Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

09/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/28/2026 20:41

Hilton Expands Its Lifestyle Portfolio in Japan with the Debut of Motto by Hilton

  • Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is scheduled to open in 2029, marking the brand's debut in Japan and expanding Hilton's lifestyle portfolio in one of the country's most sought-after destinations.
  • The signing further strengthens Hilton's presence in Kyoto, where its portfolio is set to grow to seven hotels across a range of brands, including an upcoming Curio Collection by Hilton property.
  • Designed to immerse travelers in the centre of it all, Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma will offer a locally rooted, dynamic stay experience inspired by Kyoto's culture, character and energy.

KYOTO, Japan - 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.

Read more about Motto by Hilton at stories.hilton.com.

FAQ: Hilton Expands Its Lifestyle Portfolio in Japan with the Debut of Motto by Hilton

Hilton announced the signing of Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma. This signing marks the debut of the Motto by Hilton brand in Japan.

Motto by Hilton is a lifestyle hotel brand designed for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of a destination through flexible guest rooms, locally inspired design and food and beverage experiences that reflect the surrounding neighborhood.

Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is a 108-room lifestyle hotel scheduled to open in 2029. The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant and a lounge with an open terrace.

The hotel will be located an approximately two-minute walk from Shijo Station and Karasuma Station, providing convenient access to major attractions including Nishiki Market, 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.

In addition to marking the debut of the Motto by Hilton brand to Japan, the signing further strengthens Hilton's presence in Kyoto. Upon opening, Motto by Hilton Kyoto Shijo Karasuma will become Hilton's seventh property in the city.

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 28 world-class brands comprising more than 9,400 properties and nearly 1.4 million rooms, in 144 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 260 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.



Motto by Hilton is a lifestyle hotel brand designed to connect guests to the center of it all - the best block, the buzziest spaces, the pulse of the community. Through its incredible locations, flexible guest rooms, distinct food and beverage options and a true sense of place, Motto by Hilton is a launchpad to destinations around the globe. Motto by Hilton delivers a dynamic, innovative hospitality experience through elements like first-of-its-kind connecting guestrooms for up to 9 rooms, social-centric common spaces and offerings designed guests and locals alike. Check out Motto by Hilton in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Tulum, Rotterdam, Cusco, Bentonville and Nashville by booking at mottobyhilton.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Motto by Hilton and its more than 20 additional properties under development at stories.hilton.com/motto, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.



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