Hotel Kanra Kyoto

Tokyo is Japan’s modern city, and Kyoto the traditional one — or so the stereotype would have it. In truth it’s a bit more complicated than that, thanks in part to exceptions like the Hotel Kanra Kyoto. It’s clear from a glance that this is an unmistakably modern design hotel, but it’s one that takes its inspiration from Kyoto’s ancient hospitality traditions.

A recent renovation has expanded it significantly, from 29 rooms to 68, and while the finishes are clean and sparkling new, if anything, the atmosphere is even more classic. The concept is a contemporary re-interpretation of Machiya style, whose handmade construction and simple, unadorned woodwork recalls both timeless ryokan style and austere 20th-century modernism.

The marriage of the contemporary and the traditional continues in the rooms and suites, which combine tatami-style seating with occasional Western-height furniture, and all are packed with stylish comfort, from the extra-wide beds and cushiony sofas to the selection of local teas and the artworks that accent the walls. Bathrooms feature tubs made of Japanese cypress, and many of the glass-walled showers feature small rock gardens. Some rooms come equipped with private courtyard gardens, and the Kanra Suite Annex boasts a secluded outdoor bath.

Meanwhile the newly renovated lobby is home to a quiet café and a shop featuring handmade crafts from all over Japan. And the restaurant is a deep dive into the local food culture, featuring Wagyu beef, Kyoto-made sake, and all manner of traditional Japanese fare.

How to get there:
Hotel Kanra Kyoto is an 8-minute walk from the Kyoto train station, which is 80 minutes from Kansai International airport by express train.