Japan: The Ascott Limited will open its first lyf coliving property in Japan on June 16 in Fukuoka City.
The new property, the lyf Tenjin Fukuoka, which contains 131 units, offers its guests numerous amenities. The units, which range from sizes suitable for either singles or couples on short or extended stays, include WIFI, Smart TV, a private bathroom, and a work desk.
Through the Discover ASR app guests are able to access their rooms, pay, and check in and out of the facility, or interact with other guests with their cell phones.
Besides the app, the lyf Tenjin Fukuoka will also offer a variety of other ways for guests to interact with one another. The building includes coworking spaces and lounges, as well as a kitchen, cafe, and laundromat that also function as social spaces. Group classes and activities are provided both virtually and in person weekly.
Ascott’s regional manager for Japan & Korea, Tan Lai Seng, said: “As a hybrid lodging solution that combines the best of serviced residences, hotels and coliving apartments, we are confident that our first lyf property in Japan will meet the demands of guests seeking flexibility, value and an enriching community experience. Designed for the next generation of guests such as digital nomads, technopreneurs, creatives and self-starters, lyf Tenjin Fukuoka enable guests to live, work and play in a dynamic environment as well as connect and collaborate as a community.”
Ascott also puts an emphasis on the #lyfart that can be seen throughout the space. Both the social spaces and the units are designed with a mix of wooden panels and wallpaper. The wallpaper patterns in each apartment are each uniquely designed by Alvin Tan. The social spaces include artwork designed by local artists Kazuhiko Ifuku and Marumiyan.
The lyf Tenjin Fukuoka is located in close proximity to many Fukuoka attractions. The coliving space is located in Tenjin, a recreational and shopping centre, and is a part of Resola Imaizumi Terrace by NTT Urban Development, a commercial, retail, and dining complex. The property’s location is near the Daimyo and Imaizumi areas, which include a variety of shopping options for guests. Cultural attractions, such as the Kushida Shrine and Tochoji Temple, are also within close proximity. The lyf Tenjin Fukuoka is about a five-minute walk from the Nishitetsu Fukuoka and Tenjin Minami train stations. The nearest airport is the Fukuoka Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive away.
Throughout the pandemic, Ascott’s business has remained functional in Japan. Ascott’s rental housing properties maintained an occupancy rate of 95%, and surveys of people from around the world show that Japan is still a desired travel destination.
Tan said: “lyf Tenjin Fukuoka’s flexible communal spaces and curated social programmes allow us to tap on the growing interest amongst travellers to interact with locals or enjoy local culture or unique experiences[1]. From lyf Tenjin Fukuoka’s central location, guests can also experience Fukuoka’s rich cultural and contemporary offerings. We expect strong domestic demand for lyf Tenjin Fukuoka including corporates and leisure guests from major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka as well as other cities in Kyushu. We will continue to seek suitable opportunities to expand the lyf brand in Japan, while deepening Ascott’s presence in the country.”
Ascott will continue to grow lyf, as 12 more openings are planned throughout the Asia Pacific for the next few years. Five properties are set to open in 2021, and seven more are set to open before the end of 2024.
