The Shinmonzen
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto has long been a magnet for travellers who visit for its Zen gardens, colourful Shinto shrines, traditional tea houses and high-quality sake – indeed, this is a city which defines traditional Japan. Opened in late 2021, The Shinmonzen is located on the quiet Shinmonzen Dori street in Gion, an artsy area of wooden townhouses, cobbled lanes, antiques shops and a thriving creative community. The nine-suite boutique hotel, designed by contemporary architect Tadao Ando, makes much of its location. Behind the modest machiya-esque exterior, rooms evoke a modern minimalism with tatami floors, sliding screens, handwoven carpets and hinoki soaking tubs. Natural materials such as bamboo, silk, lacquer and marble further add to the air of serenity, so too the balcony views of the Shirakawa River below. Calm and contemplative it may be, but this is also a hotel that is aware of its cosmopolitan clientele. Jean-Georges Vongerichten helms the restaurant (you’ll spy caviar on the French-American-Asian menu), while works by Damien Hirst, Mary McCartney and Louise Bourgeois hang on the walls. The tailor-made experiences are worth signing up for, from mindfulness meditation sessions to tea ceremonies and private rickshaw rides.
Key Information
- Rooms: 9
- Starting Rate: $1442
- High Season: March-April
- Dining: Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen
- Drinking: The Bar
- At the Hotel: Boutique, guided tours, spa room, gym, art collection
- 81 75 533 6553
- Visit The Shinmonzen's Website
Location
235 Nishino-cho, Shinmonzen-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605 0088
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