Imperial Hotel to Expand With Landmark Opening in Kyoto
For 135 years, Imperial Hotel has been more than a place to stay—it has been a place where history unfolds. From hosting emperors and world leaders to welcoming artists, innovators, and travelers from around the globe, the Imperial Hotel, Ltd. has shaped the very definition of Japanese luxury hospitality. Its legacy is built not only on architectural brilliance and cultural reverence, but on the enduring spirit of omotenashi—Japan’s philosophy of heartfelt service.
Founded in 1890 by Eiichi Shibusawa and Kihachiro Okura under the direction of Foreign Minister Kaoru Inoue, the Imperial Hotel was envisioned as Japan’s private guest house for foreign dignitaries—a symbol of the nation’s modernization and global hospitality. It stands apart from other hotel companies in Japan through its deep-rooted heritage, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Over the decades, it pioneered cultural innovations such as Japan’s first hotel wedding following the Great Kanto Earthquake, and introduced the country’s first buffet-style restaurant, the Imperial Viking, in 1958. Legendary guests include Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Helen Keller, and Babe Ruth, among many others. It has also served as headquarters for major international events such as the IMF and the World Bank Annual Meetings in 2012. These milestones have made Imperial Hotel not just a place to stay—but a place where history is made.
As the brand celebrates 135 years, it looks ahead to its next chapter: the opening of the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto in Spring 2026, its first new property in 30 years.
The Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, the brand’s flagship, opened in 1890 and has long been a beacon of hospitality in the heart of the capital. Its most iconic chapter began in 1923, when Frank Lloyd Wright’s earthquake-resistant design famously withstood the Great Kanto Earthquake which occurred on the very day that it opened. More than a feat of engineering, the Wright Imperial fused mythical beauty, organic materials, and cultural symbolism—including Haniwa-inspired ornamentation and a floating foundation—embodying Wright’s vision of architecture in harmony with nature and tradition. Known as the “Jewel of the Orient,” the Wright Imperial introduced Japan to hotel weddings and dinner shows, transforming the cultural landscape. Today, the hotel invites guests to experience its 909 rooms and suites, offering comfort and elegance even as it undergoes a visionary transformation as part of the Tokyo Cross Park Vision—an ambitious renewal that includes a striking new main building by Tsuyoshi Tane of ATTA – Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects. Located near Ginza and the Imperial Palace, the hotel continues to host dignitaries and cultural icons.
In 2025, Imperial Hotel, Tokyo was awarded the VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality certification by Forbes Travel Guide, recognizing over 100 rigorous standards focused on environmental protection and guest well-being. The hotel earned this designation through initiatives such as reducing plastic use by reviewing in-room amenities, introducing vegan menu options across its dining venues and lounges, and implementing CO₂-free electricity throughout the property. It was also the first to receive the top-tier “5 Sakura” rating from the Sakura Quality An ESG Practice certification system, which evaluates 172 criteria aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This rating system is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the leading international body for sustainable travel standards.
In the Japanese Alps, the Imperial Hotel, Kamikochi has offered a seasonal retreat since 1933, with 74 rooms. Situated within Kamikochi National Park, Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Special Natural Monument of Japan, the hotel blends rustic charm with refined hospitality and has long been a sanctuary for poets, artists, and nature lovers. In celebration of its 90th anniversary, the hotel launched a sustainability initiative focused on carbon neutrality, food waste recycling, and community engagement, positioning it as a model for eco-conscious luxury.
Opened in 1996 and celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, Imperial Hotel, Osaka brings the brand’s signature sophistication to western Japan. With 378 rooms along the Okawa River, the hotel offers views of Tenjin Festival fireworks in summer and cherry blossoms in spring. The hotel participated in the TEAM EXPO 2025 Co-Creation Challenge, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Opening in Spring 2026, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto marks a transformative restoration of the Yasaka Kaikan, a 1936 cultural landmark in Kyoto’s Gion district. Originally designed by Tokusaburo Kimura, the building once hosted theatrical performances and cultural gatherings. Now, under the direction of Obayashi Corporation, the same firm that built the original structure, it is being reborn as a 55-room luxury hotel. The renovation preserves 16,387 original exterior tiles and employs traditional techniques such as ikedori, the careful removal and reuse of materials. Designed by architect Tomoyuki Sakakida of New Material Research Laboratory, the hotel’s interiors embrace the philosophy of “Old is New,” where ancient craftsmanship meets contemporary luxury. Guests will experience three room styles—Preservation, Renovation, and Extension—plus a spa, pool, dining, and signature bar. The Kyoto property shares architectural lineage with the original Imperial Hotel Tokyo, including terracotta from Tokoname and contributions from artisans who worked on Wright’s masterpiece. In April 2025, the hotel joined The Leading Hotels of the World, affirming its place among the world’s finest independent luxury properties.
The Imperial Hotel Ltd. has also been recognized for its leadership in sustainability across all properties. Tokyo, Kamikochi, and Osaka each received the highest “5 Sakura” rating from the Sakura Quality An ESG Practice certification system, which evaluates 172 criteria aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The company also holds Eco-Mark certification for environmental communication and conservation and has won the Japan Hotel Association Chairman’s Award for Social Contribution four years in a row.
Under the leadership of Chairman Hideya Sadayasu, the Imperial Hotel, Ltd. is preparing for its 150th anniversary in 2040 with a renewed focus on sustainability, cultural preservation, and immersive guest experiences. The Kyoto property is not just a new destination—it is a reaffirmation of the brand’s mission to offer guests meaningful, transformative stays rooted in Japan’s rich traditions.
“As we look toward the future, our goal is to create a new stage where the next generation of hotel staff can welcome guests with warmth, pride, and innovation,” said Chairman Sadayasu. “Imperial Hotel, Kyoto embodies everything we stand for—timeless legacy, masterful craftsmanship, and the enduring spirit of Japanese hospitality.”
