IRHM, Your Global Window into Real Estate and Hospitality

April 3, 2026

Japan

CapitaLand Ascott Trust has acquired three rental housing properties in Greater Tokyo for JPY4.6 billion. Located in Southern Kanagawa, the freehold assets boast occupancy rates above 95 per cent and offer stable, long-term returns. This move increases the trust’s living sector portfolio to 17.5 per cent of its total value. The acquisition aligns with a broader strategy to expand presence in key Japanese markets through resilient, income-generating assets.
Blackstone has finalised a deal to acquire Tokyo C-NX, a premier Grade A logistics facility, for more than JPY 100 billion. The transaction is the largest logistics deal in Japan for 2025 and involves a 1.6 million square foot warehouse in the strategic Tokyo Bay area. As Japan’s e-commerce market grows to become the world’s fourth largest, Blackstone is positioning itself as a key partner for local corporates.
Marriott International, Inc. has announced an agreement with Pacifica Hotels G.K. to introduce its midscale brand, City Express by Marriott, to Japan. The deal involves converting two existing hotels in Osaka, which are scheduled to reopen in 2026. The two properties will be named City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South and City Express by Marriott Osaka Shin-Imamiya. The collaboration with Pacifica Hotels and AB Capital aims to capitalise on rising hotel rates and strong demand for quality, value-driven accommodation in Osaka. The properties are strategically located near major transit hubs for seamless travel across the Kansai region.
Japanese architectural company SOBOKUYA, specializing in traditional carpentry and sustainable design, will establish its first Middle East base in the Dubai Design District in November. The company is exhibiting at Dubai Design Week 2025 in collaboration with Nikken Sekkei Dubai FZ-LLC. From its new Dubai base, SOBOKUYA plans to expand into Europe, South Asia, and Africa, developing projects that combine Japanese minimalism, wabi-sabi aesthetics and modern functionality. The move follows the establishment of SOBOKUYA's bases in Vietnam, marking a key next step in its global expansion.
Kyoto will introduce Japan’s highest hotel tax in March 2026, with luxury guests facing up to ¥10,000 (£49) per night to tackle overtourism pressures.
Samty Holdings has sold two portfolios of newly built multi-family properties worth ¥49 billion to sovereign wealth funds, with the developer retaining asset management responsibilities following its privatisation by Hillhouse.

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