Left to Right: Imperial Hotel, Kyoto Extension Area; Imperial Hotel, Kyoto Preservation Area; Imperial Hotel, Kyoto Renovation Area (Credit to: New Material Research Laboratory)
The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto will open in Spring 2026 within the restored Yasaka Kaikan—a 1936 registered cultural property in Gion district.
Offering 55 guestrooms across three architectural concepts, the boutique property marks the brand’s first new launch in three decades. Reservations begin Autumn 2025.
Led by Obayashi Corporation (exterior) and architect Tomoyuki Sakakida (interiors), the restoration salvaged 10% of original tiles and reproduced terracotta ornaments via 3D scanning. “The building weaves aesthetic sense with preserved memories,” stated Masahiro Inoue of Obayashi, highlighting the fusion of 88-year-old materials with modern reinforcement.
Sakakida’s “Old Is New” philosophy guides interiors, incorporating Japanese marble and Ōya stone. “Kyoto cherishes old things but embraces new culture—that contrast is this project’s soul,” he explained, noting revived appreciation for craftsmanship post-modernism.
Three Room Narratives:
Extension: New north-wing rooms feature natural tatami flooring (a brand first), minimalist earth tones, and adherence to Gion’s 12-meter height limit.
Preservation: Original beams and window frames face Hanamikoji Street, with balconies overlooking Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater. Shamisen melodies enhance historical immersion.
Renovation: Blends the building’s silhouette with contemporary minimalism. Yakusugi wood walls and ceramic accents frame views of Higashiyama’s dawn-to-dusk color shifts.
The 193m² Imperial Suite includes terraces and exclusive access to the 1936 rooftop gazebo. “Unforgettable experiences await in this iconic jewel,” said General Manager Reiko Sakata, emphasizing curated art and copper detailing that reflect Kyoto’s legacy.
Affiliated with The Leading Hotels of the World, the property completes construction in October 2025.
AloJapan.com