[Kyoto] 6 Hotels and ryokan Designed by Famous Architects | Enjoy a Stay in a Beautiful Space

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"Kyoto" is a popular sightseeing spot full of famous spots such as "Kiyomizudera", "Fushimi Inari Taisha", "Kinkakuji", and "Byodoin". In addition to the historical buildings, the rich nature that changes its appearance with the seasons is also a highlight, and you can enjoy it all year round. There are many long-established stores that have been in business for hundreds of years, and there are plenty of gourmet items that have been loved for many years and items that incorporate traditional craftsmanship. It is a place that is full of unique charms that you will want to visit again and again.

In Kyoto, where there are so many things to see, it's easy to get distracted by the sights and choose a place to stay. With so many hotels and ryokan, many people may be wondering, "I don't know which one to choose!" For those of you who are like that, we recommend choosing an inn with a focus on architecture. In fact, there are many beautiful hotels and ryokan designed by famous architects in Kyoto.

Be overwhelmed by the elaborately designed façade and public spaces, or be mesmerized by the sophisticated design of the guest rooms. Spending time in a space where beauty and comfort coexist is truly extraordinary. Even after you've finished sightseeing and returned to the inn, you'll be able to spend a special time there, so it's sure to be an unforgettable trip. Masu.

The The Westin Miyako Kyoto. Since its establishment in 1890, this prestigious hotel has hosted many state guests and celebrities. The current main building was completed in 1960 as designed by Mr. Togo Murano, an architect representing modernist architecture in Japan. Even though more than half a century has passed since its completion, the unique beauty of its timeless beauty will impress you.

Kacho, one of Kyoto's largest spa facilities, is also one of the spaces where you can feel Murano's designs. In the 2021 renovation, Mr. Murano's specialty, the curved form, will be used as a homage. The natural onsen "Kyoto Keage onsen" that was excavated from the hotel grounds is poured into the bathtub. As you warm your body in onsen springs while gazing at the gentle curves, your body and mind will be relaxed.

This is the Kasuien annex, which was designed by Mr. Murano and completed in 1959. It is one of Mr. Murano's representative works, which is famous as "a masterpiece of post-war Sukiya-zukuri architecture." The guest rooms are arranged along the topography with different heights, and the appearance of the thin copper roofs overlapping rhythmically is a masterpiece...! Like when you visit a sightseeing spot, you will want to take many pictures.

The interior design of the lobby is still the same as when it was completed. The lounge chairs and low tables in the room were also designed by Mr. Murano. When you sit on the low chair, which is said to be Mr. Murano's unique design, you can enjoy the exquisitely balanced view of the white sand courtyard. It is a luxurious moment to have a cup of matcha here and sharpen your mind.

The current guest rooms have been renovated into a more spacious space while inheriting Mr. Murano's spirit. When you sit on a legless chair and look out the window, you feel as if the room is connected to the surrounding scenery. All guest rooms are equipped with Koya maki bathtubs, so you can enjoy onsen whenever you like. In the small study, it's nice to spend time writing letters and diaries with the provided fountain pen.

"The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike," located about a 7-minute walk from Kokusaikaikan Station, is a hotel that faces Takaragaike Park, which is full of seasonal nature. Construction was completed in 1986. It is one of Togo Murano's works in his later years, and it is said that Mr. Murano died before seeing the hotel's completion. The building is shaped like an elliptical donut, and its flowing curves blend seamlessly with the scenery of the park and the mountains of Rakuhoku.

The lobby, laid out along gentle curves, is elegant yet somehow soft. Japanese motifs are incorporated here and there, creating an oriental mood that lifts your spirits. There is also a tour of the hotel (only available to guests, reservation required) where the hotel concierge will guide you through Murano's attention to detail in the lobby, guest rooms, restaurants, and more. This tour is held twice a month, so please check the hotel's official website for details.

