Hilton’s flagship brand makes a highly anticipated debut in Japan’s cultural capital with the opening of Hilton Kyoto, while Canopy by Hilton debuts in Japan with the opening of Osaka Umeda Hotel, offering elevated experiences in Osaka’s dynamic cultural hub
L-R: Hilton Kyoto, Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced the opening of Hilton Kyoto and Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda, marking the brand’s first Canopy in Asia Pacific outside of China and the debut of Hilton’s flagship brand in Kyoto, respectively.
Hilton Kyoto
The new hotel becomes the fifth property under the Hilton portfolio to open in Kyoto, joining ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts; DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama; DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station; and Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma.
“We are thrilled to open Hilton’s flagship brand hotel in Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. With its strategic location and signature Hilton hospitality, Hilton Kyoto is ideally suited to serve business and leisure demand in the Kyoto market. The hotel is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of guests along with our four other hotels in the city,” said Joseph Khairallah, area vice president, head of Japan, Korea & Micronesia, Hilton. “We look forward to providing our signature hospitality and thoughtful service to both international and domestic guests in Kyoto.”
Hilton Kyoto is situated in the Kawaramachi Sanjo neighborhood, approximately 15 minutes by car from Kyoto Station or a two-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line. The hotel offers convenient access to major tourist attractions such as the world-famous Kiyomizu Temple, known for its distinctive architecture, as well as the Heian Jingu Shrine. Hilton Kyoto is also within walking distance of Gion and Pontocho, entertainment enclaves well-known for their traditional streetscapes.
The design of Hilton Kyoto is centered around the concept of creating a ‘Kyoto synapse’ – seamlessly connecting guests to the city’s unique blend of history, modernity, tradition, and innovation. Drawing inspiration from orimono, Kyoto’s iconic textiles, the hotel’s design elements of intricate lattice patterns greet guests upon arrival in the stunning five-storey atrium lobby.
For dining, Hilton Kyoto offers a variety of culinary experiences, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a lobby lounge bar and café, and a seasonal rooftop bar with breathtaking views of Kyoto. The 120-seat all-day dining restaurant, Téori, provides a vibrant setting featuring an open kitchen and a buffet of international favorites crafted from local ingredients. 7 EMBERS celebrates nature and the element of fire and specializes in expertly-grilled dishes. Guests can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired fare such as acqua pazza with fresh fish, grilled Omi beef, and smoked Kyoto duck, along with an array of locally sourced vegetables. Overlooking the Kamo River and the historic Higashiyama district, rooftop bar Cloud Nest serves signature drinks, including piña coladas – the tropical drink first made famous at Hilton in 1954 – all with a spectacular view. For a more relaxed yet refined experience, the LATTICE LOUNGE on the first-floor lobby offers light bites, café fare, and the hotel’s signature afternoon tea, while transforming into an elegant bar in the evening.
Hilton Kyoto is well-equipped to handle events with Raden, the hotel’s 220-square-meter ballroom, which includes a show-kitchen, offering live cooking performances to entertain guests. Meanwhile, the 100-square-meter meeting room, Yuzen, can be divided into two rooms, which are perfect for small meetings and trainings. Guests can further enjoy a range of facilities such as a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool, and an executive lounge inspired by a traditional Kyoto machiya town house, complete with a tsuboniwa garden – a small, enclosed courtyard designed to bring tranquility and nature into intimate spaces. For some well-deserved rest and relaxation, the eforea SPA offers three treatment rooms, where guests can experience a restorative spa journey featuring treatment oils that will help them unwind from the fatigue of travel.
Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda
Located within one of Japan’s most exciting urban centers, the hotel offers a thoughtfully curated, boutique stay, drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy and cultural heritage of Osaka. Whether for business or leisure, guests are invited to experience a modern and stylish stay rooted in the culture of the local area.
“As Osaka prepares to welcome the world to 2025 Expo, we are proud to debut our Canopy by Hilton brand and deliver truly bespoke, locally inspired stays in one of the world’s most sophisticated travel destinations,” said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Canopy Osaka Umeda represents yet another exciting growth chapter for Hilton – this time within the vibrant, fast-growing lifestyle category – and is set to define new benchmarks for hospitality once again.”
