Imperial Hotel, Kyoto: A Cultural Icon Reimagined for 2026

Source: Imperial Hotel, Kyoto

Reported By: Caroline Dalal

June 23rd, 2025 – Few hotel openings carry the weight of history quite like the forthcoming Imperial Hotel, Kyoto. Set to welcome guests in Spring 2026, this seven-story, 55-room boutique property is not just a new address in Japan’s hospitality landscape—it’s a careful revival of one of Kyoto’s most treasured cultural landmarks.

Located within the city’s Gion district, the hotel rises from the restored bones of the Yasaka Kaikan, a 1936 architectural gem originally crafted by Tokusaburo Kimura. For nearly a century, the structure served as a venue for theatrical performances and gatherings, but seismic vulnerabilities threatened its continued use—until now.

The transformation of Yasaka Kaikan into the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto is a feat of preservation and vision. Led by Obayashi Corporation—the same firm that built the original structure in 1936—the project has retained 16,387 original exterior tiles and applied traditional Japanese techniques such as ikedori, a method of removing materials without damage for reuse. This commitment to craftsmanship aligns seamlessly with the brand’s heritage, which spans over 135 years.

Reiko Sakata, who was appointed General Manager in April 2025 after more than two decades with the Imperial Hotel group, describes the new hotel as “a property where over a millennium of Kyoto’s elegant cultural heritage enfolds the legacy of hospitality Imperial Hotel has carefully cultivated.” Her leadership bridges tradition with thoughtful innovation, ensuring that every guest experience resonates with emotional and aesthetic depth.

This project is not simply a high-end renovation. It’s a cultural partnership. The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto adheres to Kyoto’s strict zoning and design codes, supports local artisans, and promotes immersive, community-based travel experiences. In doing so, it also offers a solution to the challenges of over-tourism by focusing on quality over quantity—encouraging longer stays, deeper engagement, and a lighter footprint.

Moreover, the architectural connection between this property and the historic Imperial Hotel, Tokyo—designed by Frank Lloyd Wright—adds a layer of continuity. Both buildings incorporate terracotta from Tokoname, and artisans from Wright’s Tokyo masterpiece also contributed to Yasaka Kaikan’s original construction.

When it opens, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto will offer more than refined accommodations. Its 55 guest rooms and suites will be complemented by thoughtful amenities including a full spa, swimming pool, and fitness center. Guests can expect exceptional dining and a signature bar that merges Kyoto’s culinary identity with global refinement.

This marks the Imperial Hotel’s first expansion in 30 years, following its flagship properties in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kamikochi. The Kyoto opening signals a renewed chapter for the brand—one that balances architectural integrity with next-generation hospitality.

Even ahead of its debut, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto has garnered global acclaim. In April 2025, it joined the ranks of The Leading Hotels of the World, a distinction that acknowledges the property’s alignment with the highest standards in independent luxury accommodations.