I say this with total respect. My wife is from Japan and I know the "routine". It is very very very common for the Japanese to reserve rooms in advance. That means some of those rooms were reserved when the guests checked out last New Year. They (Japanese consumers) are also willing to pay to rooms in the new wing. I believe this Hotel does all it can to make guests comfortable. I hope you will enjoy Kyoto. Please do not let this experience get you down. That city is way too beautiful. I will be there soon and just can not wait. Regards