Hilton Accelerates Luxury Product Growth in Japan with Signing of Conrad Kobe | News
Hilton 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, consisting of six other companies, as part of the Kobe City Hall Building No. redevelopment project. 2. The hotel is expected to open in 2030 and will be managed by Hilton. This marks the company’s entry into Hyogo Prefecture.
“Amid growing demand for luxury brands in Japan, Conrad will introduce a new destination in collaboration 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 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 constructed mixed-use high-rise building in the Kobe City Hall building. The building will be directly connected underground to Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae Station and strategically located between the developing waterfront district and the city center. It also offers excellent access to major attractions such as the former foreign settlement of Kobe and Nankinmachi, one of Japan’s three main Chinatowns.
Kobe is a cosmopolitan port city that combines international heritage and scenic beauty. Known for its water 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 a record 7.75 million visitors in 2025, including 1.4 million international stays. Supported by the internationalization of Kobe Airport and plans to launch international scheduled flights by 2030, inbound demand is expected to increase further.
“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, carried out in collaboration between Kobe City and seven private sector companies, represents a very meaningful initiative that aims to both improve urban functionality and create new vibrancy in the area. Through Conrad Kobe, we hope to contribute to the creation of a new connecting hub in close coordination with the surrounding area Kobe,” said Tatsuya Kitamura, president of ORIX Real Estate Corporation.
The hotel will feature 136 modern rooms and suites, along with a range of carefully curated dining options, including an all-day restaurant, specialty restaurant, lobby lounge and cocktail bar. Guests also have access to an executive lounge, indoor pool, fitness center and spa. For events and meetings, a ballroom of approximately 500 square meters, complemented by a range of meeting rooms, will provide a sophisticated setting for international conferences, social events and business meetings.
“This signing, which marks Hilton’s debut in Hyogo Prefecture, underscores our continued commitment to Japan. Kobe, a city that has emerged 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 sophisticated, 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 as one of three pipeline locations. Conrad Nagoya is scheduled to open in July 2026, followed by Conrad Yokohama in 2027. Additionally, 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 hotel and residences on the market, the Waldorf Astoria Tokyo Nihonbashi hotel and residences, will open in 2027. LXR Hotels & Resorts, currently present with ROKU KYOTO, is expected to further expand its footprint with planned openings in Tokyo, Hakone Gora, Niseko and Hiroshima in the coming years.
Conrad Kobe will participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 28 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through Hilton’s preferred channels have access to immediate benefits, including flexible points and cash payment options, exclusive member discounts and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also benefit from popular digital tools available exclusively through the Hilton Honors mobile app, including digital check-in, room selection and digital key.
