Industry News (Apartments & Offices in Japan)

Ascott Launches New Serviced Apartment Property in Tokyo

2009-02-27T11:54:00.000-08:00

Ascott International, a worldwide provider of serviced apartments, is set to open the doors of its first Citadines property in Tokyo on March 1.

The new Citadines Tokyo Shinjuku serviced apartments will be located in the heart of Tokyo and within walking distance to the Shinjuku East area which is one of Tokyo’s prime urban centers. The Shinjuku East area is the prime entertainment and shopping hub in Tokyo with the Marunouchi and Toei Shinjuku subway stations within close proximity. Citadines Tokyo Shinjuku is conveniently situated near restaurants, supermarkets, shopping malls, the Shinjuku hospital and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

The new serviced apartment property will offer 160 studio units with fully-equipped kitchens and access to a fitness facility 24 hours a day. Each unit contains high-speed Internet access, air conditioning, babysitting services, continental breakfast, dry cleaning, laundry service, LCD flat screen television, telephone, in-room safe, and convenient car parking. Move and Stay at www.moveandstay.jp has additional information on accommodations.

The property will provide housing for primarily Japanese clients due to the decrease in business travel by foreigners. The Japanese clients will be mostly leisure travelers who are choosing to vacation within Japan. Ascott predicts a 50 per cent occupancy rate for the Citadines Tokyo Shinjuku serviced apartments during its first month in business.

Ascott International is already operating two serviced apartment properties in Tokyo under the Somerset brand, the Somerset Azabu East and the Somerset Roppongi. Ascott is the world's largest international serviced apartment owner-operator with over 18,000 operating serviced apartment units in key cities of Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region, as well as about 7,000 units which are under development, making a total of close to 25,000 units.

The company operates three brands: Ascott, Somerset and Citadines. Its portfolio spans 67 cities in 22 countries, 15 of which are new cities in Ascott's portfolio where its serviced apartments are being developed. Ascott's properties are located in London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin and Barcelona in Europe; Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong in Asia; Melbourne, Perth and Sydney in Australia, as well as Doha, Dubai and Manama in the Gulf region.

Sakura Group Reports Mixed Results from Commercial Property Investment

2009-02-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Sakura Group. a Japanese real estate investment company, has reported mixed results from its operations according to the company’s Japanese executive director. The Sakura Group has invested more than 76 million dollars in a variety of projects over the past 13 years that range from commercial buildings and hotels, to serviced offices and serviced apartments.

Some of the projects by the Sakura Group have prospered while others are facing effects of the economic downturn according to the Sakura Group’s executive director. The properties that are prospering are the serviced office and serviced apartment projects with the hotel properties significantly falling behind.

The company’s other investment projects in Myanmar that include serviced offices and serviced apartments are doing well. These projects were established beginning in 1998. Downtown Yangon’s Sakura Tower, a 36 million dollar investment project, is one of the city’s most successful serviced office rental spaces. The Sakura Group has also invested in five additional condominiums and serviced apartment projects in Yangon which total of 25 million (US).

The serviced office occupancy in Sakura Tower is currently at 60pc of floor space and the demand for office space in this facility is rapidly increasing. Most of the clients in Sakura Tower are foreign oil and gas companies which usually continue to maintain office space during periods of economic downturn.

The serviced apartment properties are prospering with an occupancy rate of 99pc and the Sakura Group plans to raise rentals due to the increase in demand for this type of accommodation.

The Sakura Group has invested $15 in Bagan Thiri Pyitsaya Sakura Hotel since 1996 and the property is experiencing a loss due to the economic downturn as the economic climate is appearing to hit this sector very hard. The hotel was achieving steady profits until 2006-07 when profits began to decline and last year profits were down by 60 percent with occupancy rates running at 30 pc.

For additional information on serviced office and serviced apartment availability in Japan, log onto Move and Stay at www.moveandstay.jp.

St Martins Acquires Serviced Apartment Tower in Tokyo

2009-02-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

St Martins, a leading UK-based property development and investment company for the Kuwaiti Investment Authority, recently acquired a luxury serviced apartment high rise residential tower in central Tokyo for Â¥13 billion ($142 million; €109 million). The 27-floor residential tower property acquisition represents the company’s first venture into Asia.

