Wayfarer Opens Apartment Hotel 'ORI Ikebukuro' in Tokyo's Ikebukuro — Office-to-Hotel Conversion Achieved at Unprecedented Speed

Wayfarer Inc. (Headquarters: Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representatives: Winston Chu, Lance Koide; hereinafter referred to as "Wayfarer") has opened "ORI Ikebukuro," an apartment hotel with a total of 9 rooms in Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, and commenced operations on July 3, 2026.

This facility is Wayfarer's 14th property in Japan and the first of three confirmed developments in Tokyo. Symbolizing Wayfarer's expansion into the Tokyo metropolitan area, it further extends the company's urban apartment hotel model. Operations are supported by Wayfarer's proprietary DX and AI platform for hotel technology, "Materia."

Furthermore, "ORI Ikebukuro" serves as an excellent example of Wayfarer's end-to-end in-house execution capabilities. The company facilitated the closing in just one month. Subsequently, they managed the entire process from the unfinished office building shell to business planning, design/renovation, and operational launch, transforming it into a fully operational apartment hotel in a mere five months.

[Details & Reservations]

ORI Ikebukuro: https://kabinhotel.xyz/en/ori/ikebukuro/

"Room to Live"—An Apartment Hotel with Spacious Accommodations Arrives in Ikebukuro

"ORI Ikebukuro" is located within walking distance of Ikebukuro Station, one of Tokyo's major transportation hubs and a gateway to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Ikebukuro not only offers excellent daily convenience but is also an area highly favored by inbound travelers seeking to experience an "authentic Tokyo" different from typical tourist destinations. It serves as an ideal base for Tokyo stays for a wide range of guests.

The facility comprises 9 spacious rooms, each approximately 45 square meters, with a maximum occupancy of 5 people. Each room features impressive floor-to-ceiling windows. Offering significantly more space than typical business hotels, it is ideal for group travel, families, and guests seeking extended stays. This embodies ORI's "Room to Live" concept. It provides not just a place to stay overnight, but a genuine space where guests can settle in and "live as if they were at home," regardless of the length of their stay. Supporting this experience is Wayfarer's proprietary DX and AI platform for hotel technology, "Materia." It consistently supports everything from reservations and check-in to in-stay guest services, realizing a comfortable and natural stay experience for guests.

Facility Overview

Facility Name

ORI Ikebukuro

Location

1-12-7 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0022

Number of Rooms

9 rooms

Opening Date

July 3, 2026

Access

5-minute walk from the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station

Operations

Wayfarer Inc.

ORI is Wayfarer's proprietary brand born in the Nishijin district of Kyoto. Its name is derived from "Nishijin-ori," a representative traditional craft of the region. ORI's concept is to create spaces that combine sophisticated design with everyday functionality, while respecting the unique culture and aesthetic sensibilities of each locality.

"ORI Ikebukuro" is a prime example of Wayfarer's speed and execution capabilities. In close collaboration with intermediaries and partners, the team facilitated the closing in just one month. Subsequently, Wayfarer managed the entire process from the unfinished office conversion building shell to business planning, design/renovation, and operational launch, completing it as a revenue-generating apartment hotel in just five months. This achievement demonstrates the strength of Wayfarer's in-house project execution system and its ability to proceed from acquisition to opening at a speed exceeding industry standards.

Going forward, Wayfarer will continue to expand its accommodation facilities nationwide, utilizing the "Materia" platform while respecting the characteristics of each region. Through an efficient and sustainable operating model leveraging technology, the company aims to create new standards for accommodation experiences suitable for the future.

About Wayfarer Inc.

Wayfarer Inc., established in 2019, is a next-generation hotel operation and technology platform company. Aiming to innovate the accommodation experience in Japan, it deploys a unique operating model that emphasizes efficiency, comfort, and connection with local communities. Currently, Wayfarer operates the following three accommodation brands to meet the needs of diverse travelers:

Wayfarer

A limited-service hotel brand with a streamlined design, offering selected functionality and comfort.

ORI

An apartment hotel-style brand featuring spacious rooms with kitchens, suitable for extended stays. It provides a home-like atmosphere.

Kabin

A lifestyle brand offering affordable luxury and warm communal spaces. It proposes new ways of staying through events and local interaction.

All three of these brands are operated on Wayfarer's proprietary DX and AI platform for hotel technology, "Materia." By integrating self-developed DX and AI technologies into a single system, Wayfarer simultaneously achieves operational efficiency and maximizes guest satisfaction through ease of use.

Wayfarer's management team comprises experts from leading companies in technology, hotel operations, marketing, and investment. Their backgrounds include Gengo, WealthPark, Go!Go!Nihon, Fidelity, Dentsu, and Discord. This multifaceted expertise enables innovative approaches that challenge industry norms. Furthermore, Wayfarer has members from over 37 nationalities. Leveraging a global perspective and multicultural sensibility, they provide meticulous and multilingual hospitality to international visitors to Japan.

List of Operated Facilities: https://kabinhotel.xyz/locations/