A Richly Preserved Past
The Imperial Hotel in Kyoto marks a significant revival, breathing new life into the cherished Yasaka Kaikan theater, nestled deep within the atmospheric
Gion district. Originally financed by the geisha community in 1936, this architectural gem stood adjacent to the esteemed Gion Kōbu Kaburenjō geisha theater and school. Despite its designation as a nationally registered building, the theater eventually succumbed to disrepair. Recognizing its cultural value, the local geisha community initiated its repurposing, entrusting the esteemed Imperial Hotel brand, with its 135-year Japanese heritage, to spearhead this ambitious project. The hotel's general manager highlighted the profound respect and mystique the Gion district commands, even among Japanese people, and expressed gratitude for the community's invitation to contribute to its hospitality landscape.
Architectural Brilliance
The architectural approach to the Imperial Hotel prioritized the meticulous preservation of the Yasaka Kaikan's original exterior. Facing a 40-foot height restriction in the neighborhood, retaining the theater's original 100-foot stature was crucial for securing unobstructed, panoramic views from guest rooms and the rooftop. This commitment extended to every detail, with exterior tiles being individually removed, inspected, and either preserved – approximately 10 percent of which are original – or replicated with remarkable accuracy. This thoughtful restoration ensures that the hotel stands as a testament to Kyoto's architectural heritage, seamlessly blending the past with the present. The hotel represents a significant milestone for the Imperial Hotel brand, being its first new opening in three decades, underscoring the anticipation surrounding its debut.
Elegant Accommodations
The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, offers 55 distinct guest rooms and suites, each designed to reflect a shared historical narrative through thoughtful details. Guests will discover the use of local materials, such as cedar headboards, silk wallpaper in delicate hues, shelves crafted from zelkova wood, and bedside lamps reminiscent of traditional Japanese lanterns. Some suites are graced with preserved relics from the Yasaka Kaikan theater, adding a unique layer of historical intrigue. The expansive 1,108-square-foot Yasaka Suite, with its comforting palette of warm woods and greens, retains original architectural features, while the Imperial Suite boasts a grand terrace complete with a private tatami gazebo. Accommodations are categorized into Heritage or contemporary rooms within the original theater structure, and tatami rooms situated in the newly constructed North Wing. Rooms in the main building often provide views of Gion's charming tea houses, whereas those in the North Wing offer an immersive experience, akin to stepping inside one of these traditional establishments. For instance, room 101 in the North Wing features aromatic wooden floors leading to a spacious tatami bedroom and a seating area bathed in sunlight filtering through bamboo blinds. Higher floor rooms in the main building offer more natural light and striking views of the area's curved ceramic rooftops.
Culinary Delights
The hotel boasts two distinct dining venues and a sophisticated bar: Yasaka for all-day dining, Ren for an exquisite French-inspired culinary journey, and the Old Imperial Bar for expertly crafted cocktails. The hotel's philosophy, as articulated by its general manager, embraces the rich local culinary scene, positing that a dedicated Japanese restaurant isn't necessary given the abundance of authentic Japanese cuisine and culture readily available in the surrounding Gion district. At Ren, Executive Chef Koji Imajo skillfully employs French techniques to highlight regional ingredients, often dictated by Japan's traditional 24 solar terms. Chef Imajo's adaptability was evident in his swift and masterful creation of a vegetarian menu, showcasing dishes like rapeseed blossom cake, roasted shiitake mushrooms, and tender garlic shoots, complemented by a memorable mugwort brioche served with a disguised raspberry butter. The intimate setting of Ren, with its 10 counter seats, fosters engaging interactions between the chef and guests during the preparation and plating of each dish, enhancing the overall dining experience. Additionally, the guest-only Rooftop bar offers a chic open-air setting for enjoying snacks and beverages, particularly appealing during warmer months.
Tranquil Spa Sanctuary
The hotel's wellness floor offers a serene escape, centered around a striking underground pool designed to evoke the ambiance of a secluded cave. Flanked by imposing, rough-cut boulders sourced from Shikoku Island, each weighing approximately 1.5 tons, the pool area features sleek, dark loungers set against dark stone floors, creating a dramatic and tranquil atmosphere. During the reviewer's pre-opening stay, a blissful one-hour spa treatment was experienced, blending dry shiatsu-style techniques with a soothing aromatherapy oil massage, utilizing Oskia skincare products. While the full spa menu was still being finalized, the foundational elements promised a deeply relaxing experience. The wellness floor also includes facilities such as a fitness center, steam and dry saunas, and traditional Japanese deep soaking tubs, which were not yet operational at the time of the visit but were slated to open soon, further enhancing the hotel's commitment to guest well-being.
Thoughtful Accessibility
Dedicated to ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, provides one specifically designed accessible guest room. This room is equipped with lowered handles, an adjustable bed for personalized comfort, and grab rails in the bathroom to enhance safety and ease of use. The shower entrance features a minor ledge. Recognizing the importance of mobility, elevators were integrated into the historic building during its extensive renovation. Furthermore, a public wheelchair-accessible restroom is conveniently located on the same floor as the hotel's restaurant, ensuring convenient access for all visitors.
Booking and Membership
For booking and discerning travelers, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, is proudly affiliated with Leading Hotels of the World (LHW). This membership allows guests to accrue points redeemable for complimentary nights across LHW's extensive network of over 400 properties worldwide. Additional benefits for LHW members include a daily continental breakfast for two, prioritized early check-in and late check-out services contingent upon availability, complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the property, and an enhanced priority for room upgrades upon arrival. Nightly rates at the hotel commence at 164,500 Japanese Yen, which approximates to about $1,075 USD. This affiliation underscores the hotel's commitment to offering premium services and exclusive advantages to its esteemed clientele.
