Imperial Hotel Ltd. opened its new Imperial Hotel Kyoto on March 5, 2026, in Kyoto's Gion district—the brand's first new property in three decades. The seven-story hotel incorporates and preserves parts of the nationally designated Yasaka Kaikan cultural property, blending historic elements with modern luxury across 55 guest rooms.
Located on the grounds of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre, approximately 3.5 km from JR Kyoto Station, the hotel revitalizes the Yasaka Kaikan—a 1936 performing arts hall for musicals and concerts that had fallen into disuse due to age and poor earthquake resistance. The preserved exterior, including distinctive tiles, maintains the original silhouette while integrating renovated and new sections.
The property features 55 rooms: 47 in the main building and 8 in the north wing. Rooms are divided into preserved (southwest side, overlooking the theatre and Hanamikoji Street, with original pillars, beams, window frames, and some balconies), renovated (northeast side with modern updates), and new north wing areas blending with Gion's streetscape via tatami flooring—the first such rooms in the company's history. One suite commands 3 million yen ($19,000) per night.
Interior design by Tomoyuki Sakakida of New Materials Research Laboratory draws from Yasaka Kaikan's style using traditional Japanese materials for a relaxing atmosphere. Facilities include French restaurant REN, all-day dining YASAKA, Old Imperial Bar, rooftop bar The Roof Top, The Pastry Shop, guest lounge, pool, sauna, hot-bath, and fitness gym. Reiko Sakata is General Manager, and Koji Imashiro is Executive Chef.
Reservations opened November 17, 2025, with a completion ceremony on December 18, 2025. The March 5 opening featured a traditional Gion Teuchi ritual performed by 20 geiko. At the ceremony, President Jun Kazama stated, 'We will work hard to maintain this place's unique appeal, serving as a bridge to the future.' The hotel aims to enhance Imperial Hotel's global presence in tourist-heavy Kyoto.