Genji Kyoto

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.

Experience an authentic piece of Japanese culture at a century-old Sento, a traditional public bathhouse near the hotel—an immersive ritual deeply rooted in Japanese life.

For those who appreciate fine craftsmanship, a visit to the Kaikado Shop & Café is a must. Since 1875, this charming Kyoto institution has been renowned for its exquisite tea caddies, crafted through an intricate 130-step process.

Kyoto is famous for its temples, and several remarkable ones are just a short walk from the hotel. The 33 Gendo Temple, near the National Museum of Kyoto, captivates with its unique architecture, while the magnificent Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and its stunning Shosei-en Garden offer a peaceful retreat.

For art and design enthusiasts, the Kawai Kanjiro House is a hidden gem. This former home of a renowned Japanese artist offers a fascinating glimpse into his work and philosophy.

The culinary scene surrounding GENJI Kyoto is as diverse as it is exceptional. Whether you crave a refined Kaiseki meal, a lively Izakaya experience, an authentic sake bar, handcrafted soba and udon, crispy tempura, fresh sushi, or international flavors ranging from European to Lebanese and Asian—all these premium dining options are within walking distance.