend Art
MARUITO
Deco designs with accented Japanese elements, making
Co., Ltd.
for a pleasant and relaxing stay for both business andleisure travelers. Directly connected to “Himeji Station” of
JR Shinkansen and conventional lines.

Jan-19THE
THOUSAND JP
KYOTO

A

Kyoto

New flagship hotel built adjacent to Keihan H&R’s Century
KeihanH Kyoto. The three rings in our corporate log firmly link
Hotels & people, society, and the future as we provide hotel stays
Resorts foreseeing the coming one thousand years.. 2 minutes
north of JR Kyoto Station.

Oct-19

Park
Hyatt
Kyoto

Kyoto

Hyatt
HotelsandResorts

Osaka

Developed by Musashino, a major delicatessen company,
under the theme of “offering a stylish hotel stay like never
MUSASHINO before,” the first to open in the Kansai region. The 8th(and largest) official hotel of USJ. 1 minute from JR WestJapan Sakurajima Station.

Hotel
Mar-18 Monterey
HimejiLIBER
HOTEL AT
Nov-19 UNIVERSALSTUDIOS
JAPAN

US

JP

H

A

Renovation of the ryotei “Sanso Kyoyamato” withelements of a world-class luxury hotel. Preservation andrestoration of the Higashiyama Niningsaka district and its
historical architecture and gardens. Fusion of traditionand new culture. 14 minutes from Gion-Shijo Station on
Keihan Line.

Part Ⅳ

Date ofopening

Part Ⅲ

Grade (per night per person): “B” around 10,000 JPY～ , “A” around 30,000 JPY～ , “S” around 50,000 JPY～ ,“H” around 100,000 JPY～314

Nov-19Part Ⅲ / Chronology

HotelHankyuRESPIRE
OSAKA

HOTEL
ROYAL
Dec-19CLASSIC
OSAKA

JP

JP

B

A

Osaka

HankyuHanshinHotelsCo., LtdThe first branch of the new hotel brand “Respire” basedon the concept of “Healing Rest” and “Vitality Inspire”.
Located on the upper floor of Yodobashi Umeda Tower, itoffers a space free from the hustle and bustle of the city. 5
minutes west of Osaka Umeda Station on the Hankyu Line.

Osaka

BellcoHOTELROYAL
CLASSIC
OSAKA

Wedding and Funeral Service “BELCO” inherited thedesign of the former “New Kabuki-za”. The magnificent
appearance has been restored in the lower part of thebuilding. The hotel offers various services such as bridal,
sightseeing, and business. Directly above “Namba”
subway station.

Kyoto

Ace
Hotel

Ace Hotel, the new trend of hotels in the world, opens
its first branch in Asia in the redevelopment complex of“Shinpukan”, which inherited the building of the former
Kyoto Central Telephone Station and has long been loved
as a local exchange center. 1 minute from Karasuma-Oike
Subway Station.

Hyogo

HankyuHanshinHotelsCo., LtdThe official hotel of Takarazuka Grand Theatre,
established in 1926, has been relocated andreconstructed under the concepts of “Dream Continues
Here” and “CLASSIC ELEGANT”. A gallery is set up in the
hotel. 4 minutes from Takarazuka Grand Theater andHankyu/JR Takarazuka Station.

Jun-20

ACE
HOTEL
KYOTO

Jun-20

Takarazuka
Hotel

Jul-20JWMarriott
Hotel
Nara

US

A

Nara

Marriott Int’l’s top-of-the-line “JW Marriott” brand. The
core facility of the “Omiya-dori Interaction Hub Project”,
Marriottwhich includes convention facilities, NHK, etc. Located at
International
the west end of Nara Park. 9 minutes from Shin-Omiya
Station on the Kintetsu Line.

Nov-20

HOTEL
THE
MITSUI
KYOTO

JP

H

Kyoto

Mitsui
Located to the east of Nijo Castle, Mitsui Fudosan’sFudosanflagship hotel will be revived along with the remains ofHotel
the Mitsui Soryo family’s residence, which has been in use
Management for over 250 years. We aim to be the best hotel brand inCo., Ltd.
Japan. 3 minutes from JR Nijojo-mae Station.

