Hilton has announced plans to open the lifestyle hotel brand “Canopy by Hilton Tokyo Akasaka” in 2028 through a partnership with Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. and TBS Holdings Co., Ltd. The hotel will be located within a large-scale mixed-use development project directly connected to the Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, marking the first “Canopy” brand hotel in Tokyo and the Kanto region. This will be the third property for the brand in Japan, following Osaka (Umeda, scheduled to open in 2024) and Okinawa (Miyakojima, scheduled to open in 2026).
About the “Canopy” lifestyle brand
“Canopy by Hilton” is a lifestyle hotel brand operated globally by Hilton, offering a concept of providing a comfortable stay that is one step above the rest through experiences that highlight local charm, sophisticated design, and dining options tailored to guests' preferences. Currently, there are over 40 properties in 13 countries and regions worldwide, characterized by immersive hotel stays that prioritize connections with the local community. In recent years, there has been growing demand for lifestyle-oriented brands in the hotel market, and Hilton is responding to this trend with “Canopy.” Targeting guests who seek to enjoy the local culture and unique design spaces of their travel destinations, regardless of whether they are traveling for business or leisure, the brand aims to differentiate itself from traditional hotels.
Facilities and features of Canopy Tokyo Akasaka
Canopy by Hilton Tokyo Akasaka will occupy floors 7 to 18 of an 18-story mixed-use building in the west district of the Akasaka 2-6-chome area. The hotel will have 174 guest rooms (including 24 suites) with an average size of approximately 31 square meters, offering a spacious environment despite its central location. The hotel features two dining facilities: an all-day dining restaurant and bar, and a terrace café offering panoramic views of the Akasaka streetscape. The design allows guests to enjoy the local scenery and atmosphere. Additionally, the hotel offers a 77-square-meter meeting lounge and a 24-hour fitness room, catering to a wide range of needs from business travelers to tourists. The hotel is directly connected to Akasaka Station, providing easy access to various locations in Tokyo. The lower floors of the building will also feature a theater and hall, making it a convenient location for entertainment stays and business trips. In addition, limousine buses connecting to the airport are planned, offering high convenience for travelers from both domestic and international destinations.
Positioning within Hilton's overall strategy
The opening of Canopy Tokyo Akasaka is part of Hilton's strategy to expand its brand portfolio in the Japanese market. Hilton operates 24 brands worldwide, and Canopy is positioned as an upscale brand that attracts a new generation of lifestyle-oriented customers. In fact, Hilton has been actively expanding its brand portfolio in Japan in recent years, from luxury to lifestyle, and plans to open its first luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria, in Osaka in 2025. Tokyo is one of the world's top travel destinations, and Hilton has decided to enter the market with its lifestyle brand to meet the diversifying needs of travelers. Joseph Kailara, the company's regional director, stated, “By introducing Canopy to Tokyo, one of the world's top cities, we aim to provide guests from both domestic and international markets with an experience that fully showcases the charm of the Akasaka area.” The “Canopy Tokyo Akasaka” will play a crucial role in Hilton's global strategy as part of its lifestyle hotel expansion in Japan.
Akasaka 2-6 Chome District Development Plan: Transformation into an Entertainment City
The Akasaka 2-6 Chome District Development Plan, where “Canopy Tokyo Akasaka” will be located, is a large-scale redevelopment project in the Akasaka area of Minato Ward. The project involves the redevelopment of the former International New Akasaka Building site into a high-rise complex consisting of two towers: an East Tower (primarily offices) with 41 floors above ground and a West Tower (primarily hotel and entertainment facilities) with 19 floors above ground. The project has been designated as a “Special Urban Regeneration Zone” under the national strategic special zone initiative. The project developers are Mitsubishi Estate and TBS Holdings, and the groundbreaking ceremony was held in March 2024. Completion is scheduled for March 2028, with the entire project expected to be completed by the end of October of the same year. The complex is set to become a new landmark, offering convenient access directly connected to Akasaka Station.
The project aims to evolve the Akasaka area into a hub for the entertainment industry under the vision of “Akasaka Entertainment City.” The plan includes the construction of state-of-the-art theaters and halls, as well as facilities that will attract entertainment-related companies and creators. The project will be integrated with the existing Akasaka Sacas (a commercial and theater complex opened in 2008), creating a town where visitors can enjoy a variety of content. Akasaka has traditionally been an area where entertainment and business have merged, centered on the TBS broadcasting station, and it is also an area with a historic townscape and culture. Through this redevelopment, it is anticipated that Akasaka's unique regional characteristics will be further enhanced, transforming the area into a major entertainment hub that can be promoted to the world.