The serviced apartment property is known as the Lietocourt Arx Tower and is centrally located in Minato, Chuo-Ku which is near to the Nihonbashi and Ginza, Tokyo business and retail district. The building was previously owned by KK daVinci Advisors, a Tokyo-based fund manager, and consists of 281 serviced apartments which occupy over 29,701 square meters of space. The Lietocourt Arx Tower was constructed and completed by February of 2007.

St Martins financed the acquisition with a bond issue to the Tokyo Star Bank Limited which was arranged through the Real Estate Finance department of Nikko Citigroup. The acquisition is the first of a series of investments by St Martin that are planned for this region. St. Martins has also been seeking investment opportunities in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, and Australia.

St Martins also plans serviced apartment property acquisitions in primary cities in Continental Europe and the United Kingdom and recently purchased a 23-floor serviced apartment tower in Central London for €500 million ($786 million).

St Martins is a leading development, investment and asset management company with a diverse portfolio in the UK, Europe and Australia. As the UK-based real estate investment vehicle of the State of Kuwait, St Martins has significant financial strength. The company has a track record in the property industry that dates back to 1924 and currently owns more than 1 million square meters of commercial property that includes serviced apartments.

St Martins now has a portfolio of over 80 properties consisting of serviced offices, serviced apartments, and residential facilities. The company headquarters are situated in its London Bridge City development with regional offices in Brussels, Frankfurt, Melbourne and Perth.
The Kuwait Investment Authority, a commodity sovereign wealth fund, was created in 1953 from oil revenues and was the world's first sovereign wealth fund to be launched. Its fund is estimated to be worth around $250 billion.

Move and Stay at www.moveandstay.jp has additional information on accommodation in Tokyo and throughout Japan.

Regus Offers Cutting Edge Business Center in Fukuoka

2009-01-18T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Regus Group, a leading global provider of serviced office and virtual offices, recently opened a state-of-the-art business center in Fukuoka known as the Fukuoka Aqua Hakata. The new center is located in the Fukuoka-Asia Business zone and offers a wide variety of workplace solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Fukuoka Aqua Hakata provides serviced office space and virtual offices that meet the individual needs of multinational companies as well as small businesses. Clients also have access to state-of-the-art meeting rooms, professional administrative support services, and videoconferencing at a prestigious business address.

The business center in Fukuoka offers a variety of office rentals that include a full-time serviced office, branch office, project office, start-up office, team room, hot desking, workstation, or part-time virtual office. Clients can occupy the office space immediately in a cost effective flexible lease that does not contain any hidden costs and allows clients network access to all of the Regus serviced office locations worldwide. Network Access is a membership program that Regus offers to its serviced office and virtual office clients that provides unlimited network access to 950 business lounges in 400 major Regus city centers around the world.

The serviced offices in Fukuoka provide business clients with access to a receptionist and welcome area, telephone answering service, fully furnished meeting and videoconferencing rooms, multi-access T1 and telephone ports, on-site IT maintenance and support, digital telephony, three-point security system, high-speed Internet access, 24/7 availability, and mail delivery. Additionally, clients have access to printing, fax and scanning, as well as copying services.

Fukuoka is currently one of Japan’s ten most populated cities and is the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture. The city has strong geographical and economical ties to China and Korea and serves as a gateway city to Japan. Fukuoka contains a significant establishment of industrial functions through Japanese and foreign corporations that are interested in doing business in Asia. The key industries in Fukuoka City are in the wholesale and retail sector and the growth rate of these industries ranks top in Japan. As a result the demand for serviced offices has increased with more companies seeking to establish a business presence in Japan.

To obtain additional information on office accommodations in Japan, log onto Move and Stay at www.moveandstay.jp .

Regus Opens 16th Serviced Office Center in Yokohama Sky Building

2008-12-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

Regus Japan, a leading serviced office provider and an operation of the Regus Group, recently announced that it will be opening a serviced office center on the 20th floor of the Yokohama Sky Building located in the heart of Yokohama.

