Kyoto Hotels|Kyoto, Japan

Imperial Hotel, Kyoto

Name: Imperial Hotel, Kyoto
Telephone: 81-75-531-0111

A historic landmark reimagined in Gion

VERIFIED LUXURY

Learn How We Inspect

Imperial Hotel, Kyoto brings the storied Japanese hotel brand to the country's former capital for the first time, occupying the restored Yasaka Kaikan landmark in the heart of Gion. The adaptive reuse project preserves much of the 1936-built structure while introducing 55 rooms across the original building and a newly constructed wing that complements Gion's historic streetscape.

Interiors by architect Tomoyuki Sakakida of New Material Research Laboratory pair Japanese materials (like Oya stone and rust-colored Shiraishijima stone) with a contemporary aesthetic, while select accommodations feature tatami mat flooring or retain original architectural details from the Yasaka Kaikan.

The luxury hotel's dining venues include French restaurant Ren, all-day eatery Yasaka, the Old Imperial Bar and the exclusive Rooftop lounge. A spa, indoor pool and thermal baths round out the amenities. Steps from Hanamikoji Street and Yasaka Shrine, the hotel offers an architectural lens through which to experience one of Kyoto's most historic neighborhoods.

Our Inspector's Highlights

Spread between the Yasaka Kaikan and newly built North Wing, accommodations blend contemporary comforts with Kyoto craftsmanship. Depending on the room category, expect details such as cedar headboards, silk wall coverings, tatami sleeping areas or preserved architectural elements from the original theater.
The 10-seat Ren restaurant offers a monthly changing French tasting menu built around Japan's 24 solar terms, with seasonal regional ingredients prepared before guests in an interactive counter setting.
The subterranean wellness area centers on a dramatic indoor pool framed by massive granite boulders sourced from Shikoku Island, creating the atmosphere of a secluded natural cave. Traditional soaking baths, saunas and treatment rooms complete the experience.
Architect Tomoyuki Sakakida intentionally preserved signs of the building's age, incorporating materials selected to develop a natural patina alongside rare Japanese stone, reclaimed architectural elements and handcrafted woodwork.
Drawing on longstanding relationships within Gion, the Kyoto hotel’s concierge can arrange sought-after experiences that are often difficult for independent travelers to secure, such as tea house visits and exclusive local restaurant reservations.

Nearby Attractions

You don’t have to wander far to feel immersed in the city. Step just outside the luxury hotel to explore the city’s best-known geisha district, where traditional wooden machiya, stone-paved lanes and centuries-old tea houses preserve the atmosphere of old Kyoto.
A short walk from Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine anchors the eastern edge of Gion and leads into Maruyama Park, a favorite for seasonal cherry blossoms, autumn foliage and leisurely strolls. Visit after dark to see the place illuminated with hundreds of lanterns.
One of Kyoto's most celebrated temples, Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is within walking distance via the historic Higashiyama district, where narrow streets are lined with craft shops, cafés and preserved merchant buildings.
About a 10- to 15-minute taxi ride away, Kyoto's centuries-old Nishiki Market is home to family-run vendors selling everything from tsukemono (pickled vegetables) and wagashi sweets to Japanese knives and handcrafted kitchenware.
Head west to the Kamo riverbanks, where locals gather for morning runs, evening walks and picnics. The scene offers a quieter contrast to Gion's bustling streets.

Amenities