Minor Hotels has announced plans to introduce its Avani Hotels & Resorts brand to Japan through the development of Avani Kyoto, a new hotel project scheduled to open in 2030. The development marks the first Avani-branded property in the Japanese market and forms part of the hospitality group's broader expansion strategy across the country.
According to Minor Hotels, the project will be developed in partnership with Taisei Corporation and Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd. The company will participate in the venture as both an investor and operator, strengthening its involvement beyond hotel management and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Japanese hospitality sector.
The upcoming hotel will be located on Karasuma Street in central Kyoto, occupying the site of the former Kyoto Shimbun headquarters. The location offers direct connectivity to Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, providing convenient access to transportation networks within the city. The property is also situated within walking distance of major cultural attractions including the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle.
The project combines the renovation of the site's existing North Building with the construction of a new South Building. Upon completion, Avani Kyoto is expected to feature approximately 240 guest rooms. The development approach aims to integrate Kyoto's architectural heritage with facilities designed to meet the expectations of modern travellers.
Minor Hotels said the hotel's design will accommodate both short-term and extended stays. Dining venues and communal social spaces will be incorporated throughout the property, reflecting the Avani brand's focus on flexibility, convenience and contemporary urban hospitality experiences.
The development is significant for Minor Hotels as it establishes the Avani brand in one of Asia's most internationally recognised cultural destinations. Kyoto continues to attract both domestic and international visitors, making it an important market for hotel operators seeking long-term growth opportunities in Japan.
William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, described the project as an important milestone within the company's long-term expansion plans.
“Avani Kyoto represents an important step in Minor Hotels’ long term expansion strategy, bringing the brand into one of Asia’s most culturally significant destinations,” said Heinecke.
He added that the company is working alongside local partners to create a hotel that aligns with Kyoto's character while delivering a contemporary hospitality experience.
The Kyoto project forms part of Minor Hotels' wider strategy to establish a stronger presence in Japan through its joint venture with Royal Holdings Co., Ltd. Through this partnership, the company is developing a pipeline of properties under several of its brands, including Anantara, Avani and Tivoli, targeting key gateway cities and leisure destinations across the country.
The move reflects a broader effort by Minor Hotels to expand its portfolio in strategic markets where international travel demand, cultural tourism and urban development continue to create opportunities for hospitality investment. By entering Japan with multiple brands, the company is positioning itself to serve a range of market segments while building greater scale in one of Asia's largest tourism and hospitality markets.
For Avani Hotels & Resorts, the Kyoto project represents another step in the brand's international growth trajectory. The brand currently operates more than 40 properties across five continents, covering premium city hotels, beach resorts and nature-based retreats.
Minor Hotels noted that Avani's development strategy focuses on smart design, contemporary service and value-driven hospitality offerings. The brand has continued to expand across several regions, with additional openings planned in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
Founded in 2011, Avani Hotels & Resorts was created to serve the needs of modern travellers seeking flexible hospitality experiences. The brand's portfolio includes properties designed around connected social spaces, locally inspired dining concepts and accommodation tailored to changing travel preferences.
At Avani Kyoto, these brand principles are expected to be reflected through the integration of shared spaces and dining facilities intended to support both leisure and business travellers. The hotel's central location and transport connectivity are also expected to enhance its appeal as a base for visitors exploring Kyoto's cultural and commercial districts.
The project's structure highlights a collaborative development model involving local real estate and construction partners. Taisei Corporation and Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd. are participating alongside Minor Hotels in delivering the development, combining expertise in construction, property development and hospitality operations.
By participating as both investor and operator, Minor Hotels is taking an active role in the project's long-term performance and operational direction. This approach aligns with the company's strategy of pursuing selective investments in markets where it sees opportunities for sustainable portfolio growth.
The announcement also underscores the increasing importance of Japan within Minor Hotels' global development plans. With more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences operating across 66 countries, the company continues to pursue expansion opportunities through both management agreements and strategic partnerships.
When Avani Kyoto opens in 2030, it will introduce the brand to Japan for the first time while adding approximately 240 rooms to Kyoto's hospitality market. The project will also serve as a key component of Minor Hotels' broader effort to establish a multi-brand presence across major Japanese destinations through its collaboration with Royal Holdings Co., Ltd.
