TOKYO — Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc. has announced the launch of its 12th hotel brand, Villa Prince, as part of an aggressive strategy to capture the high-end travel market with exclusive, villa-style accommodations in premier resort destinations across Japan and internationally.

The company, a subsidiary of Seibu Holdings Inc., made the announcement during a press conference on Monday. The inaugural property, Villa Prince Karuizawa, is scheduled to open in phases starting this July in the upscale resort town of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture.

To bring this vision to life, Seibu Prince is investing approximately ¥29 billion to comprehensively renovate the cottage area of the existing Karuizawa Prince Hotel. To enhance privacy and spaciousness, the number of individual cottages will be reduced by half from the current 233 units, significantly increasing the square footage per villa. Nightly rates for a villa accommodating up to six guests will start at ¥153,000.

A World-Class Destination for Luxury and Pets

The upcoming resort is divided into four zones, with the eastern zone, Higashi no Mori, slated to open first. Designed with ultimate relaxation and exclusivity in mind, every single villa will feature a private onsen (hot spring) and a fireplace.

Catering to the growing demand for luxury pet-friendly travel, half of the villas will include private outdoor spaces where guests can stay and roam freely with their dogs. The resort will also offer specialized dog-friendly dining options and private saunas to elevate the guest experience.

“Karuizawa is the group’s origin and a stage where we continue to take on new challenges,” said Takashi Goto, chairman of Seibu Holdings, during Monday’s press conference. “I am confident the resort will be world-class.”

Expanding Global Footprint

Currently, Seibu Prince Hotels operates 94 properties across 11 brands domestically and internationally, including its flagship Prince Hotels. Following strategic growth milestones—such as last year's acquisition of the U.S.-based Ace Hotel—the hospitality group is aggressively pursuing its long-term vision to operate 250 hotels worldwide by 2035.

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