IHG Hotels & Resorts operates 19 hotel brands with more than 6,400 hotels in over 100 countries. In Japan, IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates approximately 47 hotels under seven brands from Hokkaido to Okinawa (as of June 30, 2024). For this interview, we asked Mr. Ryuta Daito, General Manager of ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kumamoto New Sky, about the charms of the area surrounding the hotel.
Name: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kumamoto New Sky
Location: 2, Higashi-Amidaji-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
–How did you come to work at ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kumamoto Newsky?
He has worked mainly in the lodging department at hotels in Yokohama, Miyakojima, and Fukuoka. I had hoped to work at a hotel in my hometown of Kumamoto in the future, and by chance, I was assigned to ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kumamoto Newsky as a room service manager in January 2020, and then as an executive officer, general manager of room service, and deputy general manager, before being appointed as general manager in February 2024.
–What kind of hotel is it?
ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kumamoto New Sky was rebranded from ANA Hotel Kumamoto New Sky in 2014, celebrating its 55th anniversary in November 2023, and has long been a favorite of local businesses and customers. The top floor of the hotel offers a beautiful night view of Kumamoto Castle, Shirakawa River, and the city of Kumamoto.
The hotel is equipped with 187 spacious and relaxing guest rooms, eight banquet halls of various sizes that can be used for various purposes, and a variety of unique restaurants and bars to meet your various needs.
–What is the unique experience of the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kumamoto New Sky?
The “Kumamon Room,” where the entire room is surrounded by Kumamon, is a design room that you should definitely stay in when you come to Kumamoto. The Kumamon goods and mineral water that are given as a bonus for staying in a Kumamon Room are also popular points. The Kumamon photo spot in the lobby is also enjoyed by many guests.
–please let me know if you have any personal favorites tourist spots or restaurants in the vicinity of the hotel.
Kumamoto Castle, one of the three most famous castles in Japan, was severely damaged by the 2016 earthquake, but the single stone wall supporting the building attracted attention and became a symbol of reconstruction. The castle tower has been reconstructed using the latest technology, and the “Special Tour Passage” allows visitors to see the restoration work up close. Visitors are sure to experience the harmony of history and nature at Kumamoto Castle, which is decorated with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall.
–What restaurant menu do you recommend?
At Japanese Cuisine Korin, we recommend the Ishiyaki of Akagyu (grilled red beef) and BASASASHI (horse sashimi), which allow you to enjoy the tastes of Kumamoto. The Ishiyaki Akagyu (grilled red beef) is made from Kumamoto’s specialty red beef and grilled on a hot stone plate, allowing you to fully enjoy the juicy and tender flavor of the meat. The horse sashimi is made from fresh horse meat and has a refreshing taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Restaurant San Cielo offers “Kumamoto French,” an original course meal using local ingredients and making the most of the flavors of the ingredients.
–What souvenirs do you recommend?
Restaurant San Cielo and the online store sell the hotel’s original beef curry. The beef and vegetables are blended with selected spices and slow-cooked to perfection, making it a great gift idea.
In addition to popular Kumamon goods, the hotel store also offers a wide selection of Kumamoto’s local sake and famous sweets.
© Source travel watch
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