It’s easy to walk past The Shinmonzen without even suspecting that one of Kyoto’s best luxury, boutique hotels may be awaiting behind its traditional noren curtains.

The Shinmonzen superbly blends into its surroundings and righteously so, the backstreets of Kyoto’s Gion district hold years of history behind each door, representing a respectful ode to the historic, neighbouring area.

With its modest exterior, it would come as a surprise then that the building itself was designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, designed entirely from the ground up. Typically recognised for his monolithic, concrete structures, Tadao Ando has created a timber-clad affair featuring generous tiered balcony floors overlooking the Shirakawa river.

Inspired by Kyoto’s traditional machiya townhouses and the city’s air of exclusivity and modesty, Ando has created a structure that is a unique build blending of both Japanese and European elements — led by his long-term collaborative partnership with the hotel’s owner Paddy McKillen.

McKillen, a Belfast-born hotelier and renowned property developer, first enlisted Ando on developing the property of his extraordinary winery; Château La Coste in France’s Provence region. Counting the famed Claridge’s in London amongst his impressive hotel portfolio, McKillen was a frequent traveller to Kyoto and found a gap in the market — one which he has now successfully filled with an intimate and exclusive design-led hotel in amongst the unique, quiet backstreets of the city’s Gion district.

Behind the noren curtains of The Shinmonzen emblazoned by the hotels S logo in white, calligraphic script — also designed by Tadao Ando — the main entrance features a long walkway that leads you to the lounge-like reception.

General Manager Katrina Uy and her impeccable team of hospitality specialists provide the ultimate sense of omotenashi. With a welcoming tea or champagne and the pleasant fragrance of Jasmine in the air, find the art-filled hotel equally light-filled — flooding in from the neighbouring river view and emphasised by its warm and bright interior.

In the hallways, find artworks by embroidery artist Asami Kiyokawa, painter Makoto Ofune, and photographs by Mary McCartney — talented photographer and daughter of The Beatles’ Paul McCartney.

Across three levels, the hotel presents just nine guest rooms — each generous in size and comfort — and with al fresco outdoor balconies overlooking the Japanese maple momiji trees and flowing river.

There are details that couldn’t exist anywhere else in the world. The guest room interiors are a poetic nod to Villa La Coste with a touch of Kyoto — an amalgamation lending to the craftsmanship of both. From silver-plated steel doorknobs imported from Europe and customised to fit Japanese standards, to carpet floors handmade by the renowned Kyoto-based kimono textile manufacturer Kawashina Selkon Textiles, founded in 1843. Each guest room bathroom features marbled basins, with organic amenities and incredible, individual custom-made and custom-sized hinoki wooden baths by Hinoki Soken. The attention to details are truly unbelievable, making it feel like an ultimate luxury dream living space.

Whilst it isn’t impossible to spend the entire stay in the hotel, a walk through the neighbouring area truly captures the atmosphere. Find antique seller Yagi-san, to a two Michelin-starred restaurant Shinmonzen Yonemura. Down through a hidden laneway, sits famed warabi mochi sweet artisans Komori-san, and Common One Bar Kyoto — one of the best classic cocktail bars in Kyoto.

As the first outpost of the renowned Jean-Georges restaurants led by super chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the Kyoto site was opened by chef Alexis Moko, who had previously worked with Vongerichten at The Connaught Hotel in London as his Executive Sous-Chef (and whom moved to Kyoto two years ago as part of the opening team of the Park Hyatt Kyoto).

Now, Executive Chef Hana Yoon joins the restaurant from Jean-Georges Restaurant in New York, where she worked as Sous Chef in 2021.

Chef Yoon’s extensive international experience elevates local-led dishes in a Stephanie Goto-designed interior.

The Shinmonzen now welcomes a new storefront addition, T., Collection, to their Ando-designed building, where the depth and beauty of Japanese tea culture is presented in modern sophistication.

In the signature approach of Tokyo-based design studio Simplicity who led the store interior design, the space is a gentle whisper of elegance that quietly nestles into the neighbourhood’s reserved culture and unspoken charm of Gion in Kyoto.

Through a traditional white noren curtain and a timber latticed facade, guests and visitors are immediately immersed in the subtle yet delightful aroma of tea at OGATA at The Shinmonzen. Here the nuanced complexity of Japanese tea varieties and their blends, have been distilled into a welcoming and carefully curated arrangement led by Shinya Sakurai of Saboe.

With a stunning and striking central counter made from Isahaya stone from Nagasaki in Kyushu, with polished concrete flooring and kiri paulownia wood shelving and cabinetry, the boutique showcases an impressive selection of Japanese confectionary, quality crafts, fragrance, and of course speciality Japanese teas (many exclusive to the store only).

OGATA at The Shinmonzen is segmented into two main spaces. To the left; the T., Collection main shelving presenting a focus of 10 blended teas is available to purchase. As each individual’s palette and taste preferences vary, so do the slight nuances of origin, altitude and processes in Japanese teas. Here, customers can delve into the layers of sweetness, astringency and variations of umami with an in-person approach with knowledgable store staff to assist in selecting their favourite tea. On the other side of the store, find the retail corner of artisanal objects designed and produced by Simplicity Design Studio, including their original fragrance, Yoka.

The loose leaf T., Collection blended teas can be equally enjoyed in a sublimely sumptuous Afternoon Tea held at The Shinmonzen. With a menu traversing seasonality and locality designed by Executive Chef Hana Yoon and Executive Pastry Chef Koji Takikake of Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen, the duo have crafted a dining experience of perfect pairings of warm scones, finger sandwiches and sweet pastries to accompany the exclusive T., Collection loose leaf teas.

Newly launched, Afternoon Tea at The Shinmonzen is where guests can experience a classic afternoon tea set curated by Pastry Chef Koji Tachikake and Executive Chef Hana Yoon.

The classic Afternoon Tea selection of small sandwich sandwiches and seasonal pastries in a specially-designed tiered stand by Shinichiro Ogata, presented alongside warm scones served on Kyoto-made ceramics. The Shinmonzen champion the creative community around them, through tableware or surrounding artworks.

The art of tea can be experienced through the curated tea offering of specially-selected Single Origin, Herbal and Green teas such as Seiun Gyokuro ‘Jade Dew’ or Matsunosiro Matcha crafted from stone-ground Okumidori cultivar leaves.

Open to both hotel guests and the public, the Afternoon Tea at The Shinmonzen is a delight for the senses.

With a superb curation and consideration across every single detail, The Shinmonzen is one of the most impressive, luxury boutique hotels in Japan.

From key curation toward custom guest activities, to perfecting the dining offering in the hotel, The Shinmonzen upholds the highest standards, going above and beyond for guests, exceeding their expectations. As a boutique hotel, The Shinmonzen feels like a home-away-from-home, private and personal and most conveniently located unassumingly in the backstreets of the most exciting area of Kyoto.

THE SHINMONZEN
Shinmonzen-dori, 235 Nishinocho,
Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0088

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Text: Joanna Kawecki
Images: As credited