Imperial Hotel, Kyoto Welcomes Reiko Sakata as New General Manager, Becoming Part of Leading Hotels of the World

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Imperial Hotel, Ltd. is excited to announce the appointment of Reiko Sakata as the new General Manager of the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, which is set to open in the spring of 2026. Additionally, as of April 1, 2025, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto has become a part of The Leading Hotels of the World, a prestigious collection of independent luxury hotels.

The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto will honor and preserve the historic Yasaka Kaikan, originally constructed in 1936 as a theater and a cherished hub for the local community. This iconic structure, a national tangible cultural asset, is located on the grounds of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo.

Reiko Sakata has been appointed as the General Manager of the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto.

Sakata began her career with Imperial Hotel, Ltd. in 2003, initially focusing on wedding planning, before advancing to Deputy Manager of Human Resources. In 2020, she was promoted to Director of Weddings, followed by her role as Director of the Kyoto Preparatory Office in 2024. On April 1, 2025, she officially took on the role of General Manager at the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto. Sakata earned her undergraduate degree from Tokyo Woman’s Christian University and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Keio University’s Graduate School of Business Administration. In her personal time, she enjoys a reflective jog along the waterfront, a ritual she maintains wherever she travels.

Sakata shared her vision upon assuming her new position.

“It is both a privilege and a pleasure for me to take on the role of General Manager of the newly opening Imperial Hotel, Kyoto. This is a unique property where over a millennium of Kyoto’s elegant cultural heritage enfolds the 135-year legacy of hospitality Imperial Hotel has carefully cultivated.

“With respect for the rich history of this location, my mission is to ensure a stay that is not only exceptional in quality but also leaves a lasting warmth in the hearts of our guests, bringing smiles to their faces each time they recall their stay, stirring a gentle desire to return, whenever they think back.

“Having spent 22 years at the Imperial Hotel, it has become my firm belief that ‘people’ are the heart of everything we do. Each and every team member carries with them their passion, expertise and the pride that the Imperial Hotel has developed over the past 135 years. It is my deepest honor to lead this extraordinary team as we open our doors, raise the curtain, and start playing the notes together on this historic stage once more — welcoming guests not just for now, but for generations to come.”