KYOTO — The prestigious Imperial Hotel is set to open a new location in Kyoto’s historic Gion district next spring, marking the brand’s first new opening in 30 years. The hotel will occupy the renovated Yasaka Hall (Yasaka Kaikan) in Higashiyama Ward and aims to blend traditional Kyoto charm with world-class hospitality.
On June 4, the Imperial Hotel unveiled conceptual images of several guest rooms, including its flagship “Imperial Suite.” This top-tier suite features an expansive 193 square meters of space, including a private terrace with panoramic views of Gion’s atmospheric teahouse alleys and the scenic Higashiyama mountains. The suite will be priced at an astonishing ¥3 million (approximately $19,000 USD) per night.
The hotel’s design is divided into three zones: a preserved area on the southwest side of the main structure, a renovated northeast section where the Imperial Suite will be located, and a newly expanded northern wing. The development is carefully planned to maintain harmony with the traditional streetscape of Kyoto while upholding the high standards for which the Imperial Hotel brand is known.
This new property will join the existing Imperial Hotel locations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kamikochi (Nagano Prefecture). It also marks the group’s return to expansion since opening the Osaka location three decades ago. The total investment in the Kyoto project is estimated at ¥12.4 billion.
With its strategic location in Gion—an area rich in culture and history—the Imperial Hotel Kyoto is expected to attract affluent domestic and international travelers seeking a luxurious and deeply immersive experience in Kyoto.