まるで第2の名古屋城!? 1泊約20万円から…富裕層ターゲット「エスパシオ ナゴヤキャッスル」開業 興和グループのホテル事業「外資系に負けない」戦略

A luxury hotel targeting the wealthy has opened on the site of the former Hotel Nagoya Castle. "Grand opening of Espacio Nagoya Castle" (Nishi Ward, Nagoya, around 9:00 AM on October 1st) The ceremony for the hotel, which is expected to become the new "face" of Nagoya, was attended by actress Takako Tokiwa and fellow Nagoya native, Emi Takei. (Emi Takei) "The entrance was breathtaking, and the moment I entered this hotel, I thought, 'Is this really Nagoya Castle?'" (Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura) "Such high-quality accommodation is essential for hosting high-level international conferences that bring together leaders and VIPs from around the world." The hotel targets the wealthy, both from Japan and abroad. (Kowa Chairman and President Yoshihiro Miwa) "We're global, above all else. We can't compete with foreign-owned companies. Our concept was, 'What can we do to achieve that?'" A sneak peek inside the hotel: The gleaming golden staircase and ceiling... (Announcer Ayami Yanagisawa, September 25th) "The golden shachihoko (lion-shaped carving) of Nagoya Castle shines brightly today. Right next to it, a hotel that looks just like Nagoya Castle has been completed. It's called Espacio Nagoya Castle. That castle has been reborn." Speaking of "castles," this majestic hotel west of Nagoya Castle's moat... This hotel had its grand opening on October 1st. It has 11 floors above ground and two below. It took five years to complete, and is located on the site of the former "Hotel Nagoya Castle." I recently got a sneak peek inside... (Yanagisawa) "Welcome. Wow, the gold screen pine...wow. This is the entrance to the banquet hall. Look at it, it's amazing. This gleaming gold staircase and ceiling, and even the murals are incredible." At the entrance, you're greeted by impressive art. Approximately 600 pieces of art are displayed throughout the hotel, making it feel like a museum. There's also a separate entrance reserved for guests, and at the end of a long corridor... (Yanagisawa) "I almost laugh, it's amazing." This is the shining golden "Phoenix Staircase." The space, primarily black and gold, blends Japanese elements with oriental lighting. It's a complete departure from the previous "Castle" image. (Yanagisawa) "The previous Nagoya Castle was very chic, and there was a sense of grandeur when you entered, but this time it glows as if it's radiating from within. Wow, there are even more picturesque spaces now." The bathrooms feature hot springs...targeting affluent international guests. The hotel's name, "Espacio," is Spanish for "space" or "universe." The hotel's goal is to provide the ideal space and the finest hospitality. There are 100 guest rooms in total. Prices vary depending on the room type and season, but rates start at around 200,000 yen per night, including service charges. (Yanagisawa) "I can see it, I can see it! I can see it. This room offers a luxurious, sweeping view of Nagoya Castle." Nagoya Castle is directly in front of you. The "Espacio Grande" interior, with its black and gold theme, exudes samurai culture with touches like gold folding screens and dressers, creating a sense of grandeur and majesty. (Yanagisawa) "And what's more, this bathroom is actually a hot spring!" The hot springs that gush forth from the hotel grounds are named "Espacio Onsen" and can be enjoyed in 12 rooms. (Espacio Enterprises President Hiroyuki Tabuchi) "We wanted to design the guest rooms to attract affluent guests from both Japan and overseas. (The hot springs) are also aimed at attracting affluent international guests." The "Espacio Grande" room costs approximately 400,000 yen per night, including service charges. Rooms above this level offer chauffeured transportation within a 50km radius. And on the top floor, the 11th floor, is a suite named the "Phoenix Suite." The suite room rate is approximately 3 million yen per night. The suite also features a sofa inspired by the color of Nagoya Castle's roof and a spacious living room. There's a pool outside, and Nagoya Castle is right in front of you. The luxurious "Phoenix Suite" costs a whopping ¥3 million per night, including service charges. (Espacio Enterprise President Hiroyuki Tabuchi, October 1st) "We've prepared rooms that cater to the wealthy. This area is known for its lack of tourist attractions, so we aim to make this a hotel that people will come to stay at." Even if you're not staying overnight, you can enjoy something in "The Shop" on the first floor. These are "Cookies Four Secs (Large)" (¥5,800), a sparkling cookie tin like a jewel box from Atelier Ukai, the hugely popular shop behind Amour du Chocolat. According to a source, this is the only place in the Tokai region where they can be purchased. Additionally, the cafe lounge offers cakes made with figs from Aichi Prefecture and lunch sets, while the restaurant offers eight renowned restaurants, including teppanyaki, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine. The ultra-luxury hotel "Espacio Nagoy...