KOBE, Japan — Hilton has signed an agreement with ORIX Real Estate Corporation to introduce the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand to Kobe, marking the hospitality company’s first property in Hyogo prefecture and further strengthening its luxury presence in Japan’s Kansai region.
Announced by Hilton, the project will be developed as part of the Kobe City Hall Building No. 2 redevelopment initiative, a mixed-use urban development led by ORIX Real Estate Corporation together with six other companies. Scheduled to open in 2030, Conrad Kobe will be managed by Hilton and will become the latest addition to the company’s expanding luxury portfolio in Japan.
The signing comes as international hotel groups continue to increase their presence in Japan’s luxury hospitality segment, supported by growing tourism demand and ongoing infrastructure development across major cities and regional destinations. For Hilton, the project expands its geographic footprint into Hyogo prefecture while adding another luxury asset to its pipeline in the country.
According to Hilton, Conrad Kobe will occupy the upper floors of a newly built high-rise within the Kobe City Hall redevelopment project. The property will be directly connected underground to Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae Station, providing convenient access to transportation networks and enhancing connectivity for both domestic and international travelers.
The development is strategically positioned between Kobe’s city center and the waterfront district, an area undergoing redevelopment. The location also places guests near several of the city’s established attractions, including the Former Foreign Settlement of Kobe and Nankinmachi, one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns.
Hirohisa Fujimoto, vice president of development for Japan and Micronesia at Hilton, said the company sees continued demand for luxury hospitality brands in Japan and views Kobe as a significant addition to the Conrad portfolio.
He noted that the collaboration with ORIX Real Estate Corporation builds on an existing relationship between the two companies and supports Hilton’s strategy of strengthening its luxury presence in the Kansai region. The project is also expected to establish a new hospitality landmark within Kobe following its completion.
The investment aligns with broader tourism growth trends in the city. Kobe has experienced increasing visitor volumes, with tourism demand reaching record levels. Visitor stays in the city totaled 7.75 million in 2025, including 1.4 million international overnight stays.
Additional growth is expected as Kobe Airport advances its internationalization plans. Scheduled international flights are expected to begin by 2030, a development anticipated to improve international access to the city and support inbound tourism demand.
The tourism growth outlook has become an important factor for hospitality companies evaluating long-term investment opportunities in Japan. As international arrivals increase and transportation infrastructure expands, hotel operators and developers are seeking locations capable of supporting both leisure and business travel demand.
ORIX Real Estate Corporation highlighted the redevelopment project as a collaborative initiative involving Kobe City and seven private-sector companies. The project aims to enhance urban functionality while creating new activity and engagement opportunities within the surrounding area.
Tatsuya Kitamura, president of ORIX Real Estate Corporation, said the introduction of the Conrad brand to Hyogo prefecture represents a significant milestone for the redevelopment initiative. He noted that the project seeks to contribute to the creation of a new hub for connections within Kobe through close coordination with the surrounding district.
Upon opening, Conrad Kobe will feature 136 guest rooms and suites designed to serve the luxury travel segment. The hotel’s facilities are intended to support a mix of accommodation, dining, wellness, and event-related demand.
Food and beverage offerings will include an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a lobby lounge, and a cocktail bar. Additional amenities will include an executive lounge, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and spa.
The property will also incorporate meetings and events facilities, providing infrastructure for conferences, corporate functions, and social gatherings. Hilton said the hotel will feature a ballroom spanning approximately 500 square meters, supported by additional meeting spaces.
The inclusion of event facilities reflects the increasing role of luxury hotels in attracting business-related travel and hosting international gatherings. By integrating accommodation, meeting venues, and premium guest services within a single development, the property is positioned to serve multiple demand segments.
Joseph Khairallah, area vice president and head of Japan, Korea and Micronesia at Hilton, said the signing demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to Japan as a growth market. He described Kobe as an international gateway city that combines historical and cultural assets with a distinctive waterfront environment.
The addition of Conrad Kobe forms part of a broader expansion strategy for Hilton’s luxury brands across Japan. Conrad Hotels & Resorts currently operates properties in Tokyo and Osaka, while several additional developments are in progress.
Conrad Nagoya is scheduled to open in July 2026, followed by Conrad Yokohama in 2027. Together with Conrad Kobe, these projects will expand the brand’s presence across key Japanese markets over the coming years.
Hilton is also developing other luxury brands in the country. Following the opening of Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the first Waldorf Astoria property in Japan, the company plans to launch Waldorf Astoria Tokyo Nihonbashi Hotel and Residences in 2027.
Meanwhile, LXR Hotels & Resorts currently operates ROKU KYOTO and is expected to expand further through planned openings in Tokyo, Hakone Gora, Niseko, and Hiroshima.
Once operational, Conrad Kobe will participate in Hilton Honors, Hilton’s global guest loyalty program. The property will join Hilton’s portfolio of 28 hotel brands and become part of the company’s broader strategy to grow its luxury offering while capturing increasing demand from domestic and international travelers visiting Japan.