“Behind its traditional machiya-style façade, lies a contemporary ryokan made for design-lovers. Interiors are styled on a traditional ryokan with chic minimalism, tatami mat flooring, and sharp lines but there are also renowned artworks (think Damien Hirst) and plenty of modern touches. Very chic.”
“Behind its traditional machiya-style façade, lies a contemporary ryokan made for design-lovers. Interiors are styled on a traditional ryokan with chic minimalism, tatami mat flooring, and sharp lines but there are also renowned artworks (think Damien Hirst) and plenty of modern touches. Very chic.”
Recommended For
- Designer
- Offering the simplicity of a Ryokan with renowned art works and chic European touches — making this anything but traditional
- Local exploring
- Gion district is famous for its geisha teahouses, atmospheric narrow lanes, hidden temples and traditional wooden architecture
- Foodies
- Famed French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten runs the show here offering Kyoto cuisine with a distinctly modern French touch
- Artworks
- The property has some big hitters including Damien Hirst, Louise Bourgeois and Hiroshi Sugimoto
- Other Activities
- Explore some of the many generations-old antique shops and art galleries in the area
- Yoga
- Private yoga and Zazen (a Bhuddist meditation practice) can be booked on request
- Cycling
- Hop on one of the hotel's free bikes and explore the area at your own pace
- Sights nearby
- Spa
- One treatment room and the opportunity to have in-room spa treatments too
- Gym
- A 24-hour fitness room has Technogym bikes, cross-trainers and treadmills
- Child friendly
- A dedicated menu and babysitting is offered although the feel is grown up
- Pet friendly
- One pooch under 15kg can stay for free in select suites
- Views
- All the suites overlook the serene Shirakawa River
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Quiet
- Intimate
- Luxury
- Contemporary
- Chic
- Restaurant
Facilities
- Spa
- One treatment room and the opportunity to have in-room spa treatments too
- Gym
- A 24-hour fitness room has Technogym bikes, cross-trainers and treadmills
- Child friendly
- A dedicated menu and babysitting is offered although the feel is grown up
- Pet friendly
- One pooch under 15kg can stay for free in select suites
- Views
- All the suites overlook the serene Shirakawa River
- Suites
- All the bedrooms are suites
- Babysitting
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Bicycles available
- Bar
- Restaurant
Activities
- Other Activities
- Explore some of the many generations-old antique shops and art galleries in the area
- Yoga
- Private yoga and Zazen (a Bhuddist meditation practice) can be booked on request
- Cycling
- Hop on one of the hotel's free bikes and explore the area at your own pace
- Sights nearby
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
The Shinmonzen
Hovering between a modern take on a traditional ryokan inn and an edgy contemporary gallery, The Shinmonzen is a boutique hotel in Kyoto’s Gion district, designed by architect Tadao Ando. Its nine art-packed suites overlook the serene Shirakawa River...
Originally published by The Telegraph
The Shinmonzen
Why book? A luxurious modern take on Japan’s ryokan inns—long famed for their next-level hospitality and atmospheric settings — The Shinmonzen is an intimate nine-suite hotel that balances the rich heritage of Kyoto with the unapologetic modernity of contemporary architecture, bespoke design, and modern art...
Originally published by CNTraveller
