Hilton Expands Lifestyle Portfolio in Japan With Motto by Hilton

Hilton Expands Lifestyle Portfolio in Japan With Motto by Hilton

Kyoto, Japan - September 28, 2026 (NUVEX WIRE) - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and Heiwa Real Estate Co. today announced that they will bring Japan’s first Motto by Hilton hotel to Kyoto, the country’s cultural capital. Scheduled to open in 2029 and managed by Hilton, Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma will feature 108 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant and a lounge with an open terrace.

Motto hotels connect travelers with the heart of a destination through dynamic design, active social spaces and a true sense of place. The signing of Motto in Kyoto follows recent Motto openings in Brazil and Nashville and signings in Paris, Shanghai and Sydney. There are currently 13 Motto hotels in major urban, resort and adventure destinations around the world with more than 24 hotels under development.

“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 travelers, from families and friends traveling together to solo guests exploring the city on their own,” said Hirohisa Fujimoto, vice president, Development, Japan & Micronesia, Hilton.

Located just a two-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line and Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, the hotel will offer convenient access to some of Kyoto’s most renowned attractions, including Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, the Gion and Higashiyama districts where visitors can experience the city’s traditional culture and historic streetscapes, and the Shijo Kawaramachi area, a popular destination for shopping and dining. With excellent connectivity to Kyoto Station, the hotel is well positioned to serve both domestic and international leisure travelers, alongside business guests, seeking a vibrant and dynamic stay in the city.

“As part of our efforts to realize 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 recognized 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.

Since making its Kyoto debut with the opening of ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts in 2021, Hilton has steadily expanded its presence in the city, opening five hotels over the past five years. With an upcoming Curio Collection by Hilton property, and the addition of Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, Hilton’s portfolio in Kyoto will expand to seven hotels.

“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.”

Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma will be part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 28 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, and the Hilton Honors mobile app.