Construction starts for IHG's Regent Kyoto

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and GI Capital Management held a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the construction start for the Regent Kyoto, set to open in 2028.

Set around a central garden originally landscaped over a century ago by famed landscape gardener Kumakichi Kato, has been lovingly reimagined for a new era in homage to Kato’s enduring legacy, and will offer travellers unparalleled levels of luxury, world class facilities and 83 elegant rooms.

Located in the affluent Okazaki area, known for its collection of renowned villas, the hotel site is also home to Tsuruya, recognised amongst Kyoto’s top dining destinations. The ‘ryotei’ restaurant has a century long history with the premises originally developed and later used as accommodation and a dining venue for esteemed guests including the Japanese nobles and imperial family and state guests visiting the city. The Kyoto Imperial Palace, Heian Shrine and Nanzen-ji Temple are a short walk away.

The guest rooms will feature a modern interpretation of the tradition ‘engawa’ zone, by the window, where guests can indulge and connect with the surrounding gardens and the natural environment beyond, creating a seamless experience of architecture and landscape. This integration of architectural heritage and modern design will reflect Regent’s philosophy of serenity, subtle grandeur and elegance.

“The groundbreaking ceremony is a special day for the team and a wonderful milestone for Kyoto,” GI Capital Management Ltd. managing partner and CEO, James Lee, said: “We are proud to bring the Regent brand to life, reflecting the timeless beauty of Kyoto, in this serene, beautiful and historic location in partnership with IHG.

“Complementing Kyoto’s cultural and historical legacy, we are creating a truly special experience that redefines the meaning of luxury in this remarkable city.”

Officials at the Regent Kyoto ground-breaking ceremony.

Abhijay Sandilya, CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan and Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia, said: “It’s wonderful to see the momentum behind upper luxury brand Regent globally, and today we celebrate another exciting chapter for Regent following the groundbreaking in Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan.

“There’s a strong opportunity for growth in the luxury and lifestyle segment in Japan and IHG’s brands in this space, given affluent domestic and international travellers are looking for one-of-a-kind experiences, thoughtful service and the opportunity to discover new destinations.”

Regent Hotels & Resorts joined IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2018, reimagining a new era for the legendary luxury brand. Regent Kyoto will join Regent Santa Monica Beach, Regent Hong Kong, Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, Regent Shanghai on the Bund, Regent Phu Quoc and Regent Bali Canggu in exemplifying this new chapter for luxury hospitality.

Across Japan, IHG has 54 hotels in operation across 10 brands, with 17 hotels in the pipeline.

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