Far East Hospitality, one of Asia’s leading hotel operators, has bolstered its presence in Japan with the debut of two new properties in Osaka: Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Namba South and Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Honmachi. The openings are a key part of the company’s five-year strategy to double its room inventory across top-tier Japanese cities—Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka—reaching 2,000 rooms by 2028.
The announcement comes as Japan’s tourism industry continues to rebound sharply post-pandemic. In 2024 alone, the country welcomed a record-breaking 36.9 million international visitors, a 47.1% increase from 2023, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, has emerged as one of the most vibrant and in-demand urban destinations, thanks to its dynamic street food culture, historic landmarks, and international connectivity via Kansai International Airport (KIX).
Strategic Expansion into Japan’s Urban Core
Far East Hospitality’s first entry into Japan began with the opening of Far East Village Hotel Tokyo Ariake in 2020, followed by subsequent expansions in Yokohama and Tokyo’s Asakusa district. With the two new Osaka properties, the group now operates five hotels across Japan, strengthening its regional footprint.
“Our expansion in Osaka is a strategic response to the strong rebound in international tourism and the increasing demand for culturally immersive stays,” said Mark Rohner, Chief Operating Officer of Far East Hospitality. “We are committed to offering authentic local experiences under our brand promise of ‘Live Like a Local’.”
Spotlight on the New Osaka Hotels
Both properties are ideally located to appeal to leisure and business travelers alike, offering access to Osaka’s cultural, culinary, and commercial hubs.
- Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Namba South
Situated in the Oku-Namba district, this boutique-style, 77-key hotel lies within walking distance of the iconic Dotonbori canal, Namba Yasaka Shrine, and Kuromon Ichiba Market. With close proximity to Daikokucho and Namba Stations, the property provides seamless transport connectivity throughout Kansai. - Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Honmachi
Located in Chuo-ku, Osaka’s commercial and cultural core, the 165-room hotel offers guests convenient access to Osaka Castle, Minami entertainment district, and Osaka-jo Park. Business travelers will appreciate its proximity to the city’s business districts, while all guests receive the Village Passport, a curated city guide featuring insider tips on local dining and attractions.
These properties reflect the brand’s focus on mid-scale, city-centric hotels with strong local context, tailored to modern urban travelers who seek meaningful and authentic experiences.
Partnerships and Investment Vision
The launch of these two Osaka hotels was made possible through a partnership with Anglo Fortune Capital Group, a real estate investment firm with a growing portfolio in Japan’s hospitality sector.
“This marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy,” said Benjamin Cho, Principal of Anglo Fortune Capital Group. “Partnering with Far East Hospitality ensures quality hospitality experiences, while also supporting our long-term vision of expanding in core Japanese cities like Osaka.”
The firm’s investment reflects broader confidence in Japan’s hospitality market, which is expected to remain a magnet for international travelers thanks to upcoming global events, expanded visa-free travel arrangements, and government-backed regional revitalization efforts.
Tourism Growth and Cultural Connection
Japan’s aggressive promotion of inbound tourism has been a critical driver behind the success of Far East Hospitality’s expansion. As reported by JNTO, inbound tourism not only rebounded in 2023 but also surpassed pre-COVID levels. From January to October 2023, Tokyo alone saw a 12-fold increase in international arrivals compared to the same period the previous year.
In response to this demand, Far East Hospitality has fine-tuned its offerings to align with the evolving expectations of modern travelers—those who increasingly prioritize cultural authenticity, sustainability, and personalized experiences over traditional sightseeing.
“Our hotels in Japan are not just places to stay—they’re gateways to deeper engagement with local traditions and culture,” said Rohner. “We believe this is the future of urban travel.”
Future Outlook: Strengthening the Japan Footprint
With tourism to Japan showing no signs of slowing, Far East Hospitality is well-positioned to expand further. Plans are already underway to explore new opportunities in Kyoto and Fukuoka, in line with the government’s target of achieving 60 million inbound visitors by 2030.
Additionally, Japan’s efforts to decentralize tourism away from Tokyo and Kyoto to emerging destinations like Osaka, Hiroshima, and rural prefectures aligns with Far East Hospitality’s strategy of sustainable, regional development.
Through its steady expansion, the brand contributes to Japan’s broader tourism development goals, supporting economic growth and cultural exchange while delivering high-quality hospitality experiences rooted in local neighborhoods.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward Long-Term Growth
Far East Hospitality’s dual hotel launch in Osaka represents a key milestone in its go-global journey. Backed by strategic investment, local partnerships, and rising tourism demand, the brand is reshaping Japan’s mid-scale urban hospitality market with a firm focus on local immersion and service excellence.
As Japan continues to rise as a global tourism powerhouse, Far East Hospitality’s tailored approach to guest experience and rapid market entry position it as a major player in the nation’s next phase of tourism evolution.
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