At the inaugural MICHELIN Key in Japan, 13 Marriott International properties were included in the prestigious list of the country’s most outstanding hotels. In the same way the iconic MICHELIN guide is the benchmark for excellence in the culinary world, the newly launched MICHELIN Key recognizes truly exceptional hotels in the country. While the restaurant guide awards stars, hotels vie for a coveted Michelin Key, competing for a one, two or three Key distinction.
The 2024 list of honorees includes 13 hotels from Marriott International. 11 leading properties were awarded a MICHELIN Key while The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko was honored with a Two Key ranking. The HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel and Spa is one of only six hotels in Japan to earn the top prize of a Three MICHELIN Key designation.
Awarded by the MICHELIN Guide’s inspectors based on anonymous stays or visits, hotels are vetted and judged according to five key criteria: architecture and interior design; quality and consistency of service; overall personality and character; value for the price; and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting.
Echoing these results, findings from the New Luxe Landscapes Report from Marriott International also reveals the criteria high-net-worth (HNW) travelers apply when booking a luxury hotel and the changing face of luxury travel across the Asia Pacific region. The study found 80% of HNW individuals define luxury travel as being surrounded by refined craftsmanship and exquisite design, hallmarks of the hotels within Marriott International’s Luxury Group portfolio. Similarly, 80% of affluent travelers across Asia Pacific choose a hotel based on its ability to offer culturally immersive experiences while nearly one third (32%) are prepared to pay more for a luxury hotel brand.
“The exacting standards by which the MICHELIN Guide measures and award the Michelin Key for hotels are reflective of the travel preferences of high-net-worth (HNW) travelers unearthed in our recent New Luxe Landscapes report across the Asia-Pacific region,” says Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. “We draw immerse pride from the recognition bestowed upon 13 of Marriott International’s hotels. With Japan remaining a popular destination, we are confident that our portfolio of brands will continue to satisfy the high standards of hospitality and expectations of our guests.”
The award-winning Marriott International’s properties included in the prestigious MICHELIN Key Awards list are:
THREE KEY HOTEL
- HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel and Spa
Located in the heart of Kyoto, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel and Spa is adjacent to the legendary Nijo-jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The property is designed by a team of Japanese artists and architects led by André Fu to embody and reflect the harmony between the natural environment, the four seasons, and the five senses. In addition to a natural onsen pool and private onsens with hot spring water drawn from an on-site spring in the Thermal Spring SPA, guests are presented with rooms that reimagine the traditional Japanese tearoom.
TWO KEY HOTEL
- The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko
Located on the shores of Lake Chuzenji in Japan’s Kanto region and overlooking Mount Nantai, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is a haven of tranquility, immersing guests in an environment of pristine nature, culture, and craftsmanship. The lakeside property provides visitors with easy access to renowned attractions, including the Senjogahara marshlands and Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples.
ONE KEY HOTELS 
- The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Occupying the top nine floors of the Midtown Tower in Tokyo’s bustling Roppongi District, the capital’s entertainment and business hub, the property boasts uninterrupted views of the Tokyo vistas, including Imperial Palace Garden, Marunouchi district, Tokyo Bay area and Mount Fuji.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka
Occupying a premium location in the heart of Osaka’s Umeda business and shopping district, the property infuses design where the grace of an English manor house and the subtle beauty of Japanese details come together. The hotel offers 6 restaurants & bar including the Michelin-starred French restaurant and The Ritz-Carlton Club Experience with a dedicated Concierge, a private Club Lounge and unique in-room amenities.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
The first international luxury urban resort in Japan, the hotel boasts 134 meticulously designed rooms that reflect Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. It sits on the banks of Kamogawa River with sweeping views of the Higashiyama mountains. Against this picturesque backdrop, guests can choose a spa ritual inspired by Japan’s wellness traditions or walk to Gion, one of Japan’s most historic districts lined with authentic teahouses and restaurants.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka
One of Japan’s fastest growing cities, Fukuoka has become the destination of choice with its vibrant arts and nightlife scenes, culinary offerings, and historic sites. Within this dynamic setting, guests indulge in The Ritz-Carlton legacy of genuine hospitality and sophisticated design, marking the presence of the first luxury property for Marriott International in the gateway Kyushu region.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa
Located in Yambaru, the Northern part of Okinawa, isolated from the bustle of the big cities, lies the “Luxury Golf & Spa Resort”. This luxury hotel comprised 97 spacious rooms and spa adjacent to a primitive forest. Surrounded by subtropical greens, the Shuri castle-inspired hotel gives you freedom and privacy, not to mention a great view of the emerald-green East China Sea and Kise Country Club, championship golf course.
- Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
A luxurious sanctuary nestled in Hokkaido’s pristine wilderness. This exclusive retreat offers unparalleled access to Niseko’s world-renowned all-season adventures. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Kachou Fuugetsu, the resort invites guests to discover harmony with nature through exquisite accommodations, rejuvenating spa treatments, and exceptional dining.
- JW Marriott Hotel, Nara
The first international luxury hotel in Nara, the first capital of Japan which is also noted as having the most UNESCO World Heritage sites and venues in Japan. Guests can choose from 158 modern guest rooms, including 16 suites. It offers modern luxury and serene spaces where guests can be mindful and present in an elegant, refined yet comfortable atmosphere.
- W, Osaka
Blending the intricate traditional Japanese origami-style minimalism with bold new sensibilities, W Osaka stands in the bustling Shinsaibashi district of Osaka, actively charged during the day and sparkling with neon lights at night. The exterior façade design is supervised by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando in its ever so iconic black box guise, while the interior boasts vibrant and playful designs offering a new unrivalled luxury experience for guests.
- The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection hotel is located in Tokyo’s bustling downtown district, near the iconic Akasaka Prince Classic House, directly connected to the subway station and a short distance from the city’s main train station. The property welcomes guests with a soaring sky lobby with an abundance of natural light, and immaculately designed guest rooms and suites that offer unparalleled views of downtown Tokyo.
- Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Set along the Hozu River in the scenic Arashiyama Hills, this luxury hotel comprises 39 luxury rooms, including six specialty rooms. Inspired by traditional Japanese design and culture, guests are treated to a culturally enriching experience.
- TIAD, Autograph Collection
TIAD, Autograph Collection, a 150-room luxury hotel in Nagoya, Japan, that incorporates Biophilia Nest designs and blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern sophistication. Located in the city center that nestled within the soothing greenery of Hisaya Odori Park, the property presents views of the Nagoya skyline and nearby MIRAI TOWER from the balcony or patio in select rooms.
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