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The Shinmonzen
- Where:
- Why:Architectural and hospitality dream stay designed by Tadao Ando
- When:January 2023
- Who:Braulio and me
"This nine-room Ando-designed hotel is as close as it gets to perfection"
AT A GLANCE: On a quiet street in the culturally-rich Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto is a small hotel with a mighty presence. With just nine rooms, each designed by Tadao Ando, the emphasis at The Shinmonzen is on quality over quantity. While an architectural rhythm beats softly throughout the hotel, the gracious staff elevates the overall experience, just as Jean-Georges’ faultless gastronomy makes for a divine dining affair. A simple hotel with a thoughtful philosophy, at The Shinmonzen, everything is intentional, the deliverables are heartfelt, and visiting is truly an escape. Swipe the images below to discover.
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First impressions upon arrival — subdued yet dominant presence while keeping in with its surroundings
Nine elegant suites designed by Tadao Ando, all overlooking the Shirakawa River
Little did we know that at the end of this corridor, the most outstanding hospitality team awaited us with poise and grace
Everything was arranged before we arrived, so check-in was effortless. Gerard Richters’ Tulips took more of our time
First glance into the Urushi Suite. It was love at first sight!
Obsessed with the complimentary incense. We were gifted a box to take home, easily our favorite souvenir!
Thoughtfully curated, crafted, and placed. Nothing feels out of place or unintentional.
The spacious cypress soaking bathtub was just as inviting as the luscious king bed
Toto toilets in Japan are always a talking point, but this freestanding control panel was a first!
Golden hour light washing over the historical Gion District from our terrace
All the natural materials are complemented with sunlight, from dawn to dusk. The room breathes life
Stepping into the Jean-Georges dining room was so mesmerizing that we failed to document our divine meal!
We returned from dinner to a transformed space. This is not your typical turndown service
Cozy, his and her pajamas delicately placed on our bed, unexpected and charming
The hospitality went beyond our imagination — the bath was set with hinoki wood chips and kuromoji essential oil
Breakfast was a mouthwatering array of traditional and umami flavors. Each dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and plated with precision
Early morning walk to Kennin-ji Temple for an initiation session to zazen meditation with the head monk Tosei Shinabe. So grateful
The hotel honors the machiya fabric of this neighborhood, sharing the street with a cherished multi-generational antique store
The best mini bar. This drawer was filled with Kyoto-crafted snacks. The hotel happens to be the sister property to Villa La Coste in Provence, which explains the incredible wine selection!
The Shinmonzen honors past, present, and future in an unexpectedly intimate and respectful manner
Highs & Lows
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There is no magic in magic — it's all in the details
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The amenities in the room were out of this world. Hinoki bath chips, private-label incense, and a personalized dessert plate awaited us upon arrival
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Cozy his and hers pajamas at turndown service
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The Shinmonzen is tucked between an antique store and an art gallery. So subtle!
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It goes without saying, but The Shinmonzen is a place of peace and serenity. If you are looking for a hotel with a thriving nightlife, this isn't it
Important Bits
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Type
Lifestyle Hotel
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Vibe
Discreet and design-forward with an intimate feel and impeccable service
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Location
Fantastically perched over Shirakawa Brook
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Rooms
Nine
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Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience
As soon as we crossed the Kamo River into Gion, The Shinmonzen came into view, and it was as if time had ceased. The approach was profoundly ceremonial. Having been whisked away from the bustle of the city, we arrived in the warm embrace of the exceptional hospitality team, who immediately made us feel at home
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Future Forward
Via its patronage, The Shinmonzen safeguards the cultural fabric of its neighbors, making sure local shops can continue to exist as they have for generations
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Music
The babbling creek below, in unison with the brisk winter breeze, songful birds, rustling of leaves, and neighborly pedestrians afoot
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Year Opened
2021
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Designed By
Tadao Ando
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Health & Wellness
Massage and reiki are available upon request. In fact, Mount Kurama, on the outskirts of Kyoto, is the birthplace of this holistic healing art. Braulio returned from his treatment feeling light, brandishing an ear-to-ear grin
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Food
The kitchen is stewarded by Jean-Georges. Say no more. Dinner was divine. The Japanese breakfast set was meticulously curated so that every bite was a full expression of harmonious tastes and textures
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Bar, Events & Nightlife
There was no urge to heighten our senses as the setting was sensorial enough
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Minibar & Retail
Locally sourced, plastic-free artisanal treats and French wines. A complimentary fruit and cheese plate was accompanied by a bottle of champagne. Decadence without the pomp and circumstance
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Accessibility
“No” is simply not part of the vocabulary at The Shinmonzen. Everyone is accommodated
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Pet Friendly
Yes
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Children
Yes
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Price
$$$
- Tel.
- Website
The Shinmonzen
The Shinmonzen, Shinmonzen-dori, 235 Nishinochō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Kennin-Ji Temple
Kennin-ji Temple, ５８４番地 Komatsuchō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park, Maruyamachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Nanzen-ji
Nanzen-ji, Nanzenji Fukuchichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
In the Area
Hotel Location The Shinmonzen, Shinmonzen-dori, 235 Nishinochō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
The Shinmonzen is in Gion, which is historically an entertainment district. The area retains a number of machiya townhouses, some of which still function as teahouses hosted by geishas.
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