post

Luxury travel inspiration from the Asia-Pacific region

DestinAsian

<h5><strong>Why stay?</strong></h5>
<p>Look no further for a serene, small-scale boutique hotel that mixes timeless Japanese charm with modern comforts. Tracing its roots back to the Meiji period, Nanzenji Sando Kikusui once served as the villa of a wealthy kimono merchant before its transformation into a <em>ryokan</em> inn. A prime example of Zen-influenced <em>sukiya</em> architecture, its main building opens out to a gorgeously manicured garden designed by Ogawa Jihei VII—the seventh in a long line of revered landscape architects. The single-digit room count also contributes to the peaceful atmosphere, while ever-attentive staff members provide a high level of personalized service.</p>
<h5><strong>The neighborhood</strong></h5>
<p>Sitting against the forested hills of northern Higashiyama, Kikusui stands on the doorstep of the 12th-century Nanzenji Temple, whose colossal wooden gate and European-style aqueduct draw a steady stream of tourists. A 10-minute stroll north will take you to the even older Eikando, famed for the stunning fall colors of its Japanese maples and a hillside pagoda. The cherry tree–lined Philosopher’s Path (a must-visit especially at springtime) lies a little further on; it ends at the entrance to the 15th-century Silver Pavilion, home to a beautiful Japanese garden.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-134212 size-full" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Nanzenji-Sando-Kikusui-4.jpg" alt="On the grounds of Nanzenji Sando Kikusui." width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Nanzenji-Sando-Kikusui-4.jpg 1200w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Nanzenji-Sando-Kikusui-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Nanzenji-Sando-Kikusui-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Nanzenji-Sando-Kikusui-4-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p>
<h5><strong>The feel</strong></h5>
<p>Kikusui is all about minimalism with an emphasis on traditional craftsmanship: think local timbers, delicate window frames, and fine latticework alongside earthen walls and mellow lighting. Whether you’re seated in the airy communal dining room or relaxing on the open-air terrace, the ambience is decidedly tranquil, with each space designed to evoke a sense of peace and harmony by drawing your attention to the moss-covered grounds, which feature a 200-year-old red umbrella pine, weeping cherry trees, a pond full of koi, and Japanese maples.</p>
<h5><strong>Guest quarters</strong></h5>
<p>The six soundproofed bedchambers are done up in a classic ryokan style with earthy tones, artisanal light fixtures, and, in most cases, the highest-grade Okinawan tatami mats (rooms 203 and 204 boast hand-chiseled <em>naguri </em>wooden flooring that gently massages the feet). Expect a complimentary minibar, as well as deep soaking tubs made of <em>towada</em> stone and bath amenities by Aromatherapy Associates. Room 101 on the ground floor has a small shaded terrace that extends right into the greenery, while the rest of the lodgings are upstairs; all come with garden views.</p>
<h5><strong>Food and drink</strong></h5>
<p>Open to non-staying guests, Kikusui’s restaurant offers menus created by head chef Hideaki Matsuo of three-Michelin-starred Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama. The cuisine is primarily Japanese but with a French twist—you’ll find local classics such as sukiyaki, <em>shabu-shabu</em>, seafood hotpot, and Kyoto tofu, all served in exquisite tableware. The <em>kaiseki </em>multicourse dinners champion locally sourced ingredients and use seasonal leaves as garnishes; hotel guests can opt to dine in private rooms overlooking the illuminated garden. Elaborate breakfasts are covered in the room rate, and the afternoon tea experience involves a sumptuous array of à la carte sweets, cakes, scones, and sandwiches, all handmade by the in-house pâtissier.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-134215 size-full" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Nanzenji-Sando-Kikusui-7.jpg" alt="The French-Japanese fare at Kikusui is conceptualized by a renowned chef from Osaka." width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Nanzenji-Sando-Kikusui-7.jpg 1200w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Nanzenji-Sando-Kikusui-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Nanzenji-Sando-Kikusui-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Nanzenji-Sando-Kikusui-7-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p>
<h5><strong>Wellness factor</strong></h5>
<p>It’s possible to overnight in the newly opened Spa Suite, created in collaboration with local spa curators Zazen-Sou Nagara. Facilities here include a mist sauna, a traditional <em>tsubofuro </em>pot bath looking out to a private rock garden, and a sunken bath large enough for two with a built-in lounger. Those bedding down in the 96-square-meter space also receive a complimentary assortment of scrubs, packs, and skincare products. If unoccupied, the suite can be booked for evening treatments.</p>
<h5><strong>Family matters</strong></h5>
<p>Children are allowed to stay at Kikusui—no age restrictions apply in the guest rooms or restaurant—but the hotel does not provide any special services for them.</p>
<h5><strong>Sustainability cred</strong></h5>
<p>The Japanese and Western kitchens at the property jointly procure ingredients, reducing food waste; the indoor lights are progressively being replaced with energy-efficient LED bulbs. A lot more could be done on this front.</p>
<h5><strong>What else?</strong></h5>
<p>As expected of a ryokan, meals must be arranged in advance, and staff members will be on hand to escort guests from their quarters to the dining rooms at the appointed time. Punctuality is a must.</p>
<p>Reviewed by <strong>Bryan Eastlake</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://kikusui-kyoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kikusui-kyoto.com</a><br />
+81 75 771 4101<br />
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ZNcBW84tu95kQRNz8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">31 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan</a></p>


Inside one of the six guest rooms at Kyoto’s Nanzenji Sando Kikusui hotel.

Nanzenji Sando Kikusui

Kyoto Hotels