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The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, nestled amidst Japan’s serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has quickly established itself as a destination where luxury meets nature. Located in the stunning Oku-Nikko region on Lake Chuzenji, just a two-hour train ride from Tokyo, this 94-room hotel, open since 2020, is led in part by a team of dedicated women who are redefining hospitality standards in a country where business and hospitality have been traditionally male-dominated.
Japan’s journey toward gender equality has seen challenges and strides alike.
Initiatives supporting "womenomics" — as coined by Goldman Sachs alum and venture investor Kathy Matsui — began in earnest in 2012 with support from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, encouraging more inclusive policies and emphasizing the need for a greater female presence to ensure Japan’s economic vitality amid an aging population. In the past decade, reforms have increased childcare support, extended parental leave, and provided incentives for family-friendly workplaces. These changes have led to a record 83% workforce participation rate among Japanese women aged 25-54. However, Japan still lags in metrics such as pay equity and career advancement, ranking 118 out of 146 countries tracked in the 2024 Global Gender Gap report by the World Economic Forum.
Yet women at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, are making their mark, elevating guest experience, cultural exchange, and community engagement in ways that resonate with the evolving values of Japan. Here, we chat with three inspiring women — Yuka Kamimura, Itsuki Sugiura, and Saru Maharjan — who each bring unique backgrounds, skills, and aspirations to their roles at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko.
Yuka Kamimura, Guest Experience Manager
Yuka Kamimura, originally from Niigata Prefecture, Japan, studied in Oregon and did a six-month working holiday in Melbourne before embarking on her hospitality career at Tokyo Disneyland, developing her passion for guest service. She joined The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko when it opened in 2020, excited to combine her love for nature with a career in guest services. A passionate outdoorswoman, she enjoys SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) on Lake Chuzenji and weekly trail runs on nearby Mount Nantai.
What do you love about working in Guest Relations/Guest Experience?
I started in Guest Relations and loved it, but I realized that the Guest Experience team offers even more opportunities to engage with guests during activities, allowing for deeper connections. I love being outdoors, so moving into Guest Experience lets me combine my personal interests with work—enjoying nature in Nikko while introducing guests to the area’s landmarks.
How did working or studying abroad impact how you relate to guests from all over the world?
Studying in Oregon and working in Melbourne broadened my perspective on communication. Living in shared housing with roommates from different countries, I learned to approach people in a more relaxed way. My experiences abroad taught me to appreciate cultural differences, which helps me communicate better with our international guests and my team, which is quite diverse.
What do you aspire to in your career?
I’m very happy in my role as a Guest Experience Manager, but I would like to develop more unique activities for our guests that highlight the adventure and beauty of Nikko. Engaging our local community in these experiences is also important to me, and I plan to focus on building more collaborations with them.
How does The Ritz-Carlton support your development?
The Ritz-Carlton is truly invested in our growth, and they made my transition to the Guest Experience team seamless. We receive extensive training, such as ESSM, leadership training with Marriott Japan properties, and our Community Footprints program, which helps connect us with the local community.
Itsuki Sugiura, Guest Relations Assistant Manager
Hailing from Aichi Prefecture, Itsuki Sugiura spent seven years in Adelaide, Australia, where she completed high school and university. After moving back to Japan, she joined The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo before relocating to Nikko in 2020 as part of the task force for the hotel’s opening. Although her studies were in a scientific field, Itsuki found that hospitality allowed her to build relationships and learn from people of different backgrounds, which was exactly what she was looking for in a career.
What do you love about working in Guest Relations?
I recently moved from Front Desk to Guest Relations, which has always felt like a natural fit for me as a people person. I enjoy speaking with guests from Japan’s different prefectures, each with unique cultures, as well as international guests who teach me about their countries and perspectives.
How did working or studying abroad impact how you relate to guests from all over the world?
Studying abroad changes you. For me, it cultivated critical thinking and problem-solving skills. While studying in Australia, I constantly adapted to new situations, which taught me resilience and creativity. Now, I use these skills to engage guests from different cultures with a mindset of growth and understanding.
What do you aspire to in your career?
I aim to develop my management skills and create new programs where staff and guests can interact more. I envision leading a team that promotes innovative guest experiences, like our Ritz Kids program, that make memorable stays.
How does The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko support your development?
The Ritz-Carlton provides a lot of support through referral programs, learning coach programs, and internal training workshops from our Human Resources team, who are incredibly supportive.
Saru Maharjan, Guest Relations Supervisor
Originally from Patan, Nepal, Saru Maharjan moved to Japan at 19, inspired by her cousin’s experiences studying at Osaka University. Tourism had fascinated her since high school, when she studied hotel management and learned about Japanese hospitality. She began her career journey at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko in Housekeeping and worked her way up to Guest Relations Supervisor. Hospitality blends her love of service with her appreciation of diverse cultures.
What do you love about working in Guest Relations?
Guest Relations lets me connect with people on a personal level. I enjoy anticipating guests’ needs and ensuring their stays are as comfortable as possible. It’s rewarding to see their satisfaction and know that I’ve contributed to their experience. Each day brings new challenges, which makes the work exciting.
How did working or studying abroad impact how you relate to guests from all over the world?
Living and working in Japan for nearly 10 years has given me deep insights into Japanese culture, which helps me tailor my service to Japanese guests. Coming from Nepal, I also understand the needs of Asian guests, from cultural to dietary preferences, and love interacting with guests from diverse backgrounds.
What do you aspire to in your career?
I always dreamed of working in hotels, and here I am part of the team at The Ritz-Carlton! Moving forward, I aim to grow as a leader, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and mentor others. My goal is to work in a global role, blending my knowledge of cultures and my passion for hospitality, and to make an impactful difference in the industry.
How does The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko support your development?
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko has been essential in my growth, offering training in luxury service and opportunities to take on new challenges. Transitioning to Guest Relations from Housekeeping allowed me to broaden my skills, and working in this supportive environment is a dream come true.
ありがとう(arigatō), ladies! Wishing you continued success!