Imperial Hotel, Kyoto

1 Jan

Written By Amex Marketing Amex Marketing

Kyoto, Japan

A new high-end stay restoring the timeless legacy of Gion

Luxury Japanese hotelier Imperial Hotel proudly announces the upcoming opening of the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto in March 2026, a distinguished 55-room, seven-story boutique hotel that represents a bold fusion of historic preservation and modern elegance. The project centres on the revitalisation of the Yasaka Kaikan, a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property originally built in 1936 by renowned architect Tokusaburo Kimura, which has long served as a cultural gathering place in Kyoto’s historic Gion district.

Nearly 90 years after completing the original structure of the Yasaka Kaikan, Obayashi Corporation has returned to carry forward its legacy, preserving 16,387 original tiles and honouring the Japanese art of “live capture”, the careful removal and reuse of existing materials. Architect Tomoyuki Sakakida of New Material Research Laboratory curated the interiors, guided by the “old is new” philosophy to blend timeless tradition with contemporary edge seamlessly.

Guests are invited to experience three architecturally distinct accommodation styles – Extension, Preservation and Renovation – reflecting the building’s evolution over time. The Imperial Suite in the Renovation area offers stunning views of Gion, the Higashiyama Mountains and the historic tea-house district, with thoughtfully curated furnishings and a signature gazebo that provides an immersive experience unique to the Imperial Hotel.