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Japan Today
3 days ago
- Japan Today
Stay in style: Art hotels and creative lodging in Kyoto
Quirky art awaits at the Hotel Anteroom Kyoto throughout the entirety of its grounds. By Kimberly Hughes As with other highly-traveled destinations, Japan has no shortage of unique accommodation options. These include numerous inns incorporating explicitly artistic touches, such as one styled around a treehouse in Okinawa and another that's a denim-themed guesthouse in the Kojima district of Kurashiki, Okayama (known as Japan's 'jeans capital'). This article introduces two artistically themed inns in Kyoto to keep on your radar for future getaways. While differing from the more traditional accommodation experience in Japan's ancient capital, such as a stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or a machiya (townhouse), both of these options offer an opportunity to experience Kyoto's local culture through the unique lens of innovative modern art and design. Ace Hotel Kyoto: Portland cool meets Kyoto craftsmanship Featuring a copper donut-shaped front desk, with unique overhead lighting and wooden beams, Ace Hotel Kyoto is infused with art on every level. Image: Kimberly Hughes Established in 2020, this hotel is part of the global Ace Hotel network, whose first location was repurposed in 1999 from a fisherman's inn in the U.S. city of Portland, Oregon — setting the tone for the brand's ethos of craftsmanship and community. Ace Hotel Kyoto similarly represents a restoration project, featuring two legendary architects working one century apart. It is housed in the atmospheric Shinpuhkan complex, which was designed in the 1920s as the Kyoto Central Telephone Office by leading modernist Yoshida Tetsuro. The present-day structure features the work of Kengo Kuma — including a majestic kigumi (wood joinery) timber ceiling — with additional collaboration from Atelier Ace and Commune Design. Equal parts cozy and chic, the Ace Hotel Kyoto's lobby area invites lounging with friends while gazing at onsite art installations. Image: Kimberly Hughes The hotel grounds brim with the works of local and far-flung artists and designers alike. Lobby accents include copper light fixtures, works from famed katazome (stencil dyeing) artist Yunoki Samiro and verdant foliage homed in earthy, chunky pots created by artist and fisherman Kazunori Hamana. The first-floor exhibition space features artworks from guest creators, which include a rotating lineup of international, multigenre artists-in-residence. A long working table and comfy couch area serve as a community hub — perfect for enjoying a seasonal latte from the adjacent Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a Portland classic. The chilled-out playlist features everything from ambient jazz to funk, with live DJs often spinning for events. Artworks also dot its three onsite restaurants: Kosa, featuring impeccably-presented seasonal local cuisine; Mr. Maurice's Italian, whose specialties include wood-fired pizzas and rooftop cocktails; and Piopiko, an uber-stylish bar and taco lounge. Even the food is an artful affair at the Ace Hotel — including this matcha-dusted, vegan black sesame panna cotta at its stylish Kosa restaurant. Image: Kimberly Hughes While visitors are welcome to enjoy this veritable festival of art in the hotel's restaurant and common spaces, in-room features are of course available exclusively to overnight guests. These include soaking tubs, vinyl turntables, Tivoli radios and Gibson guitars; along with exclusively-designed fabrics, furniture inspired by Charlotte Perriand's work during her World War II-era Japan sojourn, and in-room artworks from Japan's Mingei folk artist movement. While such extravagance naturally comes with a price, off-season rates do run lower; and there are also special deals for Japan residents. Besides its design-oriented accolades, the hotel has additionally received recognition for its diversity-related efforts — including a 2025 Japan Travel Award for its consistent support of LGBTQ+ guests. Hotel Anteroom Kyoto: A contemporary stay with artistic flair Cafe by day and bar in the evening, this space also serves as a spot to gaze at creative art installations. Image: Kimberly Hughes Lying four kilometers due south, this hotel — in the midrange budget category — is significantly more compact in size than the Ace Hotel Kyoto, and offers an altogether different vibe; although no less of an artistic experience. Fronted by a rock garden, along with strategically-positioned lights that cast a soft glow after dark, this inn exudes style even before you first enter. Once a student dormitory, its interior has been renovated in the style of a smart boutique hotel, replete with clean neon-white signage and a spacious area for guest dining. There is also a separate café, open to the public, that turns into a chilled-out bar at nighttime (think Portishead over a dram of whisky). Artistic elements also abound here. There are two styles of rooms — concept and standard — with those in the concept category each showcasing the works of a specific artistic individual or entity; and interesting artworks even featuring in the standard rooms. The first-floor lobby also serves as a space to host exhibitions and events, along with pop-up shops selling artworks and various goods. Even walking down the hallway at the Hotel Anteroom Kyoto feels artsy. Image: Kimberly Hughes In one recent exhibition, titled 'The Box of Memories', the first-floor main space and wall corridor were lined with works that recounted the history of Kumagusuku — another local art hostel, with roots in the Setouchi Art Triennale event, which closed its doors earlier in 2025. All featured artists have a close connection to Kyoto, so between the deeply local exhibitions and the informational clearinghouse-style space filled with racks of pamphlets covering the city's artistic happenings, a stay at the Hotel Anteroom Kyoto affords an intimate window into Kyoto's artistic scene. Since the hotel also has locations in Naha, Okinawa and Seoul, Korea that feature a similar vibe, the next time you visit those cities you can take the opportunity to get artsy there, as well. Find more information on these art-oriented Kyoto hotels here: Ace Hotel Kyoto 245-2 Kurumayacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 604-8185, Japan Tel: 075 229 9000 Website: Ace Hotel Kyoto Hotel Anteroom Kyoto 7 Aketa-cho, Higashi-Kujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto, 601-8044 Japan Tel: 075 681 5656 Website: Hotel Anteroom Kyoto © Japan Today