One thing to pay particular attention to here is the large spiral staircase in the center of the lobby. This is an open atrium that stretches from the first floor of the hotel to the second basement floor. This is a spot where you can fully enjoy the beautiful curves that are unique to Murano, who is also known as the "Magician of Stairs" and is renowned for his staircase architecture. There are many small details that are carefully designed, such as the smooth curves of the staircase itself, the combination of different materials, and the decoration of the handrail. You could gaze at it for hours without getting bored.

The central part of the donut is a courtyard, and it is also possible to see the building from the inside. Here you can also see the cornerless design that is characteristic of Murano architecture. Seasonal flowers are planted in the courtyard, so you can enjoy the collaboration between architecture and nature while walking around the promenade. In the Japanese garden on the premises, there is also a sukiya-zukuri tea house designed by Mr. Murano, so it is also recommended to go for a walk.

There are various types of guest rooms, and their interiors are based on the theme of Takaragaike's nature. You can also see the rich greenery outside the window, and you will want to spread your arms wide and take a deep breath. Depending on the guest room, you may even be able to see the neighboring Kyoto International Conference Center, Japan's first international conference hall. This building was also designed by the famous architect Yukio Otani, so it might be interesting to appreciate it while comparing it with Mr. Murano's architecture.

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Tawaraya ryokan is a long-established ryokan that was founded in the Edo period. Known as "Japan's best ryokan", it is a famous ryokan that continues to be loved by domestic and foreign VIPs. Junzo Yoshimura, one of Japan's leading architects, designed the extension of the main building completed in 1958 at Tawaraya ryokan. After that, it is known that Mr. Yoshimura also worked on the new building completed in 1965.

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The building has undergone repeated renovations to match the times, but the outer wall, entrance, and inner tsubo are said to remain the same as when they were rebuilt around 1927. When you take a step to take off your shoes, you should feel the atmosphere around you change completely. Let's head to the guest room to enjoy while being fascinated by the elegant furnishings that decorate the hotel.

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Each of the 18 guest rooms has a different layout and style, and no two are the same. This "Fuji-no-ma" has a particularly long history among Tawaraya's guest rooms, and you can feel the taste of the shoin-zukuri style from the time of the hotel's founding. The beautiful space where the living room, earthen floor and garden are loosely connected will take your breath away.

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This is Gyosuian, a special room in the extension of the main building designed by Mr. Yoshimura. The scenery of the window surrounded by green bamboo is like looking at a picture on a folding screen. It is built without corner posts, which is considered difficult in a wooden structure, and when the glass door is removed, you will be surrounded by a sense of openness that will make you one with nature. It might be nice to go out to the wet edge made of bamboo and spend time while feeling the breeze.

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After taking a break in the guest room, let's go to the study "Ernest Study" of the late Mr. Ernest Sato, the husband of the head of the family, Toshi Sato. In a small space like an attic, carefully selected books, furnishings, and Scandinavian furniture by famous designers are lined up. Just by being surrounded by a lot of "good things", it seems that my taste will be polished somehow ◎

Located about a 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, SOWAKA is a small luxury hotel that was renovated and expanded from a sukiya-style building that was originally a long-established Japanese restaurant. It was designed by Shigenori Uoya, an up-and-coming architect known for renovating Kyoto's townhouses and row houses. As you pass through the deep green curtains and walk through the small alley, you'll feel the breath of this building that is over 100 years old, and it's exciting...!

There are a total of 23 guest rooms in the "main building" that makes use of the Sukiya architecture, and the "new building" that was newly expanded. Each room has its own style, such as rooms with tea rooms and private gardens, and detached rooms where you can stay with your pet. The Naguri Wall in the main building is a room that will take your breath away when you enter the room with its large wall with unique shaving marks. The traditional "Naguri" is handcrafted by Kyoto craftsmen, and is a design unique to Mr. Uotani, who continues his activities rooted in Kyoto.

