By Natalie White | Photos: New Material Research Laboratory
There is perhaps no neighborhood more synonymous with the romantic, shadowed allure of Japan than Kyoto’s Gion district. It is a place where lantern light catches the hem of a passing kimono and where history feels less like a memory and more like a living, breathing tableau. It is here, within the storied walls of the Yasaka Kaikan, that the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto will open its doors on March 5, 2026.
Marking the brand’s first new property in three decades, this is not merely a hotel opening; it is a cultural restoration. Reservations officially opened this week, inviting the world’s most discerning travelers to claim their place in what promises to be Kyoto’s most coveted address.
A Masterclass in Adaptive Reuse
Housed within the Yasaka Kaikan—a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property—the hotel is a stunning exercise in respecting the past while curating the future. The 90-year-old landmark has been reimagined as an intimate sanctuary of just 55 rooms, preserving the architectural soul of the original structure while injecting the impeccable service the Imperial Hotel is famous for.
The design narrative is split into three distinct atmospheres, each offering a different sartorial approach to Kyoto living:
- The Main Building – Heritage: For the purist. These spaces preserve the original pillars and window frames of the Yasaka Kaikan, offering a tactile connection to the architectural past.
- The Main Building: A celebration of light. Floor-to-ceiling windows turn the bustling Gion cityscape into personal artwork.
- The North Wing: A historic first. Here, the Imperial Hotel introduces tatami flooring for the first time in its history, creating a minimalist, hushed retreat that mirrors the traditional streetscape outside.
The Interiors
The accommodation offerings range from the intimate to the palatial. The Signature Suites—including the Imperial, Penthouse, and Yasaka Suites—are sprawling residences ranging up to 1,377 square feet. Expect a sensory experience defined by natural Japanese cedar, hand-pressed washi paper, and artisanal textiles.
"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." — Reiko Sakata, General Manager
Whether opting for a suite overlooking the grand tiled roof of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater or a room that gazes out toward the misty Kyoto mountains, the design ethos remains consistent: unmatched elegance rooted in local craftsmanship.
The Lifestyle
Already accepted as a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the property ensures that the experience extends beyond the guest room. The hotel will host a collection of refined dining venues, a bar destined to become a local haunt, and a comprehensive wellness wing featuring a spa, pool, and fitness center—essential for decompressing after a day exploring the temples.
How to Book: Reservations are now open for stays beginning March 2026. To secure your room in the heart of Gion, visit the Imperial Hotel website.
