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Best known for its flagship Tokyo property, the Imperial Hotel stands as one of Japan’s most prestigious accommodation brands, so the group opening a new hotel is an occasion in itself. And with none other than Kyoto selected to host this fourth link in the Imperial Hotel chain, there’s even more cause for excitement.
Marking the group’s first new hotel in roughly 30 years, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto opened on March 5 in the former Yasaka Kaikan, a landmark building deeply intertwined with the cultural life of the Gion neighbourhood.
Housed within heritage
Built in 1936, the Yasaka Kaikan long served as a theatre and community hall closely tied to the district’s geiko and maiko culture. It functioned as a gathering place for the neighbourhood, hosting performances and community events.
However, the historic structure eventually fell out of use due to seismic safety concerns. In 2018, the building was acquired by the Imperial Hotel group, which began planning its revival. Because the building is a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property, renovating it meant adhering to strict preservation requirements. Key elements of the original building were reconstructed, largely with original materials, particularly the south-facing facade and the frontage along Hanamikoji Street.
Guest rooms facing these preserved sections, aptly named ‘heritage rooms’, feature modestly sized windows in unconventional places, reflecting the building’s original architecture and giving the rooms a distinctive historic character.
While the extent of preservation varies by room type, thoughtful design details appear throughout the property. The heritage rooms, for example, incorporate artworks featuring chidori (plover) motifs that once decorated the building’s former dining hall. All 55 rooms highlight traditional Japanese materials, including domestic wood such as Akita and Kirishima cedar, which are used for the headboards.
Community connection
The hotel’s design was guided by four central concepts: ‘legacy’, ‘chic’, ‘synergy’ and ‘comfort’. The aim was to ensure that the property feels connected to its surroundings, rather than appearing like an isolated luxury retreat – allowing guests to feel as though they are ‘truly living in Gion’.
The location certainly helps. Situated on the central Hanamikoji Street, the hotel sits on the grounds of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre, where the annual Miyako Odori dance performances take place in spring. Moreover, the newly constructed North Wing, which features tatami-floored, Japanese-retreat-inspired rooms, blends seamlessly into the Gion townscape. Guests may even spot geiko or maiko passing by from their windows, providing a front-row seat to the timeless atmosphere of Kyoto's most iconic district.
Several distinctive touches across the main building deepen the property’s connection to its surroundings. Standard reception counters have been replaced with a lounge-style arrival experience, allowing guests to check in while relaxing over tea and seasonal Kyoto confectionery.
In the lounge, artwork of pine trees and bamboo on a folding screen behind the concierge desks adds a touch of historical elegance. Hidden in the basement is a 17.5-metre swimming pool. The pool area is anchored by massive slabs of natural Kitagi stone, lending it a dramatic, cave-like atmosphere.
City-inspired bites and beverages
The food and drink line-up also incorporates local touches. The pastry shop offers Kyoto-exclusive treats, including a bite-sized 4.5cm version of the Imperial Hotel’s famous blueberry pie. The miniature dessert was created so maiko can enjoy it in a single bite without disturbing their carefully applied makeup.
At the hotel bar, guests can try the exclusive Mount Hiei cocktail – a Kyoto-inspired twist on the Tokyo property’s classic Mount Fuji drink. The vibrant green concoction uses matcha and yuzu to evoke the forested mountain that rises to the northeast, perfectly framed by the windows.
Blending heritage architecture with modern luxury, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto offers travellers the rare chance to stay inside a revived piece of Gion’s cultural history. Book a stay via the official website.
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