“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
  • 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

  • Sights nearby

  • Chic

  • Restaurant

Facilities

  • Rooms

    9 rooms in this hotel
  • 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

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

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