The new serviced office center, housed in a high end landmark building, will occupy 864 square meters of office space and offer 137 workstations, a board room, two conference rooms, and a state-of-the-art videoconferencing facility. Included in the rental is access to bilingual administrative support, a furnished reception area, and café. All serviced offices are equipped with high speed Internet access and digital telephone service which is managed by highly trained IT support personnel.

The new serviced office center is located within close proximity to JR Yokohama Station which is the railway hub of Kanagawa Prefecture. It is also located next to the MinatroMirai21 area which is expected to become one of the largest business districts in the Greater Tokyo area. The Yokohama City Air Terminal is nearby and connects with the Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport to global destinations.

Yokohama is Japan’s second largest city with a positive outlook on the growing economy. In response to the government’s effort to grow the economy, Regus has added the Yokohama Sky Building to its portfolio of serviced office properties worldwide.
The new facility will encourage businesses of all sizes to take up a presence in Yokohama with access to the highest quality serviced offices and amenities without the expensive price tag. It will also offer greater flexibility and mobility to its business clients as well as a great alternative to conventional office space leasing.

Currently, the city of Yokohama is working to transform its business environment to accommodate more corporate businesses through various taxation and grant opportunities which will result in an economic impact of approximately JPY 1 trillion and the creation of over 57,000 jobs over the next ten year cycle.

Regus currently has 1000 serviced office locations in 400 cities across 70 countries and is recognized as a global leader in the serviced office industry. Additional information on space availability can be obtained from Move and Stay at http://www.moveandstay.jp/

Regus Group Opens Serviced Office Center in Shinbashi Tokyu Building

2008-12-27T11:21:00.000-08:00

The Regus Group, a worldwide serviced office provider, recently announced the opening of its 17th center in the Shinbashi Tokyu Building in Tokyo.
The new serviced office facility occupies 1,242 square meters of office space and is capable of accommodating up to 210 people. The Shinbashi center offers spacious board rooms, conference rooms, a furnished reception area with bilingual administrative support, and a café area. The serviced offices are fully equipped with high-speed Internet access and digital telephone service that is managed by a highly trained IT support team.

The Shinbashi serviced office center is located near Shiodome which is one of the newest business districts in Tokyo. The redevelopment of the new business district has been ongoing since 2002 and the Shinbashi Center will offer easy access to Shinbashi Station and several major train and subway lines. The center is also within close proximity to Narita Airport from the Tokyo Station and Haneda Airport via Hamamatsucho Station.

The new Shinbashi serviced office center will provide business clients with extreme accessibility and cost efficiency by offering businesses the ability to establish a business presence in a prime location without the price tag. Businesses can better manage their finances and focus on daily business operations instead of worrying about financing capital. Rental terms are flexible from one month to twelve months or longer with no upfront capital expenditure. The rental terms are written in a simple one page agreement with no hidden costs.

Regus is renowned for offering dependable office solutions and professional support to its business clients by providing a cost effective alternative to conventional office space leasing and a new style of work that allows client to be mobile. You can inquire about space availability in the Shinbashi serviced office center by contacting Move and Stay at www.moveandstay.jp .

The Regus Group currently has 1000 serviced office centers in 400 cities across 70 countries with 110 in the Asia Pacific. The company also recently launched its Regus BusinessWorld Membership Program which provides members with free access to its serviced office centers throughout the world.

Over 400,000 clients a day such as Google, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, Nokia, and Accenture, join thousands of growing small and medium sized businesses that benefit from outsourcing their office and workplace needs from Regus Group serviced office facilities.

Servcorp Offers Virtual Offices and Hotdesking in Osaka’s Financial District

2008-11-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

Servcorp, an Australian-based global provider of serviced offices, is offering serviced offices, virtual offices, hottedesking, and state-of-the-art meeting space in its Edobori Center Building located in the heart of Osaka’s financial and law district.

The elegant Edobori Center Building is a twent-two floor landmark serviced office facility that houses a diverse tenant list that includes IT, entertainment, and cosmetic industry clientele among many others. The facility is located in the core of Osaka which is the second largest commercial center in Japan and well recognized for the stock trade.

