Hilton Accelerates Luxury Growth in Japan with Signing of Conrad Kobe
- EDITOR
- 20 hours ago
- 6 min read
Scheduled to open in 2030, the hotel marks Hilton’s first property in Hyogo Prefecture
Hilton expands its luxury presence in Japan with the signing of Conrad Kobe, marking the company’s first property in Hyogo Prefecture and strengthening its footprint in the Kansai region.
Scheduled to open in 2030, the hotel will occupy the upper floors of a mixed-use redevelopment within Kobe City Hall, offering direct connectivity to transit and proximity to key cultural and waterfront attractions.
The signing taps into growing tourism demand in Kobe, driven by record visitor growth and expanding international access, positioning the hotel to capture increasing inbound and domestic luxury travel.
Hilton has announced an agreement with ORIX Real Estate Corporation to bring the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand to Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. The hotel will be jointly developed by a consortium led by ORIX Real Estate Corporation, comprising six other companies as part of the Kobe City Hall Building No. 2 redevelopment project. Scheduled to open in 2030, the hotel will be managed by Hilton and marks the company’s entry into Hyogo Prefecture.
“Amid growing demand for luxury brands in Japan, Conrad will be introduced to a new destination in partnership with long-standing partner ORIX Real Estate Corporation. This will further strengthen our luxury portfolio in the Kansai region, and we are confident that the opening of the Conrad Kobe will create a new landmark in the city,” said Hirohisa Fujimoto, vice president of development, Japan & Micronesia, Hilton.
Conrad Kobe will occupy the upper floors of a newly built mixed-use high-rise building within the Kobe City Hall Building. The building will be directly connected underground to Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae Station and is strategically located between the redeveloping waterfront district and the city center. It also offers excellent access to key attractions such as the Former Foreign Settlement of Kobe and Nankinmachi, one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns.
Kobe is a cosmopolitan port city blending international heritage and scenic beauty. Renowned for its waterfront and mountain landscapes, hot springs, and diverse culinary culture, the city continues to attract both domestic and international travelers, making it a highly complementary destination for the Conrad brand.
Tourism demand in Kobe continues to grow, with visitor stays reaching a record 7.75 million in 2025, including 1.4 million international stays. Supported by the internationalization of Kobe Airport and plans to launch scheduled international flights by 2030, inbound demand is expected to further accelerate.
“I am truly delighted that, as part of the Kobe City Hall Building No. 2 redevelopment project, we will introduce Hilton’s luxury brand, Conrad, to Hyogo Prefecture. This project, undertaken in collaboration between Kobe City and seven private-sector companies, represents a highly meaningful initiative that aims to both enhance urban functionality and create new vibrancy in the area. Through Conrad Kobe, we hope to work in close coordination with the surrounding area to contribute to the creation of a new hub for connection in Kobe,” said Tatsuya Kitamura, president, ORIX Real Estate Corporation.
The hotel will feature 136 contemporary guest rooms and suites, along with a range of thoughtfully curated dining options comprising an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a lobby lounge, and a cocktail bar. Guests will also enjoy access to an executive lounge, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa. For events and gatherings, a ballroom spanning approximately 500 square meters, complemented by a suite of meeting spaces, will provide a sophisticated setting for international conferences, social events, and business gatherings.
“This signing, which marks Hilton’s debut in Hyogo Prefecture, underscores our continued commitment to Japan. Kobe, a city that has developed as an international gateway, offers a unique destination where rich history and culture blend seamlessly with the distinctive appeal of its waterfront. We look forward to delivering refined, memorable experiences at Conrad Kobe that showcase the city’s unique charm,” said Joseph Khairallah, area vice president and head of Japan, Korea & Micronesia, Hilton.
Conrad Hotels & Resorts currently operates in Tokyo and Osaka, with Conrad Kobe among three pipeline properties. Conrad Nagoya is scheduled to open in July 2026, followed by Conrad Yokohama in 2027. In addition, Hilton continues to expand the footprint of its luxury brands across Japan. Following the debut of Waldorf Astoria Osaka last year, the brand’s first property in the market, Waldorf Astoria Tokyo Nihonbashi hotel and residences are set to open in 2027. LXR Hotels & Resorts, currently present with ROKU KYOTO, is expected to further grow its footprint with planned openings in Tokyo, Hakone Gora, Niseko, and Hiroshima in the coming years......- Continue reading (Members Only) - Unlock Advantages with a LHN Membership - Read more here
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