Two international hotel brands: Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons have announced plans to open new hotels in Kyoto in the spring of 2014. The new hotels are expected to boost the inflow of high end tourists, whilst providing Kyoto with additional options for international events and business summits in the region.

Kyoto Convention Bureau, international marketing manager, James Kent commented: “As a city, Kyoto already is a unique destination in the sense it brings alive history and tradition with a modern touch. The city already has great infrastructure and high class hotels, along with the second highest number of Michelin starred restaurants of any city in the world. However, the investment needed to build these new properties clearly demonstrates the importance of the city as well as its rising place amongst the elite destinations in the world.”

The Ritz-Carlton is expected to start construction as early as next year. It will have 140 guest rooms, upscale restaurants and a spa, featuring a combination of traditional Japanese and western luxury hotel styles. It will be located on the picturesque banks of river Kamo near the high end district of downtown Kyoto.

Four Seasons plan to open a 200 room hotel featuring Shakusuien, the famous Japanese garden as its centrepiece. The hotel will also feature a spa, and there are plans to pay homage to the site’s former custodian by specialising in medical tourism.