Hyatt and Kiraku Announce “Kappo Atona” Restaurant to Open in Kyoto in 2026
Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Kiraku, Inc. have announced plans to open Kappo Atona, a restaurant and bar, in Kyoto’s Gion Shirakawa district in autumn 2026. Inspired by the Atona brand—a modern hot spring ryokan concept created through a joint venture between a Hyatt affiliate and Kiraku—the restaurant will introduce guests to the brand’s vision, which connects Japan’s natural landscapes and cultural traditions.
An Interpretation of Kappo Dining
Kappo Atona is inspired by kappo dining, a traditional Japanese culinary style that emphasizes chef interaction and the use of seasonal ingredients. The restaurant will modernize this approach by offering a menu featuring seasonal dishes made with ingredients sourced from all over Japan. The adjoining bar will serve washu, including Japanese spirits and sake, as well as a variety of cocktails inspired by Japan’s diverse landscapes.
Design and Atmosphere
The restaurant will be located along the Shirakawa River in the historic Gion district, an area known for its preserved streets and cultural heritage. The design, led by Ryu Kosaka and Yushi Tanaka of NOMURA Co., Ltd., with art direction by Kenya Hara of Nippon Design Center, will reflect the Atona philosophy of blending tradition with modern design elements.
Kou Sundberg, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kiraku and Co-Representative Director of Atona Co., Ltd., said:“Kyoto provides an ideal setting to present the culinary vision of Atona. Through Kappo Atona, we aim to explore new ways of expressing Japan’s food culture while maintaining respect for its traditions.”
Sam Sakamura, Representative Director of Japan and Micronesia for Hyatt and Co-Representative Director of Atona Co., Ltd., added: “For both the Atona brand and Hyatt, this will be the first time a restaurant opens before a hotel. It will allow guests to experience the brand’s approach ahead of the opening of future Atona ryokans.”
Expansion of the Atona Brand
In addition to Kappo Atona, Hyatt and Kiraku announced plans to expand the Atona brand to Kuju in Oita Prefecture and Yoichi in Hokkaido, with openings planned from 2028 onward. These locations join previously announced ryokan projects in Yufu, Hakone, and Yakushima.
Each Atona ryokan will include 30 to 50 guestrooms, onsen facilities using natural hot spring water, a kappo-style restaurant featuring local ingredients, and a bar offering Japanese spirits and cocktails. The properties will focus on creating meaningful connections between guests, communities, and their surroundings.
About Atona
Atona is a luxury onsen ryokan brand developed by Hyatt and Kiraku. The name “Atona” combines two old Japanese words meaning “me and you,” expressing the idea of shared time and connection. Each property aims to blend Japanese cultural heritage with thoughtful design and hospitality while fostering relationships between travellers and local communities.
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