Minor Hotels has announced the development of Avani Kyoto, marking the brand’s entry into Japan and underscoring the growing appeal of the country’s tourism sector to international hospitality operators. Scheduled to open in 2030, the project is being developed in partnership with Taisei Corporation and Heiwa Real Estate, with Minor Hotels participating as both investor and operator.
Located on Karasuma Street in central Kyoto, the hotel will occupy the former Kyoto Shimbun headquarters site and offer direct access to Marutamachi Station. The property will comprise approximately 240 rooms through the renovation of the existing North Building and the construction of a new South Building, placing it within walking distance of major cultural attractions including the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle.
The announcement reflects increasing confidence in Japan’s long-term tourism outlook as international visitor arrivals continue to recover and the country attracts renewed investment from global hotel operators. Kyoto, one of Japan’s most visited cultural destinations, remains a key beneficiary of this trend, drawing both leisure travellers and higher-spending international tourists seeking heritage-led experiences.
For Minor Hotels, the project represents a strategic step in its planned expansion across Japan through a joint venture with Royal Holdings. The company has outlined a pipeline of future developments under its Anantara, Avani and Tivoli brands, signalling a broader effort to establish a presence in one of Asia’s most competitive hospitality markets.
The development also highlights a wider industry shift toward adaptive reuse projects in urban centres, where existing commercial buildings are being transformed into hospitality assets. Such projects allow developers to secure prime city-centre locations while preserving elements of local architectural identity, an increasingly important consideration in destinations where cultural authenticity plays a significant role in attracting visitors.
With more than 640 properties across 66 countries, Minor Hotels is among several global hospitality groups expanding in markets expected to benefit from sustained tourism growth over the coming decade. The company’s decision to enter Kyoto suggests continued confidence in Japan’s ability to remain a leading destination for international travel despite rising competition from other Asian tourism hubs.
AloJapan.com