In Kyoto, the abundance of hotels is aplenty. Where does one stay to fully immerse themselves a full experience of the wondrous city? Nestled alongside various traditional stores and craftsmen whilst being surprisingly situated in the beating heart of central Kyoto — look no further.

The otherworldly Ace Hotel Kyoto has successfully nestled itself within the beloved Japanese former capital as a vibrant and stylish creative hub both for local and international guests.

As an amalgamation of elements citing East meets West, the hotel’s atmosphere blends a perfect balance of the two stemming from its architecture by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, interior design by Los Angeles-based design studio Commune, and exceptional craftsmanship found within details.

Located a stone’s throw from the Imperial Palace, find Ace Hotel Kyoto part of the newly developed Shin-Puh-Kan complex situated on Karasuma street in Kyoto’s Karasuma Oike district.

Built in 1926, the striking, historic red-brick building was formerly the Kyoto Central Telephone Office building. Japanese architect Kengo Kuma renovated the structure and designed a new adjoining build, housing Ace Hotel Kyoto positioned both inside the new-build side of the complex and 27 rooms found in the original, renovated site.

Kuma Kengo’s fragmented timber facade blends a sense of nature with the urban environment — a pleasant surprise to discover and experience in the heart of central Kyoto.

The harmonised details at Ace Hotel Kyoto define the welcoming atmosphere right from the beginning — the solid, hand-battered copper front reception desk, to vibrant and colourful original stencil-dye prints by late artist Samiro Yunoki.

The legendary folk craft artist whom passed away at the age of 101, worked directly with Ace Hotel and its design team to develop custom artworks for guest rooms and communal spaces. It’s an extraordinary feat that presents the beauty of a traditional Japanese art form revived into a contemporary context.

Other sublimely-crafted interior design objects and furniture found inside the hotel include Japanese handcrafted lighting (such as paper lanterns by Kyoto-based Kojima Shouten), woven copper lanterns by Kanaami-Tsuji, lighting by Nara-based New Light Pottery, and captivatingly oversized ceramics by artist-fisherman Kazunori Hamana scattered throughout the entire building.

Housing 213 guest rooms ranging from a Standard King to the grand Ace Suite, guest room amenities are unique and playful, such as a TEAC turntable or Gibson guitar, that embody the hotel’s approach to creating diverse and joy-inducing memories.

The range of spaces within spaces at Ace Hotel Kyoto is a masterful ingredient in what makes it such a unique journey.

The ground-level Stumptown Coffee Roasters cafe and Ace Hotel Kyoto’s lounge-esque reception area welcomes both hotel guests and visitors to enjoy and lounge at ease, adding to the diversity of dialogue and exchange.

The three restaurants spread across the third floor of the hotel include PIOPIKO a tacos and bar led by Head Mixologist Ryuichi Saito (formerly of Trunk Hotel Tokyo) and chef Wes Avila, to Mr. Maurice’s Italian (helmed by James Beard-awarded chef Marc Vitri). Kōsa presents seasonal farm-to-table dining, led by chef Katy Cole (of Tokyo’s favourite Locale, an intimate 20-seat bistro). Cole brings that attention to detail to Kōsa, where the same ethos of working with local farmers for restaurant produce makes the dishes as authentic to place as they can be.

The hotel sees its second pop-up restaurant with NOMA KYOTO this year, masterminded by chef Rene Redzepi and the Ace Hotel team, which is sure to attract global visitors once again.

With a sense of play and freedom at their core — whether for their exceptionally-designed hotel or stellar dining facilities — Ace Hotel Kyoto’s certainly ensures a memorable Kyoto experience.

ACE HOTEL KYOTO
245-2 Kurumayacho, Nakagyo Ward,
Kyoto, 604-8185, Japan

For more design and travel destinations in Kyoto and Japan, click here.

Text: Joanna Kawecki
Images: As credited, Champ Magazine© and courtesy Ace Hotel Kyoto