Taisei, Partners To Redevelop Former Kyoto Shimbun Headquarters Building Into Hotel
Taisei Corp., Heiwa Real Estate Co. and Minor International PCL announced June 15, 2026, that they will move forward with the tentatively named Kyoto Shimbun Building Redevelopment Plan in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. The project will redevelop the former Kyoto Shimbun headquarters building into a hotel, with opening scheduled for fiscal 2029.
Under the plan, the three companies will lease land along Karasuma-dori Avenue owned by Kyoto Shimbun Holdings, and a special purpose company established by the three partners will develop the hotel as the project owner. The project site is directly connected to Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line, and is also within walking distance of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle.
The project site has a site area of approximately 1,178 tsubo (approx. 41,900 sq. ft.). The plan calls for renovation of the existing north building and construction of a new five-story building on the former south building site, with a Gross Floor Area of approximately 7,000 tsubo (approx. 249,100 sq. ft.). The project will retain the exterior and design elements of the former Kyoto Shimbun headquarters building, which shaped the streetscape along Karasuma-dori Avenue for about 60 years, and will also repurpose the former rotary press room for uses such as a restaurant and lobby lounge.
Hotel operations will be handled by Royal Minor Hotels Co., a company established by Royal Holdings Co. and Minor International PCL. The hotel will be tentatively named Avani Kyoto and will have 240 guestrooms. Avani is a hotel brand focused on contemporary functionality and local experiences, and the Kyoto property will mark the brand’s first entry into Japan.
In Kyoto City, hotel developments using aging existing building stock have continued, including Imperial Hotel Kyoto, which will use a nationally registered tangible cultural property, and Capella Kyoto, which will use a former elementary school site, both of which are scheduled to open in March 2026. This project is positioned as part of that broader trend. （see related article:NTT Urban Development Completes Luxury Hotel Project on Former Kyoto School Site）
Key Facts
- Project Name: Tentatively named Kyoto Shimbun Building Redevelopment Plan
- Hotel Name: Tentatively named Avani Kyoto
- Project Owner: Kyoto Gosho Minami Development Special Purpose Company, jointly invested in by Taisei Corp., Heiwa Real Estate Co. and Minor International PCL
- Hotel Operator: Royal Minor Hotels Co.
- Location: 337 Shoshoi-otabicho, Karasuma-dori Ebisugawa-agaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, and other parcels
- Nearest Station: Directly connected to Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
- Opening: Fiscal 2029
- Guestrooms: Approximately 240
- Area: Site area of approximately 1,178 tsubo (approx. 41,900 sq. ft.) / Gross Floor Area of approximately 7,000 tsubo (approx. 249,100 sq. ft.)
- Number of Floors: Renovated building: 8F / B2; New building: 5F / B1
- Structure: Reinforced concrete