Ace Hotel Kyoto has opened its doors for an initial preview period, welcoming guests to its first hotel in Asia. Ace Hotel Kyoto, designed in partnership with legendary architect Kengo Kuma and longtime Ace partner Commune Design, features a vibrant Lobby, garden courtyard, flexible event spaces, a dedicated gallery, and the first Stumptown Coffee Roasters Coffee Shop in Japan. Ace Hotel Kyoto will also feature three distinct restaurants from by beloved and award-winning chef-partners, Naomi Pomeroy, Marc Vetri and Wes Avila.
Ace Hotel Kyoto lives in a building that’s part historic structure (a beloved 1926 building once home to Kyoto Central Telephone Company by Tetsuro Yoshida, one of the great Japanese modern architects), and part new-build, that comprise the SHIN-PUH-KAN Redevelopment Project, helmed by development partners NTTUD.
The structure also incorporates a large ground floor marketplace that connects directly to the Kyoto subway line, all cohesively designed by award-winning architect Kengo Kuma. The hotel’s design centeres around an East Meets West aesthetic philosophy, marrying a shared love for craft, natural, regional materials and custom art by local and West Coast artists and artisans.
Inspiration was culled from the history of collaborations between Western architects and designers like Frank Lloyd Wright, Antonin Raymond and Charlotte Perriand and Japanese builders, artists and manufacturers. Incorporating a balance between Japanese and American aesthetics, the public and private areas offer layered, iconoclastic spaces that speak to the convergence of ideas and traditions. Ace Hotel Kyoto features original art and custom furnishings from artists and craftsmen based in Japan and the States, including a large-scale textile piece by the Kagoshima- based Shobu Gakuen artist community, hanging above check-in.
The gallery space and bar are lined with sculptural tiles from Shigaraki; Noren curtains and banners by celebrated nonagenarian artist Samiro Yunoki — who also created the hotel’s logo and custom font — are displayed around the hotel. The guestrooms are intelligently designed and feature signature Ace touches, incorporating locally sourced and natural materials, custom wool Pendleton bed blankets and original in-room art by Samiro Yunoki.
Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in Kyoto
Centrally located, Ace Hotel Kyoto is just a stone’s throw from cultural treasures like Nishiki Market, the Museum of Kyoto and Kyoto Art Center, and surrounded by classic shops such as Kamesuehiro , Shoyeido, and Miyawaki Baisenan. Taking cues from the neighbourhood and its cultural heritage, Ace Hotel Kyoto is filled with original art, thoughtful architectural details and has been imagined as a global cultural hub for its inhabitants and visitors alike.
GUEST ROOM TYPES
Standard King rooms have a king-sized bed, window seats, a Tivoli radio and a turntable by TEAC. All rooms feature original artwork by Samiro Yunoki and a custom Pendelton blanket, and some rooms have a Gibson guitar. Bathrooms feature slate tiles and natural ash wood ceilings and come with a soaking tub and separate hower.
Deluxe King rooms have a king-sized bed, window seats, a turntable and views. All rooms feature original artwork by Samiro Yunoki and custom a Pendelton blanket; some rooms have a TEAC turntable, some rooms have a Gibson guitar. Bathrooms feature slate and natural ash wood and come with a soaking tub and separate shower.
Double rooms have two double beds, a Tivoli radio and window seats; some have garden views. Bathrooms feature slate tiles and natural ash wood ceilings and come with a soaking tub and separate shower. All rooms feature original artwork by Samiro Yunoki and a custom Pendelton blanket; some rooms have a TEAC turntable, some rooms have a Gibson guitar.
Historic Double rooms are located in the former telephone company building and feature two double beds, double vanity and separate living area. Bathrooms feature slate tiles and natural ash wood ceilings and come with a soaking tub and separate shower. Most rooms have a TEAC turntable and all rooms have a Tivoli radio, original artwork by Samiro Yunoki and a custom Pendelton blanket.
Terrace Double rooms have two double beds, a Tivoli radio and a private balcony. Bathrooms feature slate tiles and natural ash wood ceilings and come with a soaking tub and separate shower. All rooms feature original artwork by Samiro Yunoki and a custom Pendelton blanket; some rooms have a TEAC turntable, some rooms have a Gibson guitar.
Garden Terrace rooms have a king bed, double vanity, Tivoli radio and garden views from the private terrace. Bathrooms feature slate tiles and natural ash wood ceilings and come with a soaking tub and separate shower. All rooms feature original artwork by Samiro Yunoki and a custom Pendelton blanket; some rooms have a TEAC turntable, some rooms have a Gibson guitar.
Tatami Suite features four tatami futons, double vanities, turntables and a bar. Bathrooms feature slate tiles and natural ash wood ceilings and come with a soaking tub and separate shower. All rooms feature original artwork by Samiro Yunoki and a custom Pendelton blanket; some rooms have a TEAC turntable, some rooms have a Gibson guitar.
Ace Suite has a king bed or two double beds, a separate dining, bar and living area, double vanity and room to move. The bathroom features slate tiles and natural ash wood ceilings and comes with a soaking tub and separate shower. All rooms feature original artwork by Samiro Yunoki and a custom Pendelton blanket; some rooms have a TEAC turntable, some rooms have a Gibson guitar.