Mar-21 W Osaka US

H

Osaka

Marriott Int’l’s luxury “W” brand. Facing Midosuji Avenue,
Marriottthe hotel transmits “Whatever/Whenever” and “Osaka
International merchants’ playful spirit” as a new culture to the world. 4
minutes from Shinsaibashi Subway Station.

H

Kyoto

HiltonA

Osaka

Pass through the garden area in front of JR Shin-Imamiya
Station, which is easily accessible from Kansai Airport,
Hoshinoto the hotel. The OMO Rangers will guide you to an
Resortextraordinary encounter in the “Shinsekai” area. Guests
can interact with each other in the common space.

B

Osaka

APA
Hotel

US

JP

Sep-21

ROKU
Kyoto
LXR
Hotels &Resorts

Apr-22OMO7Osaka by
JP
HoshinoResorts

APA
Hotel &
ResortFeb-23 Osaka
Umeda
Eki
Tower

US

JP

S

A

Hilton’s luxury brand “LXR” first entry in Asia Pacific.
Located in Takagamine, northern part of Kyoto City. Under
the concept of “Dive into Kyoto,” the hotel offers “thecharm of Kyoto known only to those in the know” as astaycation resort. 30 minutes from JR Kyoto by car.

A new landmark tower in the Umeda area of Osaka, withan observatory restaurant on the top floor, an observatory
pool, a large public bath and open-air bath facilities, etc.,
providing a resort-like atmosphere while remaining in thecity. 3 minutes from Higashi Umeda Subway Station.

Country Code: “JP” Japan, “US” USA, “GB” Great Britain, “SG” Singapore, “TH” Thailand, “HK” Hong Kong, “CA”
CanadaSource: Prepared by APIR based on press releases from various sources.

Tourism Chronology

315〇After 2024, foreign brands will account for 8 of the 13 properties, 4 of which
are non-U.S. luxury hotel groups. 10 out of 13, or about 80%, of the hotels haverelatively high unit price per night. (Table 6-2).
List of construction projects (estimated) costing more than 10
JPY billion, in order of year of opening (2023-2026)

Table 6-2

Grade (per night per person): “B” around 10,000 JPY～ , “A” around 30,000 JPY～ , “S” around 50,000 JPY～ ,“H” around 100,000 JPY～

B

Osaka

The largest hotel development in “Rinku Town” by WBF.
Hoshino After Hoshino Resort acquired the property, it resumed
Resortconstruction and opened under the “OMO” brand. One
minute from JR and Nankai “Rinku Town” station.

Jul-23CENTARA
GRAND
TH
HOTEL
OSAKA

A

Osaka

Centara Hotels’ first foray into Japan. With the concept
CENTARA of “fusion of Thai and Japanese beauty and culture,” the
HOTELS hotel offers an authentic Thai spa, cuisine, and other
RESORTS services. Bunk beds and connecting rooms are available
for families. 6 minutes from Nankai “Namba” station.

Apr-24

CandeoHotelsJP
Osaka
Dozimahama

A

Osaka

CandeoHotelsThe largest and most prestigious 4-star flagship ofCandeon H. Located on the upper floors of a high-rise
tower complex. The top floor has an open-air bath witha view of Midosuji Boulevard from the guest rooms. 4
minutes from Yodoyabashi Station on the subway and
Keihan lines.

Apr-24

Doubletreeby Hilton
US
Osaka
CastleS

Osaka

HiltonHilton’s up-scale hotel, Doubletree. Upper floors of theformer Nikkei Shimbun Osaka headquarters development
complex. Seasonal views of Osaka Castle andSakuranomiya Park. 5 minutes from Tenmabashi Stationon the water bus, Keihan and subway.

H

Osaka

“Four Seasons Hotel” opens for the first time in Osaka
Hotel
City. The concept is “Travel and Art”. Luxury hotel locatedProperties on the upper floors of a high-rise residential complex
Limitedtower. 4 minutes from Nishi-Umeda Subway Station and 5
minutes from JR Kitashinchi Station.

Four
SeasonsMay-24 Hotel  Osaka
DouzimaCA

Jun-24

Canopyby Hilton
Osaka
Umeda

Jul-24

THE OSAKA
STATION
HOTEL,JP
Autograph
Collection

Oct-24

Sanctuary
JP
Court
BiwakoUSS

Hilton’s new “Canopy” brand is like a Neighborhood
where you can relax and recharge. Simple service,comfortable space. Located on the upper floor of theNorth District complex. 7 minutes north of JR “Osaka
Station”.

