tl;dr – A possible sample of what dining in one of Hyatt’s upcoming ryokans might look like.
Just because we’re living in a world where Hyatt is readily willing to crush the souls of points-and-miles enthusiasts everywhere doesn’t mean that Hyatt has lost all its magic. If I had to identify a new (or upcoming) brand amongst the ‘core four’ large hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Hyatt), I’d point to Hyatt’s upcoming line of Japanese Ryokan Hotels – Atona.
While the first Atona ryokans aren’t yet ready to debut, this fall should bring about the debut of “Kappo Atona” – “Kappo Atona,” a refined restaurant and bar, in the historic Gion Shirakawa district of Kyoto, Japan, in autumn of 2026 (there is not a firm opening date yet). Kappo Atona is a joint venture between Hyatt and Kiraku, a real-estate/consulting firm heavily focused on the Japanese market, and the same entity Hyatt is partnering with on the Atona ryokans.
As such, this dining concept will ‘offer guests an early taste of the brand’s vision that celebrates Japan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage ahead of the brand’s first ryokan opening.’
‘Kappo’ is a “traditional style of Japanese dining that emphasizes chef-guided tasting experiences, personal connections and craftsmanship.” The concept’s bar will focus on “traditional Japanese spirits and sake…inspired by Japan’s landscapes.”
Despite Kappo Atona taking root in Kyoto, the upcoming Atona ryokans are destined for more remote, nature-immersed locations, the first three of which are Yufu, Yakushima, and Hakone.
