Hilton debuted its Doubletree by Hilton brand in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama neighborhood this month.

The opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama marks the entry of Hilton’s third distinct brand in the Japanese city. It joins two other award-winning brands, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Garden Inn.

“We are thrilled to introduce DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama as our third brand in Kyoto,” said Timothy Soper, area vice-president, head of Japan, Korea & Micronesia, Hilton. “This debut also marks our third hotel to open in Japan this year, following DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama in January and Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort in June. Next year, we have exciting plans to introduce two new hotels to Kyoto – DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station and Hilton Kyoto. These openings exemplify our commitment to expanding our footprint in Japan, where we have been spreading the light and warmth of hospitality for the past 60 years.”

The seven-storey, 158-room hotel features an all-day dining restaurant, sophisticated lounge bar, 24-hour fitness centre, and public bath.

DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama’s decor combines art and natural materials, reflecting Kyoto’s serene gardens. A signature brass moon-shaped art piece welcomes guests at the lobby, while OPEN, the all-day dining restaurant, features screens with traditional monochrome painting that embody local Kyoto culture. Guest rooms exude warmth with soft light filtered through traditional shoji screens, and low beds offer a taste of Japanese architectural finesse.

Among the five guest room types, the “Japanese Room” is a nod to the local Kyoto culture, with 46 rooms modelled after authentic Japanese living spaces complete with traditional tatami mats. In addition, two 656-square-foot suites include private saunas and rain showers. These suites are decorated with local art pieces including tea utensils made by a Kyoto sculptor, fabric art woven in Nishijin, Kyoto’s famed weaving district, and sculptures inspired by the flow of the Kamo River. All guest rooms feature a bathtub.

At the heart of the hotel’s culinary offerings is OPEN – a unique restaurant concept comprising The Barista, The Bar and The Bistro. OPEN offers a casual, all-day dining experience and emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients.  During the day, the menu features local Japanese breakfast items like rice, fish, and condiments, as well as comfort food selections like club sandwiches and Caesar salads. Additionally, hot food stations offer a variety of local and Western flavors. OPEN Lounge Bar is where patrons can relish locally inspired cocktails and sakes while admiring the scenic “tsubo-niwa” courtyard.

DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama is a 10-minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station and a one-minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on the Keihan Main Line. Located in Kyoto’s best-preserved historic district, nearby attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple; Yasaka Shrine; and the Gion district, famous for its traditional teahouses, boutiques, and restaurants. The hotel is also close to the Kyoto National Museum and the idyllic Ponto-cho dining area.