Michi-no-Eki: Fairfield by Marriott Plans to Launch Seven Hotels in Rural Japan in 2023, Welcomes Tourists to Explore

Michi-no-Eki: Fairfield by Marriott Plans to Launch Seven Hotels in Rural Japan in 2023

Explore Rural Japan like never before

The newest Fairfield by Marriott 'Michi-no-Eki' hotel openings provide access to Japan's southern regions' magnificent volcanic scenery and ancient treasures.

Fairfield by Marriott, one of Marriott Bonvoy's 30 exceptional brands, has announced seven projected openings for 2023, bringing the total number of Fairfield by Marriott hotels in Japan to 22.

The new hotels will be situated near national roadside rest sites in the southern Japanese prefectures of Hyogo, Kagoshima, Okayama, Saga, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka, where tourists may explore cultural and historical treasures.

The Fairfield by Marriott 'Michi-no-Eki' initiative intends to simplify access to various off-the-beaten-path locations in Japan by providing a relaxing hotel experience along the country's motorways.

"We are excited to extend the brand in Asia with the opening of seven new Fairfield hotels in Japan this year," said Diane Mayer, vice president and global brand leader for Marriott International's Classic Select Brands.

"Fairfield is honoured with a distinct heritage in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, and we look forward to offering the promise of warm hospitality and welcoming experiences to guests exploring Japan's emerging locations."

Fairfield by Marriott was designed with warmth, comfort, and simplicity in mind. The brand was inspired by the Fairfield Farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, a restorative location that embodies simplicity, balance, and a relaxed way of life. In homage to the brand's beginnings on the Fairfield Farm, the brand's aesthetics, colour palettes, and design philosophy combine a blend of natural materials and colour tones to depict the link between the outdoors and inside. The guestrooms vary in size from 21 to 25 square metres and have free Wi-Fi and a shower cubicle designed to maximise space.

The seven new Fairfield by Marriott hotels set to open in Japan in 2023 are as follows:

HYOGO Tajima Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Yabu (88 rooms, opened January 24, 2023)The Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Tajima Yabu is situated next to Michi-no-Eki Yoka Tajimanokura in Yabu city, Hyogo Prefecture, southwest Japan. The region is home to the lovely rice fields of Bekku no Tanada and the stunning Tendaki Falls, which are situated against the background of Mount Hyonosen, the tallest peak in Hyogo. The hilly region, with its rushing rivers in the summer and snowy vistas in the winter, is an essential destination for outdoor lovers.

The Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Awaji Hikashiura is located in Hyogo, Japan (87 rooms, expected opening summer 2023)The picturesque Awaji Island is home to the Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Awaji Higashiura, which is linked to the main island of Honshu by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the world's longest suspension bridges. Visitors may also enjoy one of the nicest beaches in Japan, Ura Kenmin Sun Beach, as well as the beautiful Awaji Hanasajiki Park, which has expansive flower fields against the background of Osaka Bay.

KAGOSHIMA Fairfield by Marriott Kagoshima Tarumizu is located in Tarumizu (95 rooms, expected opening spring 2023)The new hotel will be built in Kagoshima's Tarumizu city on the southernmost tip of Kyushu Island. The city of Kagoshima is regarded as the "Naples of the East" due to its position on a bay near the renowned Sakurajima volcano. In the warm subtropical waters of Kinko Bay, tourists may enjoy watersports at the nearby Tarumizu Marine Park. In the Sarugajo Gorge, tourists with a daring spirit may even try canyoning. The old cedar trees and natural vistas of Yakushima, an island accessible by boat from Kagoshima, inspired the Studio Ghibli animated film "Princess Mononoke."

OKAYAMA Fairfield by Marriott Okayama Tsuyama, Okayama, Japan (78 rooms, expected opening spring 2023)Tsuyama, located in Okayama, is a town rich in history and culture famed for Tsuyama Castle, one of Japan's three famous hilltop-style castles from the 17th century. Guests of the Fairfield by Marriott Okayama Tsuyama may attend the annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Kakuzan Park, which is home to around 5,000 cherry blossom trees, every spring. Other festive events throughout the year include the Gongo Festival, the Tsuyama Autumn Festival, and the Old Izumo Street Festival, when locals dress in traditional garb and perform plays. Okayama is renowned for its abundance of sunny days and tasty fruits grown in the area.

SAGA The Fairfield by Marriott Saga Ureshino Onsen is located in Saga, Japan (84 rooms, expected opening summer 2023)Fairfield by Marriott Saga Ureshino Onsen will welcome travellers to Ureshino Onsen, a hot spring village in Saga Prefecture's southwestern region. Its natural hot spring onsens and bathhouses provide calming alkaline waters for guests to rest and unwind. The hot spring waters are also used in the preparation of local delicacies such as hot tofu and green teas. Additionally, tourists may visit the theme park Hizen Yumekaido Ninja Village and the 17th-century Yutoku Inari Shrine. The Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, which commenced operation in September 2022, provides easy access to the hotel.

FUKUOKA Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha (51 rooms, expected opening summer 2023)The Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha is situated in Chikugo Plain, a significant agricultural area in Japan. In addition to rice fields and fruit farms, the rural landscapes include historic ruins, temples, castles, sake breweries, and hot spring onsens. In Ukiha, visitors may choose their own fruits and savour treats prepared using locally farmed fruit. At the base of the Mino Mountains lies the Ukiha Inari Shrine, which is also a must-see. Stunning vermilion torii gates numbering 90 line the way to the temple.

Fairfield by Marriott Kumamoto Aso (93 rooms, expected opening autumn 2023)The hotel will be built in the southern Japanese city of Aso, among one of the world's biggest volcanic calderas, in the prefecture of Kumamoto. The region is comprised of magnificent mountains and valleys, offering beautiful views of the Aso-Nakadake crater and its active volcanic plumes, as well as the Kusasenri-ga-hama plain. The region provides activities such as hot air ballooning, kayaking, and horseback riding that immerse visitors in the natural scenery. Guests may also take a vehicle journey up Mount Aso and visit Aso Shrine, one of Japan's oldest shrines.

"The Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki project aims to create a footprint of hotels that stretches from Japan's snowy northernmost regions to its southern prefectures," said Masahiro Taguchi, Project Director of the Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki portfolio. Every time a guest checks into a Fairfield hotel, they can anticipate a pleasant and uncomplicated experience.

About Fairfield by Marriott

Fairfield by Marriott® was created on the ideas of dependable service and welcoming hospitality, which were inspired by its legacy as the namesake of the Marriott family getaway, Fairfield Farm. Its modern, cheerful style makes it easier for visitors to follow their daily habits while travelling. Fairfield provides professionally designed guestrooms and suites that have distinct living, working, and sleeping spaces. With more than 1,240 locations in 16 countries and territories, Fairfield is honoured to join in Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International's worldwide travel programme. The programme provides members an exceptional portfolio of global brands, special experiences on Marriott Bonvoy MomentsTM, and unmatched perks, such as complimentary nights and acknowledgment of Elite status.

Note on Forward-looking Statements by Marriott

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to expected hotel openings, brand debuts in certain markets, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.