• Spring 2026 Opening in Kyoto: The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, a new boutique property with 55 rooms, is slated to open in Spring 2026 within the historic Yasaka Kaikan in the Gion district.
• Three Distinct Guestroom Styles: The hotel will offer “Extension,” “Preservation,” and “Renovation” guestroom styles, each providing a unique architectural and historical narrative.
• Fusion of Heritage and Modernity: The project emphasizes the preservation of the 1936 Yasaka Kaikan building’s original elements, skillfully blended with contemporary interior designs using traditional Japanese materials and aesthetics.
• Prestigious Affiliation and New Brand Milestone: The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto has joined The Leading Hotels of the World and marks the first new Imperial Hotel property to open in three decades, expanding its renowned portfolio.

The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto is set to open its doors in Spring 2026, promising a delightful blend of rich heritage and modern luxury. This exciting new boutique hotel, located in Kyoto’s vibrant Gion district, is beautifully housed within the meticulously restored Yasaka Kaikan, a nationally registered tangible cultural property built in 1936. With 55 inviting guestrooms, the hotel will begin accepting reservations in Autumn 2025, inviting guests to experience a truly unique stay.

The hotel will offer three distinct guestroom styles—Extension, Preservation, and Renovation—each reflecting the historical journey and architectural evolution of the original building. The exterior restoration, skillfully handled by Obayashi Corporation, thoughtfully preserves the Yasaka Kaikan’s 88-year-old charm, even reusing original decorative tiles. Inside, architect Mr. Tomoyuki Sakakida’s “Old is New” philosophy shines through, reinterpreting Japan’s architectural past with a fresh, contemporary touch, using exquisite domestic materials like Japanese marble and Ōya stone. The Extension rooms offer a modern take on Japanese tradition with serene aesthetics and natural tatami-mat flooring.

The Preservation rooms beautifully retain original architectural elements, immersing guests in the building’s history, some even featuring private balconies overlooking the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater. Lastly, the Renovation rooms blend the original structure’s silhouette with minimalist contemporary interiors, offering stunning views and tactile materials. The crowning jewel, the Imperial Suite, provides expansive views of Gion and the Higashiyama Mountains, complete with access to the original rooftop gazebo. This will be the Imperial Hotel brand’s first new property in three decades, joining The Leading Hotels of the World and promising an exceptional experience where history and innovation beautifully intertwine.