The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto will officially open in Spring 2026, bringing a new dimension of luxury and cultural richness to Japan’s ancient capital. Set in Kyoto’s Gion district, the hotel occupies the restored Yasaka Kaikan, a nationally registered tangible cultural property built in 1936. The 55-room boutique hotel will begin accepting reservations in Autumn 2025.
This project marks the first new Imperial Hotel property in over 30 years and highlights the group’s commitment to combining architectural heritage with modern luxury.
Honoring the Past: Restoring the Yasaka Kaikan
The hotel restoration, led by Obayashi Corporation, preserves the spirit of the original Yasaka Kaikan. Remarkably, Obayashi also constructed the original building nearly 90 years ago. Under the leadership of Masahiro Inoue, the team carefully strengthened the structure while conserving historical features.
About 10% of the original decorative tiles were salvaged and reinstalled. Fragile terracotta ornaments were replicated using advanced 3D scanning technology, ensuring the facade remains true to its 1936 appearance.
Inoue emphasized that the goal was to preserve “both the aesthetic and the memory of the original design.” The restoration reflects Kyoto’s unique approach to blending legacy with innovation.
Design Ethos: “Old Is New” in Kyoto’s Gion District
Interior design for the hotel was entrusted to Tomoyuki Sakakida, Director of New Material Research Laboratory. He adopted the philosophy of “Old Is New”, fusing Japan’s architectural traditions with contemporary expression.
Sakakida drew inspiration from movements like the Mingei folk craft revival in Japan and the Arts and Crafts movement in the UK. These traditions emphasized hand-crafted beauty during periods of cultural change—values mirrored in today’s return to authenticity.
Natural materials such as Ōya stone, Japanese marble, and Tamina-ishi define the hotel’s tactile environment. These elements link the interiors with the natural abundance of Japan and the regional craftsmanship of Kyoto.
Three Guestroom Styles: A Journey Through Time
The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto offers three distinctive accommodation styles—each reflecting a different layer of the building’s architectural story.
Extension: Modern Kyoto Meets Tradition
The Extension area, housed in a new north wing, follows the strict 12-meter height regulations of Gion to harmonize with its iconic machiya townhouses. The rooms feature 100% natural Japanese tatami, minimalist design, and handcrafted earth-tone textures.
This serene space reinterprets tradition, guided by the wabi-sabi principle of subtle beauty and impermanence.
Preservation: Living Kyoto’s Cultural Legacy
Rooms in the Preservation area overlook Hanamikoji Street and the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater. These accommodations retain original wooden beams, pillars, and window frames from the 1936 structure.
Some rooms open onto balconies that offer glimpses—and sounds—of traditional shamisen music. Here, guests are not simply staying; they are stepping into Kyoto’s cultural narrative.
Renovation: Minimalism with a View
The Renovation area keeps the original massing of the Yasaka Kaikan but updates interiors with contemporary planning. Spacious windows reveal evolving views of the Higashiyama Mountains, while materials like Yakusugi cedar, brushed metals, and local ceramics bring tactile richness.
Each room strikes a balance between old and new—offering an experience unique to Kyoto’s cultural rhythm.
The Imperial Suite: A Cultural and Architectural Masterpiece
Located within the Renovation area, the Imperial Suite offers 193 m² of refined space. It includes a 128 m² master room, a 57 m² private terrace, and exclusive access to the 8 m² rooftop gazebo, a preserved element from 1936.
From the suite’s terraces, guests can admire:
The rooftops and alleys of Gion, rich in tradition
The neighboring Gion Kobu Kaburenjo, home to Kyoto’s Geiko and Maiko
The changing hues of the Higashiyama Mountains
Inside, the suite showcases curated art, ambient lighting, and custom furnishings that reflect Kyoto’s deep connection to craft and design. Copper roofing details and a floor plan inspired by the Yasaka Kaikan silhouette complete the suite’s immersive aesthetic.
General Manager Reiko Sakata describes the suite as offering “a one-of-a-kind immersive experience only possible at the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto.”
A Legacy Reimagined: Imperial Hotel Kyoto Joins the World Stage
Construction of the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto will be completed in October 2025, with the official opening scheduled for Spring 2026. In April 2025, the property was accepted into The Leading Hotels of the World, solidifying its global stature.
This marks a historic expansion for the Imperial Hotel brand, which also operates in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kamikochi. The Kyoto location will blend luxury, heritage, and contemporary design—offering travelers an unforgettable way to engage with Japan’s cultural heart.
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