A New Kyoto-Born Hotel Model: Brighton × Hilton
Located west of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the long-established Kyoto Brighton Hotel will reopen in the winter of 2028 under Hilton’s luxury lifestyle brand, Curio Collection by Hilton.
This partnership is a franchise agreement between Brighton Corporation and Hilton. The existing Kyoto Brighton Hotel will close on November 30, 2026, after which a comprehensive two-year renovation of the entire property is planned.
Hilton’s Curio Collection is a global portfolio of over 100 independent luxury hotels. Each property preserves local culture, design, and history while delivering hospitality standards defined by Hilton—positioning Curio as a character-driven luxury brand.
This Kyoto Brighton affiliation marks the first Curio Collection by Hilton in Kyoto. Since its 1988 opening, the Brighton brand has offered refined stays and attentive service in the district west of the Imperial Palace. By combining that legacy with Hilton’s international operating expertise, the project presents a hybrid model that creates new value.
Kyoto already hosts world-renowned brands such as Four Seasons Kyoto, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, and Park Hyatt Kyoto. In this competitive context, a local hotel teaming up with a global brand is drawing attention as a new model for enhancing international competitiveness while preserving regional identity.
Property Overview
The new hotel will be tentatively named “Kyoto Brighton Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton” and will thoroughly renew the existing building.
| Brand | Curio Collection by Hilton |
|---|---|
| Address |
Goshonishi (west of Kyoto Imperial Palace), Shinmachi-dori × Nakadachiuri area, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
|
| Operator | Brighton Corporation |
| Agreement Type | Franchise agreement |
| Guestrooms | Approx. 160 rooms |
| Facilities | 4 restaurants & bars; banquet hall (max. 240 pax); fitness center |
| Building Scale | 6 floors above ground / 1 basement |
| Gross Floor Area | Approx. 24,000 m² (incl. parking) |
| Site Area |
13,264 m² |
| Closure (existing hotel) | November 30, 2026 |
| Planned Opening | Winter 2028 |
(Source: ValuePress Official Announcement)
Access & Neighborhood
Address: Goshonishi (west of Kyoto Imperial Palace), Shinmachi-dori × Nakadachiuri area, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City
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- Nearest Station: Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line “Imadegawa” — approx. 8 minutes on foot
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- From Kyoto Station: approx. 15 minutes by taxi
The tranquil and historic Goshonishi area places cultural assets such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace within walking distance. It offers a serene stay away from the bustle, with convenient access to Nijo Castle, Karasuma, and Kawaramachi—ideal for both leisure and business.
Timeline to Opening
| Year / Month | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | Hilton × Brighton partnership announced |
| Nov 30, 2026 | Closure of existing hotel |
| 2027–2028 | Full-property renovation & rebranding works |
| Winter 2028 | Planned opening under new brand |
