Imperial Hotel Kyoto to open in spring 2026

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Premier Japanese luxury hospitality brand Imperial Hotel announced the upcoming opening of the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto in spring of next year. 

This distinguished 55-room, seven-story boutique hotel represents a bold fusion of historic preservation and modern elegance, centered around the revitalization of the Yasaka Kaikan, a nationally registered tangible cultural property.

The hotel’s construction is nearing its final stages and completion is slated for October of this year.

Hotel general manager Reiko Sakata remarked: “This is a unique property where over a millennium of Kyoto’s elegant cultural heritage enfolds the 135-year legacy of hospitality Imperial Hotel has carefully cultivated. With respect for the rich history of this location, my mission is to ensure a stay that is not only exceptional in quality but also leaves a lasting warmth in the hearts of our guests.” 

Upon completion, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto will also offer guests refined dining experiences, a signature bar, and a full suite of wellness amenities that include a spa, swimming pool, and fitness center. 

As the fourth property in the esteemed Imperial Hotel portfolio following Tokyo, Osaka, and Kamikochi, the newest addition to the Kyoto hospitality scene marks the brand’s first new opening in three decades, reaffirming its enduring commitment to welcoming guests to Japan with unmatched grace and cultural depth.

A historic edifice

Originally built in 1936 by renowned architect Tokusaburo Kimura, the Yasaka Kaikan has long served as a cultural gathering place in Kyoto’s historic Gion district. 

Once a venue for theatrical performances, the building faced seismic vulnerabilities that threatened its future. 

Now, through a meticulous conservation strategy, it is being reborn as a beacon of sustainable luxury and cultural continuity.

The transformation, led by Obayashi Corporation, the same Japanese construction company that built the Yasaka Kaikan nearly 90 years ago in 1936, preserves much of the building’s original character. 

Notably, 16,387 original exterior tiles have been retained, and traditional Japanese techniques such as ikedori or “live capture”, where materials are carefully removed without damage for reuse, have been honored throughout the design. 

The Yasaka Kaikan also shares a unique historical link with the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. 

Both buildings feature terracotta from Tokoname, and artisans who worked on Wright’s Tokyo masterpiece also contributed to the Yasaka Kaikan, casting the spotlight on a rich architectural lineage.

It takes a community

The hotel’s construction team has also engaged in local community clean-up efforts, reinforcing a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.

With that said, what is happening to the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto is more than a renovation: it is a story of respectful revitalization. 

The hotel adheres to strict height and design regulations, supports local artisans, and promotes immersive cultural experiences. 

Likewise, it aims to contribute to Kyoto’s tourism growth while mitigating environmental strain and overcrowding through sustainable practices.

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