Tokyo-spec Taipei direct delivery: Japan’s top five-star hotel chain Okura offers preview

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Li Xinyi

Located in the Nanjing Zhongshan business district rich in Japanese historical heritage and home to many Japanese corporations—the Okura Prestige Taipei (The Okura Prestige)—will begin its trial operation tomorrow (the 17th), with an official opening scheduled for August 3. The Taipei Okura is the 24th property of the Okura brand globally, and to celebrate its opening in Taiwan, special preview room rates will be offered from July 17 to August 4. Elite Room guests can enjoy rates starting from NT$5,700 per night, and from August 5 to 31 during the opening period, Elite Room rates start from NT$5,800 per night.

The Taipei Okura is the first hotel in Taiwan established by the Okura Hotels & Resorts group from Japan and is the group’s second global opening this year, following the Bangkok Okura which opened in May. Shinji Umehara, Japanese general manager of the Okura Prestige Taipei, stated that overseas markets are a key target for the group's aggressive expansion. Aside from Chinese tourists, Japan is the most important market for Taiwanese tourism. Currently, the mutual visitor numbers between Taiwan and Japan are approaching 3 million, marking an increase of over 23% compared to last year. Additionally, the regular renewal of the “Taiwan-Japan Air Services Agreement” signed again in 2011 is expected to boost business travel between the two countries, which could lead to higher occupancy rates and increased room rates at the hotel.

The Taipei Okura boasts three uniquely charming specialty restaurants and one bar. Among them, the Yamazato Japanese Restaurant—originating from Tokyo Okura and highly regarded in the F&B industry—is particularly noteworthy. Its Amsterdam branch has been a Michelin one-star restaurant since 2002. Promoting the slogan of “zero-distance deliciousness between Taipei and Tokyo,” the Taipei Yamazato features the same menu as its Tokyo counterpart, with most ingredients freshly imported directly from Japan. Guests in Taipei can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine just like in Tokyo.

The Okura Hotels & Resorts Group (Hotel Okura Co., Ltd) is the largest international five-star hotel chain in Japan. Its Okura Hotels & Resorts brand currently has 24 properties and 7,479 rooms worldwide. The Okura Hotels & Resorts Group also owns the JAL Hotels brand, which includes the Nikko Hotels International and Hotel JAL City sub-brands. For more details, visit the Okura Hotel official website: www.okurataipei.com.tw.

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