[1 Night] Kyoto’s Shinsho-an: A Harmony of Traditional Aesthetics and Modern Luxury

A Tranquil Escape Abounding in Nature and Culture

Boasting a collection of delightful museums, parks and gardens, as well as significant religious sites like Heian Shrine and Nanzen-ji Temple, Kyoto’s Okazaki area is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Just a short walk away from such spots, you’ll also find a residential street home to Shinsho-an, a peaceful hotel that strikes the perfect balance between authentic Japanese tradition and modern luxury.

Inside Shinsho-an, it’s hard to believe you’re only a short distance from Kyoto’s hustle and bustle

Removed from busy central Kyoto and blessed with abundant natural surroundings, Okazaki was recognized by numerous samurai and aristocrats as an ideal place for their villas. In light of its history, it is no surprise that Shinsho-an is not simply a place to sleep, but instead a home away from home.

Shinsho-an’s rooms evoke a sense of home while providing authenticity and luxury

Honoring the Legacy of Traditional Japanese Architecture

After checking in, begin your time at Shinsho-an with a welcome drink and exquisite wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) in the Hanare, a detached building created by master carpenter and architect Sotoji Nakamura, which will be booked specially for you as an exclusive Wabunka privilege.

Soak up the utter tranquility and breathtaking view of the Hanare and its garden

Mr Nakamura completed it in 1966, an iconic example of his sukiya-style structures highlighting the refined aesthetics of Japanese tea rooms and natural materials like wood and clay. It is no wonder, then, that Shinsho-an’s inception was born of respect for this legacy. “Its owner wanted to pass authentic Japanese aesthetics and spirituality down to the next generation,” explains general manager Yukie Takada. 

Shinsho-an’s welcome includes a drink (non-alcoholic options also available), gorgeous wagashi sweets, and a lush fruit plate

This was achieved by crafting four rooms that masterfully honor Mr Nakamura’s style, with construction carried out by Nakamura Sotoji Komuten, the very business run by his son Yoshiaki. Following in the footsteps of his father, who built tea rooms for the prestigious Ise Shrine and even the Rockefeller family, he creates sukiya-style work in Japan and beyond.

The Hanare and its sukiya architecture is the heart of Shinsho-an

Moreover, the small number of rooms - bookable only through select channels like Wabunka - enables Ms Takada and her team to provide personal hospitality, as well as creating a closer connection between guests and the local community.

Classic Materials Balanced With Modern Comfort

Each featuring a living room, bedroom, and bathroom (again, evoking the feeling of a home, rather than a hotel), Shinsho-an’s rooms are more than somewhere to put your head down after a busy day. Ms Takada comments, “We want it to be a place where you can spend time enjoying luxury.” 

A perfect harmony of natural materials and expert traditional techniques

Simply being in the space is one way to indulge, but she also encourages guests to stimulate their senses by exploring the appearance, scent, and texture of the natural materials in their various forms, especially the wood - a key element of traditional Japanese architecture. “As it ages, rather than decaying, it only grows more beautiful. We hope that you will also be able to physically experience this precious part of Japanese culture, and come back to see the rooms continue to develop year after year.”

Shinsho-an’s staff are happy to introduce the concept and craftsmanship behind each room

Furthermore, Shinsho-an’s traditional charm can all be enjoyed in the greatest of comfort. Booking through Wabunka guarantees the use of its Sho and Gyo rooms, appointed with cosy yet stylish Italian and Scandinavian furniture respectively. The maki wood and stone bathtubs, as well as eco-friendly yet luxurious bathroom amenities and roomwear, also make staying inside an experience in itself.

Forget the world outside with the soothing fragrance of maki wood and silky smooth soap

Seasonal Ingredients Chosen and Cooked With the Utmost Care

After a good night’s sleep, savor the current season with breakfast from Higashiyama Ogata, an exquisite restaurant inside Shinsho-an’s grounds. The acclaimed original location (simply named Ogata) was also built by Nakamura Sotoji Komuten, making Shinsho-an the perfect place to open a second restaurant.

Start the day by sparking your culinary curiosity (image for reference only)

With a career spanning 17 years, head chef Kouji Fukui is dedicated to not only selecting high quality seasonal ingredients from all over Japan, but bringing out the best of them - a feat easier said than done. He explains, “Think of each ingredient having a potential of 100% by itself. Seasoning them doesn’t mean you can surpass that, so we’re always conscious about preparing them so guests can taste them at 100%.”

Chef Fukui has honed his craft for 17 years, including a decade at the original Ogata

While breakfast is served inside the guest rooms, those staying at Shinsho-an may also choose to make a reservation for dinner at Higashiyama Ogata, a highly sought after experience and another feast for the senses. Appreciate the sounds, scents, and sights of each dish as it is crafted in front of you, with the Hanare’s garden serving as a beautiful background. Above all, feel Chef Fukui’s passion for providing the best meal possible.

Guests are encouraged to actively observe the cooking process from their seats at the stunning red pine counter

*Please note that a continental breakfast will be provided on Tuesdays, as Higashiyama Ogata will be closed. If you wish to make a dinner reservation for other days, please inform Wabunka when booking your stay (fees for dinner to be paid on site). