Overview

Led the PR strategy for the opening of the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto—a landmark addition to the Imperial Hotel portfolio and the brand’s first new property in more than three decades. Located within the historic Yasaka Kaikan in Kyoto’s Gion district, the project required a carefully calibrated debut, balancing architectural preservation, cultural heritage, and brand legacy with contemporary relevance for today’s traveler.

My Role

• Led PR strategy for the pre-opening and launch.
• Secured top-tier media coverage across key markets.
• Developed long-term positioning for luxury travelers, cultural tastemakers, and key media audiences.
• Advised on messaging spanning heritage, design, guest experience, and cultural context.

At a Glance

• 600+ media placements to date and growing.
• Coverage across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and more.
• Features in leading publications including The New York Times, Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper, Travel + Leisure, The Telegraph, Monocle, and more.
• Year-long media campaign with continued momentum.

Media Impact

Over the course of a year-long media strategy, the opening of Imperial Hotel, Kyoto generated extensive coverage across travel, design, lifestyle, business, and news media. Coverage reached audiences throughout North America, Europe, Japan, and the broader Asia-Pacific region and around the world, positioning the hotel among the most anticipated and culturally significant luxury openings of the year.

Coverage evolved strategically over time—from early architectural and heritage storytelling to opening announcements, dining features, and inclusion in forward-looking travel roundups—ensuring continued relevance well beyond launch.

Client Perspective

“You have captured the attention of a discerning audience and reached the very guests we hope to welcome.”

“The foundation you are building is not merely about publicity; it is about crafting a narrative that will resonate for years to come.”

Reiko Sakata

General Manager, the Imperial Hotel Kyoto

→ View full letter of recommendation (PDF)

Key Outcome

Appointed PR Agency of Record for the Imperial Hotel

Following the success of the Kyoto opening, Katherine Han PR was selected to lead public relations for the Imperial Hotel brand, representing all four properties across Japan in Tokyo, Kamikochi, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Continued Strategy

The work extends beyond launch, focusing on strengthening the Imperial Hotel Kyoto’s reputation through thoughtful storytelling that reflects its architectural significance, cultural context, and evolving guest experience. Media strategy continues to unfold across design, heritage, dining, and experiential themes, reinforcing the property’s standing within the luxury hospitality landscape.

Coverage Highlights

The articles below offer a curated selection of media coverage secured to date, reflecting both the breadth and depth of engagement across leading editorial platforms.

Looking Ahead

The focus remains on long-term visibility, perception, and cultural resonance—positioning the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto not simply as a new hotel, but as a defining presence in luxury hospitality.