Located in Kyoto’s Gion district, the new boutique The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, is housed in the restored Yasaka Kaikan—a nationally registered tangible cultural property originally constructed in 1936. The property will present guests with three architecturally distinct accommodation styles: Extension, Preservation, and Renovation. These spatial concepts reflect the historical evolution of the Yasaka Kaikan and are brought to life by two architectural partners: Obayashi Corporation, leading exterior restoration, and architect Mr. Tomoyuki Sakakida of New Material Research Laboratory, responsible for the project’s interiors.
The restoration of the Yasaka Kaikan in Kyoto is a remarkable story of architectural continuity and cultural preservation, led by Obayashi Corporation, the same company that built the original structure nearly 90 years ago. Led by Mr. Masahiro Inoue, Executive Manager of the Architectural Design Department at Obayashi Corporation, his team worked to preserve and adapt the building while reinforcing its structure using modern methods.
Interiors were designed by architect Mr. Tomoyuki Sakakida, Director of New Material Research Laboratory, whose creative direction embraces the ethos of ‘Old is New.’ This philosophy reinterprets Japan’s architectural past through a contemporary lens while honouring Kyoto’s climate, materials, and traditional sensibility.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Hotel Designs.
