Gion theater showpiece
Sliding doors lead into a warm, low-lit lounge where cream rattan chairs look out over a quiet moss and stone garden.
“With 55 guest rooms, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto is small in scale but large in impact.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Disciplined interiors pair textured volcanic Oya stone with dimpled naguri wood floors.
Remarkable
Lounge check-in over seasonal wagashi accompanied by concierge arrangements for private ochaya.
Remarkable
The restored 1936 Yasaka Kaikan theater preserves original copper roofs and hand-cleaned tiles.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Forbes Travel Guide, Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
After extensive renovation the historical landmark once known as Yasaka Kaikan, a former theatre in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district, has been reborn as the Imperial Hotel Kyoto.
“The interiors are more disciplined—materials used in the rebuild were meticulously chosen by architect Tomoyuki Sakakida… and meant to oxidize over time.”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set on the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo grounds, stone-paved Hanamikoji Street, Yasaka Shrine, and active ochaya teahouses wait immediately outside the gates.
1 of 5
The rooms
North Wing rooms feature naguri-chiselled wood and tatami mats, while heritage suites preserve the original theater's cedar paneling and window frames.
The indoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Underground, the heated lap pool is lined with turquoise mosaic tiles and flanked by rough slabs of illuminated granite.
Spa, baths and gym
The subterranean wellness floor houses private treatment rooms with singing bowls, a dedicated fitness studio, and hot thermal baths.
At the table
Dining spans French cuisine at Ren, seasonal Japanese dishes at Yasaka, and cocktails at the Old Imperial Bar.
The luxury hotel's dining venues include French restaurant Ren, all-day eatery Yasaka, the Old Imperial Bar and the exclusive Rooftop lounge.
How it began
Obayashi Corporation restored the 1936 Yasaka Kaikan theater, returning to reinforce the historic geiko performance hall they constructed nearly nine decades earlier.
“The hotel blends into the Gion Kobo Kaburenjo theatre complex – the heart of local geiko culture – and just beyond lies Gion itself.”
Stay here
Imperial Hotel Kyoto
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Kyoto
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.