[Kyukaruizawa KIKYO Curio Collection by Hilton] Notice of Appointment of New General Manager
Kyukaruizawa KIKYO Curio Collection by Hilton announced the appointment of Yoichi Sano as the new General Manager effective April 1, 2026. Sano brings his extensive experience, including managing ROKU KYOTO, to enhance the hotel's brand value.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 22:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 13:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 14:57 (1h 25m after Collected)
Kyukaruizawa KIKYO Curio Collection by Hilton (Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture, hereafter 'Kyukaruizawa KIKYO') is pleased to announce that Yoichi Sano assumed the position of General Manager on April 1, 2026.
Sano, who has abundant experience in the hospitality industry, has served as the operations manager in various categories ranging from resort hotels to city hotels. In addition to the management skills cultivated at domestic and international hotel brands, he excels at bringing out the charm of local resources and sublimating them into new value.
At Hilton's luxury brand 'LXR Hotels & Resorts', he oversaw hotel operations as General Manager of 'ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts', and dedicated himself to improving the hotel's appeal and establishing the brand. Furthermore, in February 2026, he achieved the acquisition of 5 stars, the highest rating in the globally authoritative hotel evaluation 'Forbes Travel Guide', as well as acquiring 1 Michelin Key in the 'Michelin Guide', and being selected as one of the '2026 LA LISTE TOP 1000 Hotels' awarded to excellent hotels worldwide, further highlighting the hotel's presence through international evaluation. In addition, Sano has past experience serving as the General Manager of Kyukaruizawa KIKYO Curio Collection by Hilton, and deeply understands the characteristics and charm of this hotel.
Going forward, based on the experience and knowledge cultivated so far, we will strive to create memorable stay experiences for our guests while further enhancing the unique charm of this hotel.
Upon assuming the position of General Manager of Kyukaruizawa KIKYO, Sano stated as follows:
'I am very pleased to have been appointed as General Manager of Kyukaruizawa KIKYO Curio Collection by Hilton. I am deeply grateful for this new connection in Karuizawa, where nature and culture harmonize beautifully. Together with our team members, we will devote ourselves every day to ensure that we continue to be a hotel where guests can truly relax, while at the same time providing memorable and special moments. We sincerely look forward to the day we can welcome you.'
Has been involved in operations at domestic and international hotel brands for over 30 years, promoting the improvement of hotel asset value and brand value through financial governance, brand positioning, and human resource development.
2021: Kyukaruizawa KIKYO Curio Collection by Hilton
Oversaw overall hotel operations as General Manager, dedicating to facility value improvement and brand strengthening.
2024: ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Oversaw hotel operations as General Manager, dedicating to improving the hotel's appeal.
February 2026: Contributed to acquiring international reputation, including earning 5 stars in the 'Forbes Travel Guide', 1 Michelin Key in the 'Michelin Guide', and selection for the '2026 LA LISTE TOP 1000 Hotels'.
■ Overview of 'Kyukaruizawa KIKYO Curio Collection by Hilton'
'Kyukaruizawa KIKYO' opened in 2018 as Hilton's first 'Curio Collection by Hilton' hotel in Japan. The name 'KIKYO' (bellflower), which is also the name of a flower, embodies the sentiment of returning to one's hometown. With the wish that guests will return again and again to Karuizawa where bellflowers bloom, we welcome guests with a feeling of 'Welcome back'.
Location: 491-5 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture 389-0102
Number of guest rooms: 50 rooms
Main facilities: Restaurant, lounge, treatment spa, large public bath, banquet room, chapel, fitness gym, gift shop, etc.
Transportation: About 1 hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. 5 minutes by car (15 minutes on foot) from JR 'Karuizawa Station'. 15 minutes by car from Usui-Karuizawa IC.
■ About Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton is a global brand consisting of approximately 200 carefully selected, unique hotels worldwide. It offers guests one-of-a-kind experiences in the world's most attractive destinations. Each hotel has its own unique story, featuring distinctive architecture and design, world-class beverage experiences, etc.