The Edobori serviced office facility contains the unique Servcorp technology that includes Smart Office broadband Internet access, IP telephony, a unified massaging system, and hottdesking for remote access, online, booking, and online invoicing. Clients can choose from state-of-the-art fully serviced offices to fully-equipped virtual offices with access to corporate boardrooms and meeting rooms and an Executive Business Lounge. Space availability information can be obtained from Move and Stay at www.moveandstay.jp .

The Edobori Center Building is located within the Osaka Train Station, the Kansai Airport neighboring business facilities and office buildings. The facility contains easy access to renowned restaurants and shops and includes an on-site spa consisting of a medical spa, sauna and hot springs and salon. Nearby to points of interest, the Edibori serviced office facility is conveniently located near five star hotels, the Umeda Sky Building, River Cruise to Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, the Kaiyukan Aquarium, and Tempozan Harbour Village.

Servcorp is a leading global provider of serviced and virtual office solutions. The company was established in 1978 in Sydney, Australia and is public listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (SRV). Since then Servcorp has come to mean a global network of exceptional serviced office facilities and hold an exceptional portfolio of five star properties. Today, Servcorp clients enjoy the most advanced information technology and telecommunications state-of-the-art with Cisco IP Communications technology.

Information on office space availability in Osaka and throughout Japan is available at Move and Stay by logging onto www.moveandstay.jp .

EastEdge Partners Creates New Real Estate Business

2008-10-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

EastEdge Partners, a Tokyo-based real estate firm, is currently seizing real estate opportunities throughout Japan as a result of the changing property market. Despite the current economic climate, EastEdge Partners was recently appointed exclusive Japanese broker for the Above and Beyond luxury hotel condominiums and serviced apartments in Niseko, Japan and recently signed a hotel management contract for a luxury resort and serviced apartment property in the Philippines.

EastEdge Partners have experienced success with the Japanese real estate market by focusing on opportunities that are not traditional by helping foreigners locate Japanese vacation properties, sourcing satisfactory off market deals for institutional size investors, and developing the hospitality industry such as branding properties and serviced apartment properties for corporate clientele.

EastEdge was founded last year and the firm is licensed as a Japan real estate broker and investment advisory. The EastEdge team is comprised of professionals that have formerly worked with the real estate firm Prospect, the award-winning Oakwood serviced apartments and JAL-Nikko Hotels, and bring a variety of capabilities from asset management and sourcing through development, serviced apartment management and hotel operation, and entirely on an international level.

Within the last year, EastEdge Partners was granted rights to domestic sales for Above and Beyond Niseko, the first five-star hotel-condominium-serviced apartments to be offered in Japan. The development features Condominium Suites, Chalets, and Serviced Apartments at a world-class ski resort. Buyers can receive rental income while enjoying up to one month of personal use per year. The property is the finest quality in Niseko and provides buyers with an opportunity which was previously unavailable.

EastEdge Partners has turned the focus to Tokyo for institutional investors with value assets and distressed assets being its core competency. At the same token, the company is flexible to the needs of each client regardless of size by utilizing a large network to locate properties that suit the investor’s profile. EastEdge is also working on a new hospitality angle which will target the acquisition of quality residential assets and serviced apartments in central Tokyo, with the purpose of adding operational and branding value to properties purchased at a discount.

For additional information on Tokyo properties and serviced apartment accommodations throughout Japan, visit Move and Stay at www.moveandstay.jp .

Executive Center Offers Five Star Virtual Offices in Tokyo

2008-10-01T16:58:00.001-07:00

The Executive Center, a leading provider in serviced and virtual offices in the Asia-Pacific, is currently offering two five star virtual office facilities located in the heart of the Tokyo Central Business District. Both virtual office facilities are situated in convenient and prestigious locations and offer a pay as you go plan along with immediate office space bookings from one hour up to over one year.

If you require a professional business presence for your company but do not have the means to start from scratch with furniture, technology, and meeting space, then the Executive Center virtual offices will suit your needs. The Executive Center offers serviced and virtual offices with fully furnished space for immediate use that accommodates from one to eight people. Use of serviced and virtual offices includes access to fully equipped meeting rooms with fast Internet access and on-site support. Office space is immediately available with minimal security deposit. Adding to the quality, value, and convenience is the fact that the Executive Center only charges clients for what they use so they are not burned by overblown lease costs and hidden fees.

