Imperial Hotel Sets Kyoto Debut for March 2026
Set within the 1936 Yasaka Kaikan, the small-scale hotel introduces new room concepts rooted in Kyoto craft and heritage.
Photos: Courtesy of New Material Research Library
For the first time in three decades, Imperial Hotel is expanding its footprint—this time into one of Kyoto’s most storied neighborhoods. The Imperial Hotel Kyoto will open on March 5, 2026, inside the restored Yasaka Kaikan, a 1936 landmark in the heart of Gion. Reservations opened November 17, and early demand is expected, given the property’s small scale: just 55 rooms and suites spread across three wings.
The project marks a meaningful moment for the 134-year-old brand. While Imperial has long been associated with legacy hospitality in Tokyo and Osaka, its move into Gion further emphasizes its commitment to heritage-rich, small-format luxury. The team partnered with New Material Research Laboratory on interiors and Obayashi Corporation on architectural restoration, a pairing that signals the brand’s intent to treat the building as a cultural asset rather than a backdrop.
“Our vision for the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto is to create a space where guests from around the world can experience the essence of Kyoto—its beauty, its traditions, and its spirit—while enjoying the highest standards of comfort and service,” said Reiko Sakata, the hotel’s general manager.
The hotel’s three guestroom concepts—Extension, Preservation, and Renovation—interpret the Yasaka Kaikan in distinct ways. The Main Building maintains original pillars, window frames, and exposed beams, using these details to anchor suites that range from 1,087 to 1,119 square feet. The North Wing debuts the first tatami accommodations in the Imperial portfolio, designed with minimalist lines and handcrafted ceramic accents. Rooms in the third wing lean modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the rooftops and lantern-lit streets of Gion.
Top accommodations include the Signature Suites, including the Imperial Suite, Penthouse Suite, and Yasaka Suite, which span up to 1,377 square feet. Their materials—Japanese cedar, washi paper, woven textiles—reflect an intentional return to Kyoto craft. Several overlook the main gate of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo, a vantage rarely accessible in the district.
Junior Suites and Premier categories carry the same design cues at smaller scales, some with mountain views, others facing the historic theater roofline. Across all categories, the palette favors natural stone, warm woods, and subdued lighting that keeps the focus on the building’s restored structure.
Beyond the rooms, the property will offer restaurants, a bar, and a wellness program with spa, pool, and fitness facilities. The hotel joined Leading Hotels of the World in April 2025.
