---
title: Anantara to Open First Japan Resort in Karuizawa by 2030
date: 2025-07-19T16:10:00+09:00
author: Chris Pickering
canonical_url: "https://uchijapan.com/news/anantara-to-open-first-japan-resort-in-karuizawa-by-2030"
section: News
---
[Developments](https://uchijapan.com/news/developments)# Anantara to Open First Japan Resort in Karuizawa by 2030

Jul 19, 2025

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   ![Anantara Karuizawa 1](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_480x270_crop_center-center_60_line/311869/Anantara-Karuizawa-1.jpg)## Luxury Thai brand set to enter Japan with forest retreat and potential branded residences

The luxury hospitality group Minor Hotels is bringing its flagship brand Anantara to Japan for the first time, partnering with List Development Co. to launch Anantara Karuizawa Retreat, a high-end resort set to open in 2030.

Located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, one of Japan’s most prestigious four-season resort destinations, the new-build development will span 4.05 hectares of forested land with views of Mount Asama. The retreat will feature 51 exclusive keys, including 23 spacious suites (60–120m²) and 18 two- and three-bedroom villas (70–270m²).

Select villas are being considered for branded residential offerings, with further details expected closer to launch — a move that could offer attractive opportunities for real estate investors seeking premium resort-linked assets in Japan.

## A Strategic Resort Location with Strong Demand Drivers

Karuizawa continues to attract high-net-worth domestic and international visitors thanks to its cool summers, natural beauty, proximity to Tokyo, and year-round appeal with hot springs, hiking trails, golf, and skiing. The site’s easy access via the Hokuriku Shinkansen — just over an hour from Tokyo Station — and good connectivity from Haneda and Narita airports further strengthens its draw.

The Anantara retreat is designed to align with this affluent, experience-driven market, featuring:

- Three gourmet dining venues
- A wellness-focused spa with onsen
- Indoor pool, gym, and library
- Lounge spaces for residents
- Flexible event and meeting areas

## Backed by a New Hotel Powerhouse

This development is the first project under Royal Minor Hotels Co., a joint venture between Royal Holdings Co. and Minor Hotels, formed in March 2025. The group aims to roll out 21 hotels across Japan by 2035, under the Anantara, Tivoli, and Avani brands.

Hiroyuki Kiuchi, president and COO of List Development, said the partnership reflects a shared vision to create luxury properties that harmonize with Japan’s natural landscapes while contributing to local revitalization.

Kohei Motoyama, president of Royal Minor Hotels, added:

> “Karuizawa is the perfect stage for Anantara’s debut in Japan — a place where we can offer an immersive, world-class experience in harmony with nature.”

 [ Find out more about Karuizawa and search properties here!  ](https://uchijapan.com/resorts/karuizawa)