With the serviced and virtual offices, everything is provided with full furnishings, modern equipment, and super fast wireless Internet, at very affordable prices. The Executive Center also allows flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs of each individual business. Along with a complete range of services, clients also receive the most professional secretarial services and reception services.

The virtual office offer by the Executive Center also has the option of paying for the advantages of an office without actually paying for the physical space. You get a prestigious address in the heart of Tokyo’s Central Business District along with mail and courier services, a personal phone number with telephone calls professionally answered in your company’s name. Additionally virtual office access features include use of meeting rooms as well as additional backup and any business support services that are required. When you sign up for any of the virtual office plans that are offered, your business will benefit from location advantages as well as professional services in the most affordable fashion. You may work from the Central Business District, from your home, or in another country.

For more information on serviced office and virtual office space in Tokyo, contact Move and Stay at www.moveandstay.com .

Ascott Expands Serviced Apartment Brand in Kyoto

2008-08-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

The Ascott Group has acquired a prime site in Kyoto to develop a 126 unit serviced apartment residence which will be named Citadines Kyoto Gojo. The project is a joint venture with Ascott’s partner, Mitsubishi Estate Company, Ltd. in which Ascott will hold a 40 percent stake and investing $20.6 million for the land acquisition with Mitsubishi Estate Company holding the remaining 60 percent stake.

The Citadines Kyoto Gojo serviced apartments will be located within close proximity to Kyoto’s business district as well as Kyoto’s main tourist area where key attractions, fashion outlets, shopping malls and supermarkets are within easy access. The Gojo subway station is nearby with the main Kyoto station for Shinkansen one stop away.

Kyoto has become a key location for international conferences and the city hosted over 200 international conferences last year. The city also has a thriving tourism industry with over 48 million arrivals last year according to the National Tourist Organization.

As a result of Kyoto becoming a popular location for international conferences, the city is experiencing a growing demand for quality serviced apartment accommodations from international conference visitors. Ascott’s solid track record places the company in a positive position to tap the potential of this market demand by supplying international class serviced apartment residences in Kyoto.

The Citadines Kyoto Gojo serviced apartment accommodations are scheduled to open sometime during the first half of 2010 and will be Ascott’s second Citadines property in Japan. The Citadines Tokyo Shinjuku which is Ascott’s second property is scheduled to open during the first half of 2009.

The Citadines Kyoto Gojo will expand Ascott’s portfolio in Japan to over 600 serviced apartment units in Tokyo and Kyoto with 286 units currently under construction.

The Ascott Group is considered the largest international serviced apartment residence owner outside of the United States operating serviced apartment properties in the Asia Pacific, Europe as well as the Gulf region. The company operates three brands which are Ascott, Somerset, and Citadines. The complete portfolio expands to over 53 cities in 23 countries, some of which Ascott’s serviced apartment residences are currently under development.

Ascott Serviced Apartments Increases Investment in Japan

2008-07-30T08:18:00.001-07:00

The Ascott Group has increased interest in the joint venture Mitsubishi Estate Company to manage serviced apartment residences in Japan. The company recently acquired additional interest in Ascott International Management which increases its interest in the management company to sixty percent. Additionally, the Ascott Group is taking a forty percent increased interest in Somerset Roppongi which is a 64-unit serviced apartment residence that it is currently managing in Tokyo.

The recent venture will significantly increase the Ascott Group’s participation in the serviced apartment industry in Japan. The company plans to expand its presence from 140 serviced apartments in Tokyo to over 500 serviced apartment units in primary Japanese cities over the next five years.

Due to the increase in foreign business in North Asia, the serviced apartment industry in Japan has a positive economic forecast. As a result the Ascott Group plans to continue to grow its global portfolio through equity participation and management contracts. The joint venture with Mitsubishi Estate Company was formed in 2002. Mitsubishi Estate is one of Japan’s primary real estate developers with $20.5 billion in assets which are mainly Tokyo based.

