British hospitality company IHG is partnering with GI Capital Management to open an exciting new 86-room luxury hotel in Japan’s former imperial capital in 2024.

The forthcoming hotel will be set within a lush green space originally landscaped 100 years ago by renowned gardener Kumakichi Kato.

East-meets-west hospitality

IHG has signed a deal to launch Regent Kyoto, which promises to offer visitors an unparalleled level of sophistication and luxury, in 2024. Founded in 1970, Regent Hotels & Resorts is known for cleverly blending eastern and western sensibilities through its service and design, and its latest outpost will reflect this overall philosophy, delivering a calm and sophisticated space with world-class facilities and 86 guestrooms.

Abhijay Sandilya, IHG Hotels & Resorts VP development – Australasia, Japan & Pacific, said: “With today’s signing of Regent Kyoto, I can confidently say that a legend will be born in Japan. We are so honoured that GI Capital Management has placed their trust in IHG to open Japan’s first Regent Hotel under IHG management in one of Kyoto’s most affluent areas, with the added privilege of sharing our address with Tsuruya, one of Kyoto’s most celebrated restaurants.”

Sakae Sugahara, director and partner, chief investment officer, GI Capital Management, added: “When we made the decision to develop a luxury hotel at one of Kyoto’s most prestigious addresses, which is home to the famous Tsuruya restaurant and gardens, we knew that the hotel would need to be highly respectful and complementary to Kyoto’s heritage and sit a level above other luxury properties in the market.

“Following a long selection process, it became clear that Regent was the perfect fit: with its deep heritage and serene and imaginative design, it will bring a modern era of upper-luxury to Kyoto. We are proud to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to open Japan’s first Regent Hotel under IHG management, and look forward to a successful future together.”

A historic location

Regent Kyoto is being designed to incorporate the gardens and award-winning restaurant Tsuruya, which is housed within a historically significant building. The hotel will encompass a variety of high-quality facilities from a lobby lounge and several restaurants to a fitness centre and spa.

On completion, this property will host guests in the heart of Kyoto, making it the ideal base for exploring nearby sights like Heian Shrine, Zenrin-Ji Temple and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Kyoto is widely considered the cultural capital of Japan and it’s home to several historic monuments listed as Unesco World Heritage Sites.

IHG acquired a majority stake in Regent Hotels & Resorts in 2018. It has since added six hotels to the brand’s pipeline, including Regent Shanghai, Regent Phu Quoc and Regent Bali.

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