Kyoto has always been high on tourism destination hit lists, with popularity only increasing in the run-up to Tokyo 2020.
For a more intimate stay in this stunning city, from world-renowned architects blending traditional Japanese design elements with modern minimalism, to guesthouses with a focus on curating locally-crafted finishings, here are our top picks of Kyoto’s best boutique accommodation.
Lisa Haynes gives us the perfect packing edit for your Tokyo getaway.
Maana Kyoto
Set in a quiet, residential area of the city, Maana is a stunningly restored machiya (traditional Japanese wooden home) guesthouse. Every aspect of the design has been carefully thought out, from the minimal ikebana arrangement in the entrance to the handcrafted ceramic bathtub overlooking the pristine garden. Established by two friends and former designers, Hana Tsukamoto and Irene Chang, they were inspired by Kyoto’s simple but meaningful way of life.
Working with acclaimed Kyoto architect Shigenori Uoya to renovate the interior of the 100-year-old house, their focus was on achieving balance and harmony to create a comfortable space with the modern luxuries expected of a five-star stay, whilst preserving the atmosphere of the original home.
The master bedroom, flooded by morning light, is a particular highlight. With an exposed earth wall and traditional shoji sliding doors, the space is a haven of relaxation. The kitchen is beautifully modern, but perfectly complements the tatami-matted living space, the Wakabaya pottery pieces are the epitome of wabi-sabi and the ambience instilled by the glass lights of Kyoto’s Miura Shomei come together to create a truly inspirational stay.
Shiki Juraku
Located on a small lane is a collection of 10 traditional machiya properties that form a private lantern-lit alley in a quiet residential area not far from Nijo Castle. The hotel fuses age-old Kyoto artistry with modern Japanese design. A metallic gate (by architect Tsuyoshi Tane) opens into a private space that feels calmly connected to nature, with exotic fern dotted along the walkway. Inside, the attention to detail is a treat for the senses. Finishing touches from 10 top Japanese artisans include contemporary photographic artworks by Taisuke Koyama, organically-dyed cushions and soft-furnishings by Kyoto artist Haruka Nomura and furniture chosen by renowned stylist and author, Kazuto Kobayashi.
Each of the 10 machiya are unique in design and layout yet all have a similar feel, with dark wood contrasting against white walls and modern soft-furnishings on vintage-style furniture. Mezzanine level bedrooms with comfy Western-style beds and minimal glass lights are perfectly appointed and the modern bathrooms come with either wood, stone or ceramic tubs overlooking small private gardens.
Kokinse
Kokinse, “little Kinse” in Japanese, is a 100 year old building that has been renovated into two accommodation units, blending traditional details with modern amenities.
Kokinse A, the front unit, sleeps 4 and was designed to showcase the structure of the building. The first floor is a very modern interpretation of that, with clean minimal lines, concrete floors, and a large central skylight opening over the dining table. There are a number of beautiful design details from the original building; hints of tile and brick exposed in quirky positions on walls and floors give the space a unique style. Upstairs, the atmosphere is more traditional, with tatami rooms, earthen walls, and an area of open ceiling revealing large wooden beams.
Kokinse B, the back unit, sleeps 2 and has a markedly more playful feel, whilst still being sympathetic to the origins of the building. There’s an interesting mix of outdoor/indoor with the lofted ceilings, pounded earthen floors, and the greenhouse-come-bathroom area.
Bijuu
Owned by a Kyoto Heritage pickle merchant, Bijuu is a three-room hotel set in the heart of the city. The essence of chic living, designer Teruhiro Yanagihara has created a home-from-home that is a celebration of international design, from the seasonal ikebana arrangements that change with each guest, to pottery by 1616, to bath products from Philip B, the space is one that you won’t want to leave.
Textured walls juxtaposed amongst polished concrete are softened with interesting rugs and jewel-tone cushions to give a rich and warming atmosphere. Room 501, the largest of the three suites, has commanding views over the eastern Higashiyama mountains and the raised stone bathtub in the living space is what interior dreams are made of.
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