In addition to the Somerset Roppongi, the Ascott group manages the Somerset Azabu East, a 79-unit serviced apartment residence and 193 corporate leased serviced apartments. The company is currently a leading international serviced apartment company with 13,800 serviced apartment units in thirty-nine cities throughout Europe and Asia Pacific.

The Ascott Group also offers luxury serviced apartments throughout the US and pioneers the first branded luxury serviced apartment in the Asia Pacific in 1984. The company has a twenty-year track record in the serviced apartment industry and is recognized worldwide.

Oakwood Worldwide Expands Luxury Serviced Apartments in Tokyo Midtown Development

2008-07-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

Oakwood Worldwide has opened the doors of Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown serviced apartment residence. The 107 luxury serviced apartments are completely furnished and provide extended stay accommodations to business and leisure travelers seeking convenient and deluxe living with a home style setting. The new serviced apartment residence is located in the premier Tokyo Midtown development and is part of Oakwood Worldwide’s expanded portfolio into Japan.

Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown serviced apartments are fully equipped with high speed Internet, plasma TVs with Bose home theatre systems, steam showers, private balconies with panoramic views, wood and marble furnishings, executive desks, modern steel appliances, and offer guests a choice of light or dark color interior schemes. Wi-Fi Internet access is available throughout the property.

The serviced apartment residence also offers a state-of-the-art fitness center with an integrated jogging track, high tech business center, 24 hour reception with concierge, outdoor Japanese style gardens, lounge and bar area and regular maid service all included with elegantly appointed studios and three bedroom units.

Oakwood Premier serviced apartments are ideally placed in the Tokyo Midtown development which provides residents with easily accessible resources including offices, commercial facilities, and convenient access to the city transportation network. Additionally, residents have access to numerous shops and gourmet restaurants. The Tokyo Midtown development also provides serviced apartment residents with a work and live-friendly environment that significantly contributes to the urban development of Tokyo.

Interestingly, the Tokyo Midtown development includes the Tokyo Midtown Medical Center which is the first Japanese based collaboration project with John Hopkins Hospital. The Medical Center staff includes English speaking professionals promoting confidence in foreign visitors. The Midtown Garden which is nearby is equipped with wireless LAN access points which allow travelers to access business resources in a relaxed outdoor environment.

Oakwood Worldwide currently has more than 3,500 Oakwood associates in offices around the world, nearly 23,000 serviced apartment units, and more than 300 network partners. The serviced apartment operator is a key leader in the global residence industry.

Serviced Apartments in Osaka, Japan Soon to be Managed by Fraser’s Hospitality

2008-07-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Fraser’s Hospitality has recently signed a new serviced apartment residence to its already 175 apartments in Fraser Place Shinjuku East Tower and another 209 apartments in Fraser Place West Tower. The Fraser Residence Osaka is expected to open its doors by late 2010 with 115 serviced apartments.

The new serviced apartment residence in Osaka will feature 115 contemporary style studios, one and two-bedroom units that will have state-of-the-art WiFi connectivity, full health and wellness facilities, a residents’ cafe and business center services. Additionally, the serviced apartment residence will be built with eco-friendly capabilities which will utilize energy saving and environmentally friendly advanced technologies which will provide improvements in energy management.

In addition to being built with state-of-the-art technologies, Fraser Residence Osaka will be located near prime business, leisure, and transportation hubs. The serviced apartment residence will also be situated across from Namba Station with direct access to Kansai International Airport and also within the vicinity of Namba Park Commercial Complex and Dōtonbori Street where there is a vast array of gourmet restaurants, shopping, and theatre entertainment.

The establishment of Fraser Residence Osaka will make a total of 499 serviced apartments available over the next two years. This venture will make Fraser’s Hospitality one of the largest international serviced apartment residence operators in Japan.

Due to the fact that Osaka is another gateway city in Japan as well as being a key cultural gateway to the Kansai region that includes the cities of Kobe and Kyoto, the executives of Fraser’s Hospitality see this as a natural next step to expanding their portfolio of serviced apartment residences.

Fraser’s Hospitality is partnering with Nankai Urban Development Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nankai Electric Railway Company, in the development of this new serviced apartment residence.

