When will Avani Kyoto open?

Scheduled to open within fiscal year 2029. Exact date to be announced later.

Which subway line is the hotel accessible from?

Directly connected to Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Line, ideal for city tourism.

Who is operating the hotel?

Royal Minor Hotels, a joint venture between Japan's Royal Group and Thailand's Minor International.

Does the building have historical significance?

Yes. It was the former headquarters of Kyoto Shimbun, serving as a landmark for 60 years.

Can the public access the hotel restaurants?

Yes. The restaurants are designed as open social spaces for both guests and locals.

Avani Brand to Make Japan Debut with 'Avani Kyoto' at Former Kyoto Shimbun Headquarters, Scheduled to Open in Fiscal Year 2029

Published Jun 16, 2026 1:00 AM ・ Updated Jun 15, 2026 10:41 PM ・ 11 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd., the hotel operator of the Royal Group, announced it will operate a premium lifestyle hotel 'Avani Kyoto' at the redeveloped former Kyoto Shimbun headquarters, scheduled to open in fiscal year 2029. The project aims to harmonize Kyoto's heritage with modern hospitality.

Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kohei Motoyama), the company responsible for hotel operations within the Royal Group, has been selected to operate the hotel component of the '(Provisional Name) Kyoto Shimbun Building Redevelopment Project,' led by Taisei Corporation, Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd., and MINOR INTERNATIONAL PCL. Accordingly, we are pleased to announce the planned opening of the premium lifestyle hotel '(Provisional Name) Avani Kyoto' within fiscal year 2029.

<(Provisional Name) Avani Kyoto (Avani Kyoto) Exterior> This is a current exterior rendering and may be subject to change based on future design developments and discussions.

'Avani' is a premium lifestyle brand operating in 24 countries worldwide, targeting travelers who value modern functionality and authentic local experiences. In this project, we will collaborate with the Kyoto Shimbun Group to operate a hotel that respects the region's history and culture while harmonizing with the surrounding environment.

1. 'Experiences' in a space where Kyoto's history and modernity resonate

This redevelopment project inherits the legacy of the 'Former Kyoto Shimbun Headquarters Building,' a landmark that has symbolized the local landscape for approximately 60 years. We will leverage its historical value to operate a hotel that blends Kyoto's traditional aesthetics with contemporary design, delivering refined hospitality that resonates with guests and passes on unique value to the next generation.

2. Providing 'Social Spaces' open to the community

We will operate 'lounges' and 'restaurants' as open social hubs, naturally connecting hotel guests with local residents. By creating accessible social spaces that stimulate the five senses through diverse cultures, we aim to establish a hub that serves as a cultural center.

3. Unique programs that deeply explore 'cuisine' and 'tradition'

Leveraging the Royal Group's extensive expertise in cuisine and hospitality, we will offer fulfilling culinary experiences centered on local ingredients. Additionally, we will propose enriching stays that allow guests to deeply engage with Kyoto's profound culture and traditions.

By combining the Royal Group's over 70 years of expertise in 'cuisine and hospitality' with Minor Hotels' global hotel operation expertise, we will create new value on this historic site. In pursuit of our management vision, 'Creating smiles in communities and society through cuisine and hospitality,' we will deliver unprecedented experiences that respect local history and culture. We are committed to contributing to the sustainable development of Kyoto's tourism industry and local community through unified group efforts.

Avani Hotels & Resorts targets millennial and Gen Z travelers seeking a balance of modern, functional features, offering thoughtful social spaces and authentic local hospitality. The brand currently operates over 40 hotels worldwide.

Hotel Overview

Hotel Name: (Provisional Name) Avani Kyoto

Location: 337 Shoshoi Tabicho, Karasuma-dori Ikenami-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, and others

Access: Directly connected to Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line

Total Rooms: Approximately 240

Opening: Fiscal Year 2029

Kyoto Shimbun Building Redevelopment Project Overview (as of June 15, 2026)

Taisei Corporation, Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd., and MINOR INTERNATIONAL PCL. established the special purpose company 'Kyoto Gosho Minami Development Co., Ltd.' in November 2025.

This project involves leasing land owned by Kyoto Shimbun Holdings Co., Ltd. in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City (site area: 3,894㎡), and jointly developing a hotel.

Project Name: (Provisional Name) Kyoto Shimbun Building Redevelopment Project

Developer: Kyoto Gosho Minami Development Co., Ltd.

Location: 337 Shoshoi Tabicho, Karasuma-dori Ikenami-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, and others

Site Area: 3,894㎡

Total Floor Area: Approximately 23,000㎡

Structure and Scale: Reinforced concrete construction

Renovated Building (Former North Wing): 8 stories above ground / 2 stories underground

New Building (Former South Wing): 5 stories above ground / 1 story underground

Building Use: Hotel (approximately 240 rooms)

* The above building details are based on the preliminary plan and may be subject to change due to future detailed design and discussions with relevant authorities.

【Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd.】

Headquarters: 1-34-6 Sakurashinmachi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Representatives: President and CEO Kohei Motoyama, Executive Vice President Dilip Rajakaria

Established: March 31, 2025

Business Overview: Hotel management and operation

URL: https://www.royal-minor-hotels.co.jp/

January 28, 2025: Announcement on the Establishment of a Joint Venture for Hotel Business

https://contents.xj-storage.jp/xcontents/AS09010/9c702f77/50cc/4280/b12f/9529fd64cff5/140120250128556500.pdf

February 5, 2025: Royal Holdings and Minor Hotels Announce Joint Venture Establishment and Hotel Business Strategy

https://www.royal-holdings.co.jp/release/upfiles/news20250205.pdf

Royal Group Management Vision 2035

https://www.royal-holdings.co.jp/assets/pdf/ir/stockholder/mtmplan_2025.pdf?ver=f6e1cd87ba2085a979df9f083a610417

Royal Group Store Count: https://www.royal-holdings.co.jp/co/group/storedata/

Royal Group Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ROYAL_Holdings

FACT BOX

Source: PR TIMES
Category: Partnership
Organizations: MINOR INTERNATIONAL PCL.
Products / services: Avani Kyoto

Avani Brand to Make Japan Debut with 'Avani Kyoto' at Former Kyoto Shimbun Headquarters, Scheduled to Open in Fiscal Year 2029

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