Originally Posted by
OsakaWino
Still, it is a relatively recent appetite. Other than ryokan, 10 years ago there was zero demand for lux hotels in Kyoto. The Hyatt Regency was the most luxurious hotel in the city and we were frequently able to stay for little more than 10,000 yen. Even as late as 5-6 years ago the Hyatt Regency was still the most luxurious hotel and rooms were regularly available for under 20,000 yen, including T&S.
I think you might be mistaking demand for opportunity. Kyoto until recently had strict rules which limited new hotel construction. So the demand was there, while the availability of true luxury accommodation was not. In any case, I think it’s quite obvious the demand is there now!
Japan had been built more for the domestic market outside Tokyo until the last decade or so. Even Tokyo only recently has seen a boom in new hotel construction, partly due to the Olympics coming next year.