Ascott set to open its second Citadines property in Japan

CAPITALAND’S wholly owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited, will open its second Citadines property in Japan on Monday.

The new Citadines Kyoto Karasuma-Gojo comes a year after the launch of Ascott’s Citadines Tokyo Shinjuku in March 2009.

Lee Chee Koon, Ascott’s managing director for North Asia, said that that property has achieved strong average occupancy of around 80 per cent. ‘It has also received many positive reviews from customers. Hence, we’re expanding our Citadines brand to another key city in Japan.’

The 124-unit Citadines Kyoto Karasuma-Gojo offers studio and one-bedroom apartments with contemporary decor, modern fittings, a fully-equipped kitchen, a home entertainment system and broadband Internet access.

It is located in Gojo, a short walk from the city’s business district and tourist belt where there are many shopping malls, supermarkets, restaurants and entertainment facilities. Renowned Unesco World Heritage sites the Kiyomizu Temple and Toji Temple are less than a 10-minute drive away.

The property is also near Gojo subway station. And Kyoto’s largest downtown shopping area, Shijo Street, and the Kyoto Shinkansen bullet train station are just one stop away. Shijo Street has a wide range of shops, from traditional craft outlets to boutiques carrying designer fashion.

Ascott said its latest property will cater to strong demand for quality accommodation in Kyoto, which is a popular tourist destination and a venue for international conventions.

With this project, Ascott’s portfolio in Japan will increase to over 3,800 apartment units in 53 properties across 10 cities including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe and Hiroshima.

Source : Business Times – 6 Mar 2010