According to Minor Hotels, the project will be developed in partnership with Taisei Corporation and Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd. The company will participate in the venture as both an investor and operator, strengthening its involvement beyond hotel management and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Japanese hospitality sector.
The upcoming hotel will be located on Karasuma Street in central Kyoto, occupying the site of the former Kyoto Shimbun headquarters. The location offers direct connectivity to Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, providing convenient access to transportation networks within the city. The property is also situated within walking distance of major cultural attractions including the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle.
The project combines the renovation of the site's existing North Building with the construction of a new South Building. Upon completion, Avani Kyoto is expected to feature approximately 240 guest rooms. The development approach aims to integrate Kyoto's architectural heritage with facilities designed to meet the expectations of modern travellers.
Minor Hotels said the hotel's design will accommodate both short-term and extended stays. Dining venues and communal social spaces will be incorporated throughout the property, reflecting the Avani brand's focus on flexibility, convenience and contemporary urban hospitality experiences.
The development is significant for Minor Hotels as it establishes the Avani brand in one of Asia's most internationally recognised cultural destinations. Kyoto continues to attract both domestic and international visitors, making it an important market for hotel operators seeking long-term growth opportunities in Japan.
William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, described the project as an important milestone within the company's long-term expansion plans.
“Avani Kyoto represents an important step in Minor Hotels’ long term expansion strategy, bringing the brand into one of Asia’s most culturally significant destinations,” said Heinecke.
He added that the company is working alongside local partners to create a hotel that aligns with Kyoto's character while delivering a contemporary hospitality experience.
The Kyoto project forms part of Minor Hotels' wider strategy to establish a stronger presence in Japan through its joint venture with Royal Holdings Co., Ltd. Through this partnership, the company is developing a pipeline of properties under several of its brands, including Anantara, Avani and Tivoli, targeting key gateway cities and leisure destinations across the country.
The move reflects a broader effort by Minor Hotels to expand its portfolio in strategic markets where international travel demand, cultural tourism and urban development continue to create opportunities for hospitality investment. By entering Japan with multiple brands, the company is positioning itself to serve a range of market segments while building greater scale in one of Asia's largest tourism and hospitality markets.
For Avani Hotels & Resorts, the Kyoto project represents another step in the brand's international growth trajectory. The brand currently operates more than 40 properties across five continents, covering premium city hotels, beach resorts and nature-based retreats.
Minor Hotels noted that Avani's development strategy focuses on smart design, contemporary service and value-driven hospitality offerings. The brand has continued to expand across several regions, with additional openings planned in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
Founded in 2011, Avani Hotels & Resorts was created to serve the needs of modern travellers seeking flexible hospitality experiences. The brand's portfolio includes properties designed around connected social spaces, locally inspired dining concepts and accommodation tailored to changing travel preferences.
At Avani Kyoto, these brand principles are expected to be reflected through the integration of shared spaces and dining facilities intended to support both leisure and business travellers. The hotel's central location and transport connectivity are also expected to enhance its appeal as a base for visitors exploring Kyoto's cultural and commercial districts.
The project's structure highlights a collaborative development model involving local real estate and construction partners. Taisei Corporation and Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd. are participating alongside Minor Hotels in delivering the development, combining expertise in construction, property development and hospitality operations.
By participating as both investor and operator, Minor Hotels is taking an active role in the project's long-term performance and operational direction. This approach aligns with the company's strategy of pursuing selective investments in markets where it sees opportunities for sustainable portfolio growth.
The announcement also underscores the increasing importance of Japan within Minor Hotels' global development plans. With more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences operating across 66 countries, the company continues to pursue expansion opportunities through both management agreements and strategic partnerships.
When Avani Kyoto opens in 2030, it will introduce the brand to Japan for the first time while adding approximately 240 rooms to Kyoto's hospitality market. The project will also serve as a key component of Minor Hotels' broader effort to establish a multi-brand presence across major Japanese destinations through its collaboration with Royal Holdings Co., Ltd.
