Stay, experience and get inspiration—take a leaf from these beautiful Kyoto boutique hotels which boast impeccable interiors, each with its own story to tell
Change is inherent in cities; these urban centres are designed to evolve with the passage of time, adapting to the new needs of their inhabitants and travellers. And in Kyoto, Japan’s much-visited ancient capital, that sense of transmutation is steadily speeding up.
A stream of new and upcoming hotel openings is making this perennial destination even more appealing to local and international visitors while catering to various travelling styles, interests and design tastes. From an unexpected find located amid modern houses and machiyas (traditional wooden townhouses) in the suburbs and a pilgrimage venue for video-game enthusiasts to a luxury property located enviably close to a Unesco world heritage site, we pick out some unforgettable venues to shortlist for your next sojourn to Kyoto.
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1. Garrya Nijo Castle
A quiet bamboo-lined side entrance leads to the foyer of Garrya Nijo Castle in Kyoto, where a spectacular view awaits. When I visited the hotel in November, I was mesmerised by the sight of splendorous autumn foliage, beautifully reflected onto the glossy tops of the lacquered tables in the lobby. It is a scene that invites you to enjoy a moment of repose in a space made for mindfulness; quite aptly, the hotel will roll out meditation sessions in the garden after springtime arrives.
Located near the namesake Nijo Castle, this 25-room property is one of two hotels in the city by Singapore-based hospitality firm Banyan Tree, and is part of its expansion plans in Japan. The Garrya brand concept is focused on wellness, and this is conveyed visually through its modern minimalist design. These elements are also brought out in the multi-course menu of its signature restaurant, Singular, which serves elegantly plated dishes prepared with fresh produce that aim to make you feel healthy and well.
Read more: Ho Renyung of Banyan Tree Group is determined to do things differently