The Independent
29-04-2025
- The Independent
Ace Hotel Kyoto, Japan review
Location Directly connected to Karasuma Oike Station, Ace Hotel Kyoto couldn't be easier to find. From its location, you are just a short ride from the main Kyoto station, with Shinkansen connections to Tokyo and the nearby tourist spots of Osaka and the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a 30-minute rail ride away. If you arrive before lunch, the historic Nishiki Market is a ten-minute walk from the hotel and is the perfect way to spend your first afternoon in the city, with a range of exotic seafood and local Kyoto street bites to sample. The deep-fried curried bread is not to be missed; just don't think of the calories. On the way back to the hotel, stop in at Kamesuehiro – a 200-year-old confectionery and sweet restaurant that neighbours the hotel. A short stroll from the hotel, you can also find the Kyoto Museum and an eclectic range of shops and restaurants among the busy narrow streets. The vibe Many would describe the Ace as a hipster brand and the long table packed with digital nomads tapping away on their laptops by the main entrance of the hotel will attest to that. The lobby, buzzing with energy, doubles as a communal space where travellers, creatives, and locals mingle over coffee and cocktails. This is not a stuffy chain of yesteryear but one designed with a younger clientele in mind. The building blends historic charm with modern design – a collaboration between Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and LA-based Commune Design. Warm wood complements exposed concrete and well-curated vintage pieces, referencing the region's heritage. The 213 rooms feature paper lanterns, modern art and vinyl turntables featuring a mix of Latin, Japanese funk and French jazz records. The service Service is as hoped for – friendly, fashionable, and always with a smile. There was a slight wait at reception on arrival, but this was during the busiest period of the year. While you will be warmly welcomed at the door, don't expect your bags to be taken to your room for you. Staff throughout the hotel were happy to share local knowledge, help arrange transport and answer questions about restaurant menus. There is bike rental at the front of the hotel – a nice touch – a 24-hour gym, and a 24-hour reception desk. Bed and bath The smaller rooms can feel slightly pokey, with a sink found just beyond the door, but in Kyoto there is so much to see that you are unlikely to spend a huge amount of time inside. Each of the 213 rooms has the usual facilities you would expect of a mid-range chain. One of the nicest touches is a drip coffee maker; Japan takes its coffee very seriously indeed. There are nine room types ranging from a standard king with king-size beds and a Japanese soaking tub, to the Ace Suite. All have biodegradable toiletries, original artwork by Samiro Yunoki and a custom Pendleton blanke. Bathrooms feature slate tiles and natural ash wood ceilings, a soaking tub and a separate shower. Some have a TEAC turntable and others a Gibson guitar. The suite is found in the former Kyoto Central Telephone Office and offers a separate dining, bar and living area. Food and drink Ace Hotel Kyoto offers a standout breakfast in a room with views over the courtyard garden. Avocado and eggs on toast were a standout. Across the hotel, there are three separate restaurants, a rooftop bar and a Slumptown coffee shop – the company's first international branch. Of the eateries, Kōsa is the hotel's main offering, sourcing ingredients from local farmers in the region. The menu reflects the shifting seasons, offering contemporary dishes. Piopiko on the second floor is a Mexican-inspired taco bar and lounge from Chef Wes Avila of LA's Guerrilla Tacos fame. The menu blends traditional Mexican flavours with local Kyoto ingredients. Mr. Maurice's is on the third floor, the Italian restaurant is more of a casual dining spot overseen by Chef Marc Vetri. It offers a modern take on Italian comfort food with a Japanese twist. Pizza is also on offer for takeout. Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a hip American-based coffee company, is located on the ground floor and is perfect for coffee enthusiasts. Enjoy a well-made espresso before heading out to explore the city. Facilities The hotel doesn't have a huge range of extra facilities. There is a 24-hour gym and art spaces for exhibitions including photography. There are also vinyl pop-ups and an Ace shop selling branded tote bags and clothing. The hotel also offers spaces to rent for business meetings and weddings. Disability access The hotel and its restaurants are wheelchair accessible. Pet policy Dogs and cats are allowed. The rooftop restaurant is dog-friendly. An additional fee of 14,300 yen (£75) per dog per night (tax included) and a maximum of two dogs per room. Check in/check out Check in from 3pm; check out by 12pm. Family-friendly? Yes. As a brand, Ace Hotel Kyoto is known for its cool and youthful vibe. Cots are available for babies and toddlers. At a glance Best thing: Location. Being able to walk straight from Karasuma Oike Station into the hotel is great. You are well placed to explore the city and further out. Perfect for: Couples looking to enjoy a few days and nights exploring the city. Not right for: Big groups. This is a cosy hotel where nights at the bar are fun, but the room isn't designed for an after-party.