This "Garden View Suite" is a guest room that was renovated from a room called "Conch shell room" during the time of the restaurant. When you open the fusuma with the conch shell motif, you will find yourself in a space filled with the atmosphere of the time. Be enchanted by the historical beams and pillars, as well as the beautiful interior that complements it. After relaxing in the bath with the scent of cypress, sit on a chair by the window and enjoy the greenery of the garden.

The guest rooms in the new building are also unique, with different tastes for each room. This “Tsuboniwa View Engawa” has a long and narrow shape reminiscent of a Kyoto townhouse. A courtyard is set up along the window, so you can enjoy the scenery outside wherever you are. It might be a good idea to sit on the porch and look out at the inner garden, drink tea, and immerse yourself in the Japanese atmosphere of Kyoto.

The Nishi-Honganji Temple, a World Cultural Heritage site, and the Nishinotoin area are lined with traditional Kyoto townhouses. Hotel Tou Nishinotoin Kyoto by withceed'', located about 10 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station and about 8 minutes on foot from Gojo Station, is a popular architectural design by Makoto Tanijiri and Ai Yoshida. This is a hotel designed by the office "SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE". Once you've arrived, let's explore the bronze-coloured approaches.

The entrance lobby is an extraordinary space with impressive “light” and “shadow”. Based on the hotel's concept of "back", the "profundity" of Kyoto is expressed as a space. The table in the center is a work of art made of layers of Kyoto washi paper. If you gently touch it, you can feel the depth of Kyoto's traditions and culture.

The guest rooms have a modern Japanese atmosphere where you can feel the traditional culture of Kyoto. The light leaking through the shoji screens and the shadows created by the lattices are designed to give a sense of the spaciousness of the space. This “Premium Room” also has a very stylish interior and lighting. There is a spacious raised tatami mat, so you can relax after a long day of sightseeing.

A major feature of this hotel is that exclusive creators are involved not only in architecture, but also in landscaping, books, graphics, food, and more. At "cafe&bar oku" where the symbolic "geiseki" welcomes you, you can enjoy food and drinks unique to Kyoto. Here, too, please fully enjoy the "profundity" of Kyoto.

Ace Ace Hotel Kyoto is located in Shinpukan, a commercial complex directly connected to Karasuma Oike Station. The hotel consists of a "preservation building" that utilizes the former Kyoto Central Telephone Office built in the Taisho period, and a newly expanded "new building". The architectural design was supervised by Kengo Kuma, a world-famous architect. The preservation building utilizes the solid brick construction as it is, and the new building uses louvers and wooden structures to blend in with the Kyoto cityscape.

On the ceiling of the lobby, there is a wooden structure designed by Mr. Kuma using cedar wood from Kyoto. The lighting is by Commune Design, a popular design studio in Los Angeles, and it's an irresistible space for art lovers. You can also enjoy the beauty of the fragrance.

Like this "Historic Twin", the rooms in the preservation building have a very classical atmosphere. The interior and equipment are all carefully selected, and every time you find one, you will be happy ♩ In addition to Tivoli radios and blank sheet music, some rooms are even equipped with guitars and record players! It is also unique to Kyoto that you can casually place things that make you feel Japanese, such as lighting using Japanese paper.

The "Tatami Suite" in the newly built building, which is equipped with a raised tatami floor, is also recommended for group trips. In addition to original furniture such as lighting, lampshades, and side tables, even the cups and tea caddies are works of artists, so just being there will give you fun inspiration. The architecture and art will stimulate your senses and make you want to start something new♪ There are also other special rooms such as the "Loft Suite" which is about 98 square meters and the "Ace Suite" which features a design that reflects the hotel's concept.

This time, we have introduced Kyoto hotels and ryokan designed by famous architects. Although the architectural eras and themes vary, they are all special spaces where you can experience the architect's aesthetic sense. Kyoto has many sights and tourist attractions, so choose an inn with a focus on architecture. A trip surrounded by sophisticated architectural beauty is sure to be a little different from the usual. Stay at an inn with famous architecture on your trip to Kyoto and create memories you will never forget♪