Songtei Kyoto, Shangri-La Signatures to Open in the Second Half of 2026 Opposite Nijō Castle, With 77 Rooms and a Full Opening Planned for Early 2027
Shangri-La Group has announced plans to open Songtei Kyoto, Shangri-La Signatures, a new hotel in its ultra-luxury Shangri-La Signatures collection. Located opposite Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the hotel will have 77 rooms. It is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026, with facilities opening in stages before a full opening in early 2027.
Entrance area (Image courtesy of Shangri-La Group)
Songtei Kyoto, With 77 Rooms Opposite Nijō Castle, to Open in the Second Half of 2026
Songtei Kyoto will be the second hotel in the Shangri-La Signatures collection. It stands on a site once occupied by the residence of the Kyoto shoshidai. The hotel will have 77 guest rooms and suites. Its design will incorporate Nijō Castle’s North Otemon Gate, gardens and surrounding landscape while respecting the site’s history.
The name “Songtei” combines “Song,” meaning pine, a symbol of longevity and good fortune, and “Tei,” meaning residence, expressing the wish that guests feel at home. The hotel says it will offer experiences connected to Kyoto’s history and culture through art, wellness, food and storytelling.
Chinese restaurant (Image courtesy of Shangri-La Group)
Private Spa, Indoor Pool, Chinese Restaurant and Kappo Dining Planned
The wellness facilities are planned to include a private spa, indoor and outdoor bathing facilities, an indoor pool and a gym. Dining plans include an all-day dining lounge, a fine-dining Chinese restaurant, a kappo and sushi counter, and an evening bar.
After the hotel opens in the second half of 2026, some facilities will open in stages. The full opening is planned for early 2027.
Guest room (Image courtesy of Shangri-La Group)
Suite living area (Image courtesy of Shangri-La Group)
Second Shangri-La Signatures Hotel to Open in Kyoto
Shangri-La Signatures is Shangri-La Group’s ultra-luxury boutique hotel collection.
The First Was The Silk Lakehouse in Hangzhou, China
The collection’s first hotel, The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou, opened in Hangzhou, China, in May 2025. It is located on the shore of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2026, it was selected for TIME magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places 2026” and Prix Versailles’ “The World’s Most Beautiful Hotels 2026.”
Songtei Kyoto will be the collection’s second hotel.
Full Opening Planned for Early 2027; Room and Reservation Details to Follow
Songtei Kyoto is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026, with a full opening planned for early 2027. Details of room categories, dining concepts and reservations will be announced in stages over the coming months.
