2029, Japan | Hilton signs Japan’s first Motto by Hilton in Kyoto

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A 108-room lifestyle hotel in the heart of Kyoto

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and Heiwa Real Estate Co. have confirmed the arrival of Motto by Hilton in Japan, with a first property in Kyoto, the country’s cultural capital. Scheduled for 2029 and operated under a Hilton management agreement, Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma will feature 108 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant and a lounge with a terrace.

The brand’s approach rests on dynamic design, active social spaces and a strong sense of place. In Kyoto, the hotel will offer a flexible product designed as much for families and groups of friends as for solo travellers.

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“The debut of Motto in Kyoto reflects our continued commitment to one of Hilton’s key growth markets. With Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, we will introduce a flexible stay experience designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of travellers, from families and friends travelling together to solo guests exploring the city on their own,” said Hirohisa Fujimoto, vice president, Development, Japan & Micronesia, Hilton.

Shijo Karasuma: a location at the crossroads

The hotel will sit a two-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line and from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line. It will offer direct access to Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, the historic Gion and Higashiyama districts, and the Shijo Kawaramachi shopping area.

Well connected to Kyoto Station, the hotel is targeting a mixed clientele: Japanese and international leisure travellers, as well as business guests.

Analysis – The Shijo Karasuma district has become a favoured battleground for major international brands in the midscale and lifestyle segments. IHG, for instance, has positioned its Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma there, a sign of the intensity of competition in this central micro-market.

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Heiwa Real Estate turns to hospitality as a growth driver

For Heiwa Real Estate, the project forms part of its long-term vision, WAY2040, which establishes hospitality as a new area of development for the group.

“As part of our efforts to realise our long-term vision, WAY2040, we are expanding our hotel business as a new area of growth. We are thrilled to partner with Hilton, a globally recognised hospitality company, to develop this hotel project. Through Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, the first Motto by Hilton property in Japan, we will pursue ‘Bazukuri’, including operations such as construction of buildings, creation of community and opportunities,” said Kiyoyuki Tsuchimoto, representative executive officer, president and CEO, Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd.

Seven Hilton hotels in Kyoto in the pipeline

Hilton entered Kyoto in 2021 with the opening of ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts. The group has since opened five hotels in the city in five years. With a forthcoming Curio Collection by Hilton property and the addition of Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, its local portfolio will reach seven hotels.

This multi-brand build-up in Kyoto is part of a broader Japanese strategy spanning both luxury, notably with the signing of Conrad Kobe, and lifestyle.

Motto accelerates its international roll-out

The Kyoto signing follows Motto’s recent openings in Brazil, with Motto by Hilton Recife Antigo, and in Nashville, as well as signings in Shanghai, Sydney and Paris, where the brand will make its French debut with Motto by Hilton Paris La Villette. The brand currently has 13 hotels in operation across urban, resort and adventure destinations, with more than 24 properties in development.

“Motto by Hilton was created to connect guests to the heart of a destination, and we’re excited to bring that vision to Kyoto as the brand continues its expansion,” said Alex Shockley, senior director, Lifestyle and Collection Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma will offer a fresh, locally rooted hospitality experience that encourages gathering, creating a new type of stay for guests looking to immerse themselves in Japan’s cultural capital.”

The hotel will join Hilton Honors, the loyalty programme shared across the group’s 28 brands, which gives members access to benefits including a member discount, a flexible payment option combining Points and money, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.

At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune

Motto by Hilton debuts in Japan with Kyoto signing
Milestone: Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, first Motto in Japan, opening 2029
Partner: Heiwa Real Estate Co. (WAY2040 long-term vision) | Managed by Hilton
Product: 108 rooms, all-day dining restaurant, lounge with open terrace
Kyoto footprint: Hilton to reach 7 hotels, incl. an upcoming Curio Collection property
Brand scale: 13 Motto hotels open, 24+ in development