Osaka

HiltonS

Osaka

WEST JAPANThe concept is “The Osaka Time”. Built on the first Osaka
RAILWAY
Station land, the hotel is named “Osaka Station Hotel,”
HOTEL
a new brand by JR West Japan Hotels. Marriott Int’l’s
DEVELOPMENT,“Autograph Collection” is the fourth hotel in Japan.
LTD.

H

Shiga

Located on the west side of Lake Biwa. The concept is“Venetian Modern. A membership-only resort resembling
Resorttrust,a water palace where the vast water basin and the lakeInc.
are combined. All rooms are suites with a lake view. 10
minutes drive from JR Takashima Station.

Part Ⅱ

JP

OMO
Kansai
AirportMar-23
byHoshinoResorts

Part ⅢOperator

Part Ⅳ

Pref.

BrandName

Part Ⅰ“Property Introduction(<Reference> Press Release/Home Page)”

Brand Grade

Date ofopening316

Oct-24

Dec-24

Part Ⅲ / Chronology

APA
Hotel &
Resort
Osaka
Nanba
Eki
Tower

HiltonKyoto

HotelHankyuDec-24 GRANRESPIREOSAKA
Hotel
Mar-25 Patina  Osaka

Apr-25

Waldorf
Astoria  
Osaka

Jul-25

CapellaKyoto

Nov-26

JP

B

Osaka

APA
Hotel

APA Hotel is the skyscraper tower with the largest numberof guest rooms in western Japan. Aiming to become a
new landmark in the Namba area as an “urban resort”
where guests can enjoy their stay with restaurants andswimming pool on the top floor. 3 minutes from JR
Namba Station.

US

S

Kyoto

HiltonThe concept is “Kyo SYNAPSE,” meaning to connect guests
with the various attractions of Kyoto. The exterior of thebuilding is based on the theme of “Kyoto’s deep andprofound style” and the interior is based on the themeof “ORIMONO (textile)”. 6 minutes from Sanjo Station on
Keihan Line.

JP

A

Osaka

HankyuHanshinHotelsCo., Ltd

Hankyu Hanshin Hotels’ “Respire” is an upscale hotel with
“GRAN” meaning “wonderful,” adding a cozy atmosphereof nature and peacefulness in the city and a mature
quality to the hotel. East wing of the South Wing. 3
minutes north of JR Osaka Station.

Osaka

CapellaHotelsandResorts

Capella Hotel Group’s hotel brand “Patina” opens its
second hotel worldwide. A new generation lifestyle hotelthat applies its unique sensibility and design to a location
steeped in the history of Osaka Castle and Naniwanomiya
Palace. 5 minutes from Tanimachi 4 Subway Station.

Osaka

HiltonHilton’s premier luxury hotel brand, Waldorf Astoria,
promises personalized service and a pursuit andcommitment to food. Located on the upper floor of theWest Wing of the South City complex. 4 minutes from JR
Osaka Station.

Kyoto

CapellaHotelsandResorts“Capella” first appearance in Japan. Offering the world’s
finest hospitality. Located on Yamato-oji Dori in the flower
district of Miyagawa-cho. Creating “new coexistencevalue” through the integrated development of a hotel, an
opera house, and local facilities. 4 minutes from Keihan
Shijo Station.

Kyoto

Provide authentic experiences in cooperation with
Shokokuji Temple, which is located adjacent to thesouth side of the building. By incorporating traditional
Rosewoodindustrial products into the accommodation space, theHotelhotel aims to be a high-quality accommodation facilityGroupthat contributes to the transmission of local history andculture and to the revitalization of the area.  7 minutes
from Kuramaguchi Subway Station.

SG

US

SG

ROSEWOOD
HK
KYOTO

H

H

H

H

Country Code: “JP” Japan, “US” USA, “GB” Great Britain, “SG” Singapore, “TH” Thailand, “HK” Hong Kong, “CA”
CanadaNote: The properties in red in the table are those that will open in 2024 or later.
Source: Prepared by APIR based on press releases from various sources.