A luxury stay in the old capital's ambience
―New opening of The Hiramatsu Kyoto

Welcome to where memories of the old capital lives on.

This spring, Hiramatsu, the leading name in Japan’s French dining scene, has added another prime address to its hotels series designed under its concept of “a luxurious stay experience at a restaurant.” Located on Muromachi-dori main street that runs through central Kyoto, The Hiramatsu Kyoto―the brand’s first luxury city hotel in the series―boasts great accessibility for travelers while retaining the charms of one of the most historic districts in the old capital, where the parade floats gather and dominate the streets during Kyoto’s renowned Gion Festival in summer since olden times.

One of Kyoto’s traditional machiya buildings that housed both a merchant’s establishment and residential quarters was successfully remodeled into this five-story hotel. Sotoji Nakamura Komuten, the Kyoto carpentry firm specializing in sukiya-style Japanese architecture founded by the renowned master carpenter Sotoji Nakamura, oversaw the remodeling project. Yoshiaki Nakamura, the present head of the firm, says he “felt a lot of responsibility to remodel such a historic building in Kyoto, especially at this prestigious ‘Muromachi-dori Sanjyo-agaru’ address.”

Traditional details and structures seen in Kyoto architecture from the Edo period (1603‐1867) were preserved, such as the itoya-goshi—meaning “yarn shop lattice,” a design unique to kimono and other textile-related shops—as well as tsuboniwa small inner garden, hashiriniwa earthen-floor hallway and the kura storage house. The pillars and beams in the building were dismantled then reconstructed, making the project similar in scale and significance to preservation projects for cultural properties. Master artisans used their techniques and know-hows to select the finest of materials and created a perfect cohabitation of old and newly-added elements. The hotel truly embodies “han-nari”, an expression used in Kyoto to describe elegance and sophistication.

“Seen from the front entrance, the structure of Japanese buildings allows you to see only very little of the inside,” says Nakamura. “Spaces within are revealed like a picture scroll gradually unfolding as guests step further inside the building, creating a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.” Indeed, The Hiramatsu Kyoto exudes a warm, welcoming feel and a sense of familiarity even to its first-time guests.

The hotel has 29 guest rooms in five room types, ranging from Superior to Suite. While the features of time-honored craftsmanship and designs are kept alive, the rooms have much more than just a traditional Japanese style. With just the right amount of the modern touch, guests are welcomed by all the contemporary comforts. Wood, soil, paper, and other natural materials also add to the peaceful ambience and beauty that deepens with age, which guests can enjoy in the years to come.

Another great attraction at The Hiramatsu Kyoto is, of course, its cuisine. Masato Koizumi, the Japanese cuisine chef hailing from a Kyoto ryotei (traditional Japanese high-class dining), welcomes guests at one of the in-house restaurants “Kappo Izumi”. His Kyoto-style washoku dishes highlight the offerings of Japan’s rich land and seasons. In the intimate space with a counter that seats eight, guests can immerse themselves in the refined techniques and gastronomic journey of Japanese cuisine.

The other dining establishment is “Ristorante la Luce”, an Italian restaurant led by chef Takaumi Tsutsui who honed his skills at Hiramatsu restaurants. Looking out to the courtyard, the spacious La Luce houses 28 seats, where guests can enjoy the vibrant Italian dishes created by Tsutsui. With the restaurants offering contrasting dining experiences, guests have two choices for breakfast during their stay: a Kyoto kaiseki-style Japanese breakfast or a hearty Italian breakfast.

Indulge in the services befitting a small luxury hotel, tailored to every guest’s needs at The Hiramatsu Kyoto―a brand new destination for travelers seeking the finest experience in Japan.

THE HIRAMATSU KYOTO
361 Ennogyoja-cho, Muromachi-dori Sanjo-agaru,
Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Tel. 075-211-1751

Room rate per person for double occupancy with breakfast: 30,500 JPY～155,500 JPY (including consumption tax, excluding Kyoto City tax)
Rates vary depending on the season and on weekdays and weekends.
Visit website for details:
www.hiramatsuhotels.com/kyoto/