Construction has been begun on Regent Kyoto, with a ground-breaking ceremony held by IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and GI Capital Management to mark the milestone.
The 83-room property is set to open in 2028 in Okazaki, one of the city’s most affluent areas known for its collection of villas.
GI Capital Management Managing Partner and CEO James Lee described the ceremony has a “special day” for the team. “We are proud to bring the Regent brand to life, reflecting the timeless beauty of Kyoto, in this serene, beautiful and historic location in partnership with IHG,” he said.
“Complementing Kyoto’s cultural and historical legacy, we are creating a truly special experience that redefines the meaning of luxury in this remarkable city.”
Meanwhile, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan CEO and Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan Micronesia Abhijay Sandilya referred to the global momentum building around the Regent brand which IHG acquired in 2018.
“Today we celebrate another exciting chapter for Regent following the groundbreaking in Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan,” he said.
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“There’s a strong opportunity for growth in the luxury and lifestyle segment in Japan and IHG’s brands in this space, given affluent domestic and international travellers are looking for one-of-a-kind experiences, thoughtful service and the opportunity to discover new destinations.”
Regent Kyoto will be set around a central garden originally landscaped over a century ago by renowned landscape gardener Kumakichi Kato. Now, “lovingly reimagined” for a new era, the property will pay tribute to Kato’s enduring legacy.
The hotel site is also home to Tsuruya, recognised amongst Kyoto’s top dining destinations. The ryotei restaurant has a century long history, with it hosting Japanese nobility and the Imperial Family over the years.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace, Heian Shrine and Nanzen-ji Temple are a short walk away.
Guest rooms will feature a modern interpretation of the tradition ‘engawa’ zone, with guests able to connect with the surrounding gardens throughout the property and even from their rooms.
