A Tribute to Japanese Aesthetics
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.
Comfort Food in a Relaxed Atmosphere
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.
Design Concept: “Aimai” – The Art of Subtle Boundlessness
The Hotel K5, located in Nihonbashi Kabutocho, is a striking blend of history, culture, and modern design. Originally constructed in 1923 as a bank, the building was transformed into a unique design hotel in 2020. Nestled next to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the K5 bridges traditional Tokyo with the trendy eastern districts. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring landmarks such as Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace, and Ginza, all within walking distance.
“Aimai” – The Art of Subtle Boundlessness
The Hotel’s design, envisioned by the Swedish architectural studio Claesson Koivisto Rune, revolves around the Japanese concept of Aimai, meaning “vague” or “ambiguous.” In Japanese culture, this term has a poetic and positive connotation, emphasizing openness and harmony.
This principle permeates the hotel’s spaces: boundaries between areas are softened, and functions blend seamlessly. The library doubles as a bar, the café transitions into a lounge, and the wine bar merges with the restaurant. Materials like cedarwood, Japanese stucco, and concrete, paired with bespoke furniture and calming indigo-dyed curtains, create an atmosphere of tranquility and balance.
The lush greenery curated by Yard Works enhances this ambiance by integrating nature into the urban setting. Plants are thoughtfully placed throughout the hotel, transforming it into a green sanctuary amidst the concrete-heavy Nihonbashi district.
Rooms: Fusion of Elegance and Functionality
The Hotel K5 offers a variety of thoughtfully designed rooms that combine comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Each room features custom-designed furniture, vinyl record players, and a curated selection of books, emphasizing individuality and sophistication. Indigo-dyed curtains add intimacy, while high ceilings and open layouts foster a sense of spaciousness.
Room Categories at a Glance:
- Studio: Compact yet functional, ideal for business travelers and short stays.
- High Ceiling Studio: Located on the top floor, featuring 4.5-meter-high ceilings for an enhanced sense of space.
- K5 Room: The standard room with a king-size bed and bespoke furnishings.
- High Ceiling K5 Room: A more expansive standard room with impressive 4.5-meter-high ceilings.
- Junior Suite and High Ceiling Junior Suite: Spacious suites with separate living areas, perfect for longer stays
Best Room: The K5 Suite
The K5 Suite stands out as the most luxurious accommodation in the hotel. Spanning 80 square meters with 4.5-meter-high ceilings, it offers an extraordinary sense of space. The suite includes a private dining area suitable for small gatherings, a mini kitchen, and custom furniture, making it an unparalleled expression of the K5 design ethos
Culinary Highlights: A Feast for the Senses
The Hotel K5 not only offers exceptional rooms, but also a diverse selection of gastronomic experiences:
- Restaurant Caveman: A creative fusion of Japanese, French, and Danish cuisines.
- Caveman Winebar: A wide selection of natural wines curated by experienced sommeliers.
- B by Brooklyn Brewery: The first international outpost of the iconic New York brewery.
- Library Bar “Ao”: A unique blend of a library and bar, serving innovative cocktails inspired by Asian flavors.
- Switch Coffee: The third branch of a renowned Tokyo coffee shop, known for its high-quality single-origin brews
Please note that Caveman, the winebar and Switch Coffee will undergo a shop renewal from February 1 – March 14, 2025
The Hotel K5 is more than just a place to stay – it’s a concept. With its innovative design, prime location, and exceptional dining options, it offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to explore Tokyo’s dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. The K5 embodies the future of urban living in the city
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