Hilton signs first Motto hotel in Japan for 2029 Kyoto opening

Hilton and Heiwa Real Estate Co. have signed an agreement to bring the Motto by Hilton brand to Japan, with a Kyoto hotel scheduled to open in 2029. Hilton will manage the 108-room Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, which will include an all-day dining restaurant and a lounge with an open terrace.

The project adds another brand to Hilton’s Kyoto development plans and supports Heiwa Real Estate’s expansion into hotels. Together with an upcoming Curio Collection by Hilton property, the signing will take Hilton’s portfolio in the city to seven hotels, according to the company.

Heiwa targets hotel business growth

Kiyoyuki Tsuchimoto, representative executive officer, president and CEO of Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd., said the company was building its hotel business as a new source of growth under its WAY2040 long-term vision. He said the Kyoto partnership would support its approach to creating buildings, communities and opportunities.

For Hilton, the agreement extends its presence in a market it has identified as important to growth. Hirohisa Fujimoto, vice president, Development, Japan & Micronesia, Hilton, said the hotel would cater for families, groups of friends and solo travellers through a flexible stay format.

Hilton entered Kyoto in 2021 with ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts. The company said it had opened five hotels in the city over the past five years, with Motto and Curio Collection forming the next additions to that portfolio.

Central Kyoto location and guest offer

The planned hotel will be a two-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line and Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line. Hilton said the location and connections to Kyoto Station would serve domestic and international leisure travellers as well as business guests.

Nearby destinations include Nishiki Market, the Gion and Higashiyama districts, and the shopping and dining area of Shijo Kawaramachi. Hilton said the property’s design and shared spaces would draw on Kyoto’s local culture.

Alex Shockley, senior director, Lifestyle and Collection Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said the hotel would emphasise local connections and spaces where guests could gather. The approach reflects Motto’s focus on flexible rooms, locally influenced design and food and beverage experiences linked to the surrounding neighbourhood.

Motto adds to international pipeline

The Kyoto agreement follows Motto openings in Brazil and Nashville, alongside signings in Paris, Shanghai and Sydney. Hilton said the brand currently has 13 operating hotels worldwide and more than 24 under development.

When it opens, the Kyoto property will participate in Hilton Honors. Members booking directly will have access to benefits including combinations of points and money for stays, member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and the programme’s mobile app.