Imperial Hotel Kyoto Opens March 5, 2026 — A small luxury hotel in harmony with history debuts in Kyoto’s Gion

Imperial Hotel, Ltd. will begin accepting reservations for “Imperial Hotel Kyoto,” which opens on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025. Carrying forward the architectural design of Yasaka Kaikan, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, the property draws attention as a new-era small luxury hotel that harmonizes with Gion’s historic streetscape. Blending Gion’s unique sense of the extraordinary with Imperial Hotel’s idea of relaxation, the hotel aims to pursue authentic culture together with guests from Kyoto, across Japan, and around the world.

Hotel features that inherit history and traditional beauty

Imperial Hotel Kyoto is located within the grounds of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater and preserves and utilizes part of Yasaka Kaikan, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. While carrying on this valuable legacy, the hotel aims to bring new vitality and contribute to the future. In April 2025, the hotel joined The Leading Hotels of the World, an international hotel collection headquartered in New York, USA.

Guest rooms and facilities that balance Gion’s ambience with comfort

The hotel offers 55 guest rooms where guests can spend special moments while feeling the history and atmosphere of Gion and the traditional beauty of Japan. The room categories comprise five types: Signature Suite, Suite, Junior Suite, Grand Premier, and Premier.

Three distinct guest-room areas

Guest rooms are arranged across three areas with different architectural structures: the Main Building, the Main Building Preservation Area, and the North Building.

Guest rooms that inherit memories of Yasaka Kaikan

Rooms in the Main Building Preservation Area retain traces of the former Yasaka Kaikan, such as pillars and window frames from that era. In particular, rooms in the southwest-facing Main Building Preservation Area (including suites) offer a special space that blends these architectural features with contemporary, refined luxury. From Junior Suites in the Main Building Preservation Area, guests can enjoy an impressive close-up view of the large roof of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater.

North Building with tatami—the brand’s first

Guest rooms in the North Building—an addition designed to harmonize with Gion’s traditional townscape—incorporate tatami for the first time in the Imperial Hotel brand. This allows guests to enjoy a stay in a space that feels embedded within the streets of Gion.

Diverse dining venues

The hotel features restaurants and bars with distinct characters: French cuisine that reflects the 24 solar terms, and a lively all-day dining venue. There is also a classical Main Bar that inherits the dignity of the Imperial Hotel, as well as a rooftop bar available exclusively to staying guests.

Wellness facilities

As on-site facilities, a spa, pool, and fitness gym are planned.

Imperial Hotel Kyoto — Opening date and reservation start

The opening date for Imperial Hotel Kyoto is set for Thursday, March 5, 2026. General reservations will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, via the official website or by phone. Imperial Club members can make advance reservations starting at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, ahead of general booking.