Redevelopment Project “KAMIHACHI X” Announced to Strengthen MICE and Accommodation Functions in Central Hiroshima — First “Andaz” by Hyatt in the Chugoku Region

The name of the high-rise tower and the hotel brand to be introduced on its upper floors have been announced for the Motomachi Aioi-dori District Type I Urban Redevelopment Project currently underway in central Hiroshima City.

The high-rise tower will be named “KAMIHACHI X.” The hotel brand selected for the upper floors is Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s luxury lifestyle brand, Andaz. This will mark the first Andaz property in the Chugoku region for Hyatt.

Positioned as a key urban regeneration initiative, the project aims to enhance business functions and strengthen MICE capabilities in central Hiroshima, with completion targeted for fiscal year 2027.

The Role of “KAMIHACHI X” in Revitalizing Central Hiroshima

This redevelopment project is located within the government-designated Urban Renaissance Emergency Development Area known as “Central Hiroshima,” as well as the Special Urban Renaissance Emergency Development Area covering the Kamiyacho–Hatchobori district. As a zone where further concentration of urban functions is required, the area has been identified as having a particularly high need for redevelopment.

The name of the high-rise tower, “KAMIHACHI X,” reflects the intention to create a place where people, goods, and activities intersect (“cross”) within and beyond the Kamiyacho–Hatchobori district, commonly referred to as “Kamihachi.” The name also embodies the aspiration for the site to serve as a base for communicating information and collaboratively shaping the future of Hiroshima’s urban development together with the local community.

Through this project, and in line with the development policies outlined for the Urban Renaissance Emergency Development Area, efforts are being made to enhance business functions, including the realization of high-specification office spaces that contribute to the formation of an internationally competitive business environment. In addition, the project aims to strengthen MICE and accommodation functions capable of attracting visitors from Japan and overseas, along with tourism, cultural, and information dissemination functions.

In this project, the Asahi Shimbun Group—comprising The Asahi Shimbun Company and Asahi Building Co., Ltd.—is participating as a landowner and serving in the role of project implementer. The lead implementer is the Urban Renaissance Agency, an independent administrative institution with extensive experience in urban redevelopment projects. The Asahi Shimbun Group acts as a joint implementer, primarily overseeing the demolition of existing structures and the construction of the new redevelopment building.

First Entry into the Chugoku Region: Hyatt’s Luxury Brand “Andaz”

The “Andaz” hotel to be introduced on the upper floors of KAMIHACHI X is a luxury lifestyle brand operated by Hyatt Hotels Corporation. This is scheduled to mark Hyatt’s first hotel opening in the Chugoku region.

Designed for globally minded guests, Andaz is characterized by its integration of local culture and identity into the guest experience, offering stays that are rooted in the surrounding community. Through personalized and attentive service, the brand aims to provide guests with a sense of vitality and fulfillment during their stay.

The introduction of a high-grade hotel is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening Hiroshima’s international MICE and accommodation functions, enhancing the city’s overall competitiveness.

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Plans for Two Open Spaces Designed to Connect with the Community

A key component of the redevelopment project is the enhancement of vibrancy and interaction through public spaces developed via public–private collaboration. To promote engagement and exchange with the local community, two open spaces are planned: “Kamihachi Hiroba” on the first floor and “Kamihachi Koen” on the sixth floor.

“Kamihachi Hiroba” on the First Floor: A New Urban Gateway

“Kamihachi Hiroba” on the first floor is designed as a large-scale piloti space, envisioned as a new urban “gateway” open to the public. The design incorporates elements representing water, greenery, and stone, aiming to create an approachable environment and establish a new landmark for Hiroshima.

Connected seamlessly to the surrounding streetscape, the space is intended to provide a comfortable, greenery-filled environment that enhances pedestrian circulation. Through diverse uses and programming, it is expected to function as a focal point for new forms of activity and interaction within the district.

“Kamihachi Koen” on the Sixth Floor: A Park for Relaxation

“Kamihachi Koen,” located on the sixth floor, is planned as an open terrace overlooking Aioi-dori Avenue, envisioned as a public “park” where citizens can gather and unwind. In addition to serving as a space open for daily public use, it is intended to be utilized in coordination with events held at the Chamber of Commerce conference hall on the same floor, as well as for weekend programs and other activities.

The space is designed to accommodate a range of scenarios: a morning strolling spot for families, a daytime refreshment area for office workers, and an evening venue for beer gardens or public viewings to support local sports teams. Through these diverse uses, it is expected to function as a place where people can gather and enjoy shared experiences.

The Asahi Shimbun Group participates in the local area management organization “Area Platform Kamihachi Kiteru” and plans to promote community development initiatives utilizing these open spaces, contributing to the broader advancement of the district.

Strengthening Central Hiroshima’s MICE Functions and Future Exchange

The Motomachi Aioi-dori District Type I Urban Redevelopment Project—highlighted by the naming of the high-rise tower “KAMIHACHI X” and the introduction of Hyatt’s luxury lifestyle brand Andaz, marking its first entry into the Chugoku region—represents a significant step toward enhancing Hiroshima’s business infrastructure and strengthening its MICE and accommodation functions.

With the development of public spaces such as “Kamihachi Hiroba” and “Kamihachi Koen” to reinforce collaboration with the local community, the Kamiyacho–Hatchobori district is expected to evolve into a vibrant hub attracting visitors from both Japan and overseas. The high-rise tower is scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2027, with the overall project targeted for completion in fiscal year 2029.