Explera DMC Japan is adding Songtei Kyoto to its plans for luxury groups in Kyoto. The 77-room hotel, part of the Shangri-La Signatures collection, faces Nijo Castle. Shangri-La Group expects first guests from late 2026, with the full opening in early 2027, when the remaining facilities are ready.
It is the second hotel in the Signatures collection and the first outside China.
What is Songtei Kyoto?
- 77 rooms and suites. The rooms are designed to frame views of Nijo Castle's northern gate, its gardens and the area around it.
- A historic site. The hotel stands on the former residence of the Kyoto Shoshidai, the Edo-period office that represented the shogunate in the city.
- A soft opening first. Shangri-La expects first guests from late 2026 and the full opening in early 2027.
- Details still to come. Room types, restaurants and rates have not been published yet.
How do we plan groups around it?
- Small luxury groups. With 77 rooms, the hotel suits small incentive groups, private clients and family groups, not large conferences.
- Western Kyoto as a base. Nijo Castle sits west of the centre, so we plan transfers to Gion, Arashiyama and the station around it.
- Spring and autumn. The castle gardens are busiest in the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons, which are also the hardest weeks to book in Kyoto.
- Wait for the details. We quote the hotel once rates and the full opening date are released, and keep an alternative hotel in every plan until then.
See our guides to Nijo Castle by night, the Imperial Hotel Kyoto in Gion and private tours in Kyoto.
For luxury hotel contracting and the rest of the programme, see our hotel booking service and our Kyoto destination page.
Sources: Hospitality Net: Shangri-La Group announces Songtei Kyoto and Business Traveller: Songtei Kyoto opening.
FAQ
When does Songtei Kyoto open? Shangri-La Group expects first guests from late 2026 and the full opening in early 2027. Exact dates have not been announced.
How many rooms does it have? 77 rooms and suites, designed to frame views of Nijo Castle and its gardens.
Where is the hotel? Opposite Nijo Castle in Kyoto, on the former residence of the Kyoto Shoshidai.
Is it suitable for groups? For small groups, yes. With 77 rooms, it suits small incentives and private groups rather than large conferences.
Planning a luxury Kyoto programme for 2027? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
