Japan Prepares to Redefine Global Hospitality Standards as IHG and GI Capital Launch Regent Kyoto Fusing Cultural Legacy with Bespoke Luxury Experiences

Japan Prepares to Redefine Global Hospitality Standards as IHG and GI Capital Launch Regent Kyoto Fusing Cultural Legacy with Bespoke Luxury Experiences

Japan is poised to reshape the global luxury hospitality landscape with the launch of Regent Kyoto, a groundbreaking project by IHG Hotels & Resorts and GI Capital Management. Set to open in 2028, this landmark property in Kyoto’s prestigious Okazaki district will seamlessly blend Japan’s rich cultural legacy with bespoke, contemporary luxury. With a design rooted in historical elegance and a vision that reimagines world-class comfort, Regent Kyoto is set to become a benchmark for serene, immersive, and culturally inspired travel experiences.

Regent Kyoto Breaks Ground in Okazaki as IHG and GI Capital Launch an Iconic New Era of Luxury Hospitality

IHG Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with GI Capital Management, has officially begun construction on the future Regent Kyoto, an ambitious and culturally significant luxury hotel project in the heart of Kyoto’s prestigious Okazaki district. Slated to open in 2028, this highly anticipated hotel aims to redefine modern luxury through a unique blend of architectural elegance, historical reverence, and immersive guest experiences.

A New Chapter in Kyoto’s Luxury Landscape

The Regent Kyoto will offer a curated hospitality experience that draws deeply from the city’s rich cultural heritage. Located in Okazaki—one of Kyoto’s most affluent and historically significant neighborhoods—the hotel is set within a site that embodies Kyoto’s past and future. The property houses Tsuruya, a storied ryotei restaurant that has long been celebrated as one of the top dining destinations in the city. For over a century, Tsuruya has hosted Japanese nobles, members of the imperial family, and visiting dignitaries from around the world.

This historic setting provides an extraordinary canvas for Regent Kyoto. Surrounded by architectural landmarks like the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Heian Shrine, and Nanzen-ji Temple, the hotel’s location places it at the center of Kyoto’s timeless beauty and cultural sophistication.

A Garden Legacy Reimagined

At the heart of the hotel’s design is a central garden that dates back more than 100 years. Originally created by renowned landscape gardener Kumakichi Kato, the garden is being carefully preserved and reinterpreted as a tribute to his enduring legacy. The modern vision for Regent Kyoto honors this historical element by blending it seamlessly with the hotel’s refined aesthetic and advanced architectural design.

Guests will experience this harmonious relationship between architecture and landscape in each of the 83 meticulously designed rooms. These accommodations will feature a modern take on the traditional engawa—a shaded veranda-like space by the window—designed to bridge the indoors with the natural world outside. This architectural approach reinforces a feeling of calm and serenity, core to the Regent brand’s philosophy of subtle grandeur.

Redefining Upper Luxury

Regent Kyoto promises to set new standards in upper-luxury hospitality by offering a bespoke experience that celebrates craftsmanship, elegance, and cultural depth. The interiors will be designed to foster tranquility and sophistication, creating a serene atmosphere in every corner of the property. In addition to its stunning rooms and lush garden views, guests can expect world-class facilities, including fine dining experiences, spa offerings, and event spaces that reflect the highest standards of contemporary luxury.

As James Lee, Managing Partner and CEO of GI Capital Management, emphasized during the groundbreaking ceremony, this project marks a milestone not only for the Regent brand but also for the city of Kyoto. “We are proud to bring the Regent brand to life, reflecting the timeless beauty of Kyoto in this serene, beautiful, and historic location,” he said.

Regent’s Global Revival

Regent Kyoto joins a growing collection of properties that represent the revitalized identity of the Regent brand under IHG Hotels & Resorts. Since IHG’s acquisition of Regent in 2018, the brand has undergone a transformation to reimagine the future of luxury travel. Alongside other flagship properties—such as Regent Hong Kong, Regent Santa Monica Beach, Carlton Cannes – a Regent Hotel, and Regent Phu Quoc—the Kyoto development stands as a cornerstone in this new chapter.

This addition to the Regent portfolio reaffirms IHG’s strategic focus on expanding its luxury footprint in key global markets. Across Japan, IHG currently operates 54 hotels under 10 brands, with 17 more in the development pipeline. The introduction of Regent Kyoto reinforces the group’s commitment to high-end travelers seeking culturally rich and uniquely immersive experiences.

Japan is set to redefine global hospitality with Regent Kyoto, where IHG and GI Capital merge timeless cultural heritage with bespoke modern luxury. Opening in 2028, the hotel will offer an unmatched blend of tradition, design, and elegance.

Elevating Kyoto’s Global Hospitality Appeal

As Kyoto continues to attract discerning travelers from around the world, the arrival of Regent Kyoto is expected to elevate the city’s standing on the global luxury hospitality map. The collaboration between IHG and GI Capital Management represents a thoughtful fusion of international expertise and local heritage, aimed at creating an experience that honors the traditions of Kyoto while offering all the comforts of modern elegance.

Scheduled to open in 2028, Regent Kyoto will not only offer world-class accommodation but also serve as a cultural sanctuary that embodies Japan’s dedication to harmony, detail, and excellence. With its timeless garden, architectural brilliance, and bespoke guest offerings, Regent Kyoto is poised to become a landmark destination for luxury travelers seeking an authentic and deeply enriching experience in one of Asia’s most storied cities.