Located within the expansive GRAND GREEN OSAKA urban complex, the hotel is surrounded by UMEKITA PARK, lifestyle stores, and community spaces that foster idea generation, innovation and collaboration amongst organizations and institutes in public and private sectors. Conveniently located an approximately seven-minute walk from JR Osaka Station, the hotel provides easy access to major JR, Hankyu and Osaka Metro lines, with Kansai International Airport just an hour away by train. In this prime location, the hotel also serves as an ideal base for exploring neighboring cities like Kyoto, Kobe and Nara. As a Canopy signature offering, guests can also immerse themselves in the surrounds with complimentary rental bicycles to explore the unique neighborhoods.
The hotel features 308 rooms, including 53 suites, among which is the expansive 127 square-meter Canopy Panorama View Suite, along with 19 connecting rooms. In every room, Fukusuke dolls – traditional Kansai charms clad in red and white kimonos with polka dot patterns – serve as a cheerful welcome amenity while bath salts and aid serene wind-downs. Emblems such as Sennari Byotan, the horse insignia of Toyotomi Hideyoshi – a famous shogun, who built Osaka Castle – a pivotal figure in Japan’s history; and the Metasequoia tree, reflecting the lush greenery of UMEKITA PARK; are thoughtfully weaved throughout the property’s contemporary design.
Other local elements that invite guests to explore Osaka’s storied heritage and vibrant spirit include takoyaki-shaped lighting and motifs (a reference to the city’s soul food). These ball-shaped snacks are made with octopus and traditionally eaten with toothpicks – both of which are cleverly and respectively referenced in abstract paintings and hanging pipes. Lift buttons crafted by Kantaro – a signboard shop in Sakai – feature letters handwritten by craftsmen. The property also offers a selection of pet-friendly rooms for those traveling with their beloved furry companions.
Canopy Osaka Umeda serves as a gathering place for adventurous individuals, curious travelers, creators and innovators from around the world. The hotel features unique community spaces inspired by the city’s history and culture as well as elevated dining experiences. Guests can enjoy a variety of food and beverage options, including Bean there, UMEDA cafe, all-day Japanese fusion restaurant CC:CARBON COPY, and bar and lounge !JaJa!Bar, which boasts unparalleled views of the city.
The curved ceiling of CC: CARBON COPY’s booth seating with neon lights was intentionally designed to resemble the bustling arcade of Kuromon Market and its diverse culinary offerings. Menus here feature creative fusion cuisine, from okonomiyaki-style cabbage wedges and edamame hummus, to seared bonito carpaccio with Narazuke salsa sauce and Uji matcha panna cotta.
On the ground floor, Bean There, UMEDA provides a welcoming space where guests can savor the hotel’s original coffee roast by local LiLo Coffee Roasters, local pastries, and sandwiches. It’s the perfect spot for a family brunch, takeout for a picnic at the park, or a social evening with friends.
!JaJa!Bar, with its outdoor terrace, combines the city’s vibrant buzz with a sense of community, creating a lively retreat at Canopy. Here, guests can enjoy communal dining and nostalgic gaming or
celebrate street food under pendant lamps reminiscent of those found in the Tennoji station of Midosuji Subway Line.
A 24-hour fitness center with stunning city views ensures that guests can maintain their wellness routines while on the road. The hotel’s flexible meeting facilities include a 100 square-meter meeting room, a 65 square-meter boardroom, and a 55 square-meter meeting studio and pre-function space, creating conducive environments for intimate events or small conferences.
“Canopy Osaka Umeda is the first Canopy by Hilton in Asia Pacific outside of China, making it particularly significant as it paves the way for an exciting future for this vibrant lifestyle brand,” said Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “With its stylish design, bold and engaging spaces, and innovative culinary offerings, Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda delivers elevated boutique hotel experiences that immerse guests in the essence of the locale.”
Both Hilton Kyoto and Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda are part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels 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 and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using Digital Key. To celebrate the hotel’s opening, Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels will earn an additional 1,000 Bonus Points per night at Hilton Kyoto for stays from October 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025 and an additional 2,000 Bonus Points per stay at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda for stays through March 5, 2025.
