By Daniel de Bomford
Place defines culture and shapes the people who inhabit it, whether they are settled or passing through. As if sewn by a skilled weaver, the threads of place tie together the patterns of culture, creating a beautiful tapestry. As a guest, there are few privileges greater than experiencing the interconnections between people, their culture and their place. For Tobu Hotel Management, being part of the fabric of a place is central to its operations, providing experiences for guests that truly showcase the culture and enrich the community.
For over 50 years, Tobu Railway had been managing properties across Japan before establishing Tobu Hotel Management in 1990, which operates both owned properties and international franchises, such as Marriott and Ritz-Carlton. President Hiroaki Miwa states that the management model between foreign brands and Japan is fundamentally different. Overseas hotels are often operated without owning the assets, in contrast to Japan, where inns have evolved into hotels that do.
“A hotel needs a unique identity that sets it apart from the competition,” Miwa says. Companies must go beyond standardized kitchens and offer something unique, tied to the area that creates its own character. Miwa provides an example: a staff member directed the company’s attention to bamboo lanterns in a local steam locomotive operated by the Tobu Railway, which the company adopted for use in a nearby property. The company values its connections to the place and the people who work there. “We’re not just focused on the company’s survival—we’re investing in our people,” he explains.
It’s that dedication that shapes the hotel’s offering. While many hotels offer local ingredients, Tobu Hotel Management emphasizes the use of local techniques and employs local chefs. “These initiatives have been entrusted to local Japanese communities with the hope that Tobu Hotel Management will be embraced as part of the local culture and society,” Miwa says. The company fosters relationships with the local communities in which it operates, encouraging locals to dine at its hotels. It’s actively involved in local cultural events and ceremonies, such as the cherry blossom season in Sumida Park, and intends to support and collaborate on the nearby Edo-Tokyo Museum’s reopening.
Tobu Hotel Management is taking a distinctly Japanese approach, one that is thoughtful and favors local collaboration. The company is guiding its guests to local attractions and activities, weaving their experiences into the fabric of the local culture.
To hear more from President Hiroaki Miwa of Tobu Hotel Management, check out this interview with him.
AloJapan.com