Hotel Okura Tokyo to Close Main Building for Major Expansion / Renovation Work

Hotel Okura has unveiled plans to reconstruct the main building of its flagship, Hotel Okura Tokyo.

The reconstruction, to be finished by spring 2019, before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will cost more than ¥100 billion ($980 million).

The main building’s 408 guest rooms will be increased to approximately 550. The new complex will also have 18 floors of office space. At the center, a lush garden will serve as a green oasis in Tokyo.

The new high-rise complex will close for reconstruction at the end of August 2015. Some facilities will be relocated to the south wing, which will remain open during reconstruction.

“The plans for renovating our flagship Hotel Okura Tokyo will assure its top position in Japan and Asia-wide,” said Mr. Toshihiro Ogita, president of Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. “The hotel will continue to welcome international VIPs and guests with the very best, most modern conveniences while retaining its traditional Japanese aesthetics. The garden, to occupy 60% of the hotel’s 6.4-acres [26,200 square meters], will provide our guests a serene, beautiful haven in the middle of Tokyo.”