More details about the new Imperial Hotel, Kyoto have been revealed as it was announced that reservations for the 55 rooms will start in October, with one night costing up to ¥3 million plus tax.
According to a press release, the luxury Imperial Hotel, Kyoto will open in Spring 2026 offering “an immersive experience in harmony with the rich culture and landscape of Gion and the Higashiyama Mountains.”
General Manager Kazuya Suzuki said: ”The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto preserves and utilizes a portion of the Yasaka Kaikan, a nationally registered tangible cultural property located on the grounds of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo. While inheriting its valuable legacy, the hotel breathes new life into the Yasaka Kaikan, a 90-year-old cherished landmark for the local community, blending timeless beauty with contemporary sensibility.”
The hotel became a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World” in April.
The guestrooms are spread across three areas, each defined by its architectural styles:
- Preservation
- Renovation
- Extension
The most exclusive suite will feature one-of-a-kind spaces, such as a terrace overlooking the Higashiyama Mountains and an up-close view of the Yasaka Kaikan gazebo. The interior design, which respects the climate, culture and architectural sensibility of Kyoto, was created by architect Mr. Tomoyuki Sakakida (New Material Research Laboratory). New Material Research Laboratory’s philosophy is based on the concept of “the old is new,” which aims to inherit the historical and traditional values of the hotel.
The hotel will consist of two structures: the main building, which will preserve and renovate the historic Yasaka Kaikan, and the north wing extension. Guestrooms are spread across three areas characterized by these different architectural styles and locations.
After exploring both the hotel and the city, guests return to rooms designed to provide warmth, accessibility and comfort. The windows offer views of the Gion townscape, the grand roof of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo, Geiko and Maiko school, and the buildings handed down from the past. The room setting incorporates the thoughtfulness and lifestyle of Kyoto throughout the seasons, and timeless elegance―providing an authentic experience of being surrounded by the spirit of Gion.
Guestrooms in the newly built section are designed to blend in with the streetscape of traditional wooden townhouses, while respecting the height limit (12 meters / 40 feet) in the Gion-machi south side district where the Yasaka Kaikan is located. Guests can enjoy the harmony of contemporary design and classical architectural charm, enhanced by refined Japanese tatami-mat flooring and embraced by the serene atmosphere of Gion. This is the first guestroom with Japanese tatami mats under the Imperial Hotel brand.
Heritage Guestrooms Overlooking Gion’s Historic Kaburenjo Theater
The guestrooms in this area face the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo and Hanamikoji. The pillars, beam structures and window frames still retain traces of the Yasaka Kaikan, and some rooms have balconies that immerse guests in the extraordinary feeling of being in the heart of Gion, with the atmosphere of the Yasaka Kaikan, a nationally registered tangible cultural property, in its original form.
Modern Kyoto Design with Panoramic Views of Gion’s Lantern-Lit Streets
While faithfully retaining the architectural silhouette of the Yasaka Kaikan, the overall design is modern, and through the expansive windows offers views that gently shift from the tranquil atmosphere of early morning to the enchanting glow of lanterns at night.
Luxury Imperial Suite in Kyoto with Exclusive Views of Gion and Higashiyama
Located in the renovated area, the 193-square-meter Imperial Suite features stunning views from balconies on the north and east sides. Guests can enjoy views of Gion, the historic tea house district, the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo and the Higashiyama Mountains. Unforgettable experiences will be provided in the gazebo—an iconic feature of the Yasaka Kaikan. “The suite also features thoughtfully curated furnishings and materials that reflect Kyoto’s legacy, offering a one-of-a-kind immersive experience only possible at the Imperial Hotel.”
