Located in a tranquil riverside neighborhood at the heart of Kyoto, GENJI Kyoto is a contemporary interpretation of Machiya townhouses, marrying traditional concepts with modern amenities. Inspired by the Japanese masterpiece Tale of Genji, the story of which took place in the vicinity, the hotel’s designers took motifs from the novel to create a wabi sabi world of beauty and harmony.
Architecture & Design
The building is modern, with Western-style rooms and beds. But the features, materials, details, ambience and space arrangements are Japanese. There is a Zen garden for contemplation, a rooftop garden for connecting with nature, and pocket gardens in and around the rooms. This is a very Japanese concept where gardens are created to blur the lines between inside and outside. Having access to nature and the seasons while being indoors has been a perpetual quest of the Japanese people, starting with the imperial gardens of the Heian period through the centuries to the pocket gardens in people’s townhouses.
The hotel’s walls are concrete, but the Japanese technique of imprinting cedar gives them the look and feel of organic wood. In the lobby there is handmade Washi paper incorporated into the windows, producing a stunning play of light and shadows that is a quintessential feature of Japanese design. Modern amenities complement the overall concept, achieving a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
Rooms & Suites
The rooms and suites at GENJI KYOTO are showcases of Kyoto artisanship. Custom-designed and handmade furniture, warm solid wood, natural fabrics, and Washi lamps create a Japanese ambiance that is both modern and timeless. Expansive windows frame picturesque views of serene gardens or robust wildlife on Kamo River. Paintings by young Kyoto artists pay homage to chapters and themes of the Tale of Genji, said to be the oldest novel in the world. Each room has a tatami sitting area, writing desk, dining table, and soaking tub.
Cuisine & Indulgence
Dining at GENJI KYOTO is a relaxed affair. In a city of diverse culinary choices and distinction, the hotel’s seasonal menu of Japanese comfort food – Wagyu Donburi rice bowl, Japanese Curry Rice, Japanese Appetizer Plate and Matcha dessert – has come to be embraced by many a nostalgic traveller longing for respite and relaxation. The hotel also offers a complimentary Matcha-making session – an intimate alternative to the more formal and austere tea ceremony popular amongst tourists.
A Place of Inspiration
More than just a hotel, GENJI Kyoto serves as a cultural bridge between past and present. Amidst the vibrant city, it offers a sanctuary for relaxation and contemplation, inviting guests to experience Japan’s timeless elegance in a refined but cosy setting.
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