There’s something about Kyoto that makes you want to slow down and savour every moment. Maybe it’s the way the city seems to blend the old with the new effortlessly. Or the way the tranquil Kyoto streets come alive at night.
But there’s one place in Kyoto that always makes me feel at ease: the Genji Kyoto hotel.
Balancing the aspects of modernism with Japanese principals of design into their architecture and interior space, this boutique hotel is like a hidden gem in the neighbourhood.
Next to the lobby is the Ukifune Garden, which is an allegorical interpretation of the eponymous chapter from the Tale of Genji. In the novel, Ukifune (“drifting boat”), represents the untethered evanescence of human experience. In our garden, it is represented by a boat-like stone that can also symbolize our own earth drifting through the universe.
This hotel is the perfect base for exploring all that Kyoto has to offer. It’s centrally located, yet feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This boutique hotel has beautifully crafted spaces which are also multipurpose. The lobby itself is a reception, restaurant, cafe, reading corner, tea corner and bar.
Sky Forest Garden
Sky Forest Garden on the rooftop is a perfect place to relax, watch the sunset and unwind.
With stunning views of the river, the Higashiyama Mountains beyond and Kiyomizu Temple, it is a magical place to enjoy breakfast, have a drink, have a conversation with friends, or just a quiet moment to oneself.
River Balcony Premium Double Room
One thing that really impresses me is the rooms. They are spacious and comfortable with beautifully crafted furniture. The design of the rooms and really well thought out. There is a full-size dining table, a low table and chair on the tatami mat and even a stool for you to wear your shoes at ease at the entrance. You are to take off your shoes before entering the room as that’s the traditional Japanese way of living.
Both the river view and city view room comes with a balcony with table and chairs, every room has a little garden sculpted to it and a painting unique to every room created by Kyoto artists.
I especially like the charging sockets and light switches that are neatly located at the edge of the bed and can be easily reached before you go to bed.
This bathroom is like a beautiful art piece itself. A mixture of texture and integrating the pocket garden from the exterior into the bathroom is just so aesthetic. The wooden bathtub releases an earthy and wooden scent that reminds me of nature.
It is spacious and comes with complete set of amenities. There is also a Dyson hair dryer for the guest in each room.
River Balcony Deluxe room
Full glass panels with automatic blinds let lots of light into the rooms. Each of these 19 rooms in the hotel is unique and filled with beautifully hand-crafted furniture.
In-room dining is a pleasure when there is a big dining table and a wonderful way to savour a delicious meal in the comfort of your own privacy.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Kyoto that will make you feel like you’re in a world of your own, I highly recommend the Genji Kyoto hotel.