Fraser’s Hospitality currently has an extensive portfolio of established serviced apartment residences throughout the UK, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Frasers Place Serviced Apartments Opens in Shinjuku, Tokyo

2008-07-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Fraser Place, the first Gold Standard serviced apartment residence in Japan by Frasers Hospitality, recently opened its doors in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Fraser Place howff Shinjuku is the first venture by Frasers Hospitality into the Japanese serviced apartment market and is one of the largest international serviced apartment properties in Japan with 175 units in the East Tower and 200 units in the West Tower. It is located in a mixed development known as “Hundred Circus” which contains a gymnasium, lounge, retail mall, and serviced offices with conference rooms.

Frasers Place serviced apartment property has tastefully appointed studios, one, two, and three bedroom and triplex units. Each unit contains a complete home entertainment system with LCD television in the living room and master bedroom, iPod alarm clock, satellite and local television channels, Bose home-theatre audio system, and high-speed broadband Internet access for traveling executives who also use the residence as a home office.

Fraser Place howff Shinjuku, Tokyo, serviced apartments are located within a short walk to Shinjuku Station which is host to key transportation including the subway and train. The main commercial and banking district is also within easy access as well as the major entertainment and shopping belts.

Frasers have established a presence with serviced apartment properties in major financial centers such as Paris, London, and Sydney. Japan is another key location with foreign investments and the Shinjuku sub-center is one of Tokyo’s leading business and administrative districts. By the establishment of a Gold-Standard serviced apartment property in Shinjuku, Frasers continues its mission to be a major player in serviced apartment residences in North Asia.

In Japan, there is a growing need by both local and foreign corporations establishing a presence, for mid to long-term housing needs. Serviced apartments provide the business traveler with the comforts of home combined with selected five-star hotel facilities.

Frasers luxury serviced apartments can be found in Asia’s key gateway cities of Singapore, Bangkok, Beijing, Manila, Hanoi, Nanjing, Seoul, Shanghai, and Shenzhen as well as in Sydney, Australia and the European cities of Paris, London, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Oakwood Partners with Mitsui Fudosan to Launch Japan Serviced Apartments

2008-07-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

Oakwood Worlwide, a leading global provider of serviced apartments will expand its presence to Japan in a joint venture with Mitsui Fudosan, a major real estate development firm. The joint venture will develop serviced apartments throughout Japan with an emphasis on Tokyo and Osaka. Prior to the joint venture agreement, Oakwood Worldwide opened its first serviced apartment property in Tokyo, Oakwood Residence Akasaka.

Serviced apartments combine the spacious comfort of a furnished residence with hospitality services such as a 24-hour front desk and housekeeping service. They are leased short term and long term to primarily business travelers and foreign expatriates however, leisure travelers make up a percentage of the tenancy.

Oakwood Worlwide will combine its 50 years of serviced apartment management experience with Mitsui Fudosan which owns the largest supply of condominiums in Japan. The joint venture will be a limited-liability company based on Japanese law with capital shares of 90% by Oakwood Asia Pacific and 10% by Mitsui Fudosan. Oakwood Asia Pacific is a joint venture between Oakwood Worldwide and Colony Capital. In addition to Tokyo, Oakwood Asia Pacific's portfolio includes properties in Bangkok, Thailand; Guangzhou, China; and Manila, Philippines.

Oakwood Worldwide will establish a sales office in Tokyo to help Japanes clients acquire outbound reservations to other Oakwood serviced apartments around the world. The serviced apartment provider is also looking to develop and convert other properties throughout Japan in the next few years.

Oakwood is able to secure serviced apartment housing when and where you need it through a network of Global Referral Partners, Accredited Providers, and a unique Hotel Program. Oakwood's advanced technologies are designed to keep information about your housing program at your fingertips.

Oakwood offers you relief from multiple paper bills by consolidating all of a company employees' move-in information in a secure online personalized portal. The advanced system also provides reporting that can help you recap and forecast your company's housing expenditures.

Oakwood Worldwide was founded nearly 50 years ago and is currently the leading provider of temporary furnished and serviced apartments across the globe. With nearly 23,000 furnished and unfurnished residences in 4,000 locations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, Oakwood offers a full spectrum of serviced apartment solutions to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers.