Imperial Hotel, Kyoto to Open March 5, 2026 in Historic Gion District
Reservations Now Open for the Brand’s First New Property in Three Decades
In the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district, where lanterns glow softly and tradition lingers in the air, a new chapter in Japanese hospitality is about to unfold. The Imperial Hotel Co., Ltd. announces the opening of the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, on March 5, 2026. Reservations officially launched November 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM JST (November 16, 9:00 PM ET).
Located within the historic Yasaka Kaikan, a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property, the hotel offers a rare blend of cultural immersion and contemporary elegance. This 90-year-old landmark has been thoughtfully reimagined to preserve its architectural heritage while embracing the spirit of modern Kyoto. The result is a sanctuary where timeless beauty meets modern sensibility.
Guests will experience Kyoto through three distinct atmospheres, each reflecting a different facet of the city’s charm. The Main Building – Heritage preserves original elements of the Yasaka Kaikan, including its pillars and window frames, offering a direct connection to Gion’s architectural past. The Main Building features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of the city, creating an immersive experience in the heart of Gion. The North Wing introduces tatami flooring for the first time under the Imperial Hotel brand, offering a tranquil retreat that harmonizes with the traditional streetscape.
The hotel features 55 guest rooms across five categories: Signature Suite, Suite, Junior Suite, Grand Premier, and Premier. Signature Suites—including the Imperial Suite, Penthouse Suite, and Yasaka Suite—range from approximately 1,022 to 1,377 square feet and offer sweeping views of Gion’s lantern-lit streets and Kyoto’s mountains or overlook the main gate of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo. These suites feature natural materials such as Japanese cedar, washi paper, and handcrafted textiles, paired with custom furnishings and layered lighting to create a luxurious, multi-sensory experience that reflects the spirit of the Yasaka Kaikan.
Suites, located in the Main Building – Heritage, measure between 1,087 and 1,119 square feet. They blend modern elegance with original architectural elements including restored window frames and wooden pillars. Interiors incorporate warm wood tones, and subtle gold accents, offering a serene and sophisticated atmosphere that honors the building’s history.
Junior Suites range from 699 to 1,076 square feet and reflect the unique character of their location. Some offer sweeping views of Kyoto’s surrounding mountains, while others provide a close-up of the grand roof of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo. These rooms harmonize historical ambiance with contemporary comfort, featuring natural stone, soft lighting, and locally inspired art to create a tranquil and memorable retreat.
Grand Premier Rooms, sized between 613 and 764 square feet, and Premier Rooms, between 538 and 624 square feet, are distributed across all three wings. Rooms in the Heritage Area in the Main Building retain original design elements from the Yasaka Kaikan, including exposed beams and traditional woodwork. Rooms in the North Wing feature tatami flooring, minimalist design, and handcrafted ceramic accents, marking the first use of tatami under the Imperial Hotel brand. These spaces are designed to harmonize with the traditional Gion streetscape, offering a quiet elegance rooted in Japanese tradition.
The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World as of April 2025. In addition to its guest rooms, the hotel will feature restaurants, a bar, and wellness facilities including a spa, swimming pool, and fitness gym.
“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 Ms. Reiko Sakata, General Manager of the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto.
Reservations can be made via the official website: https://www.imperialhotel.co.jp/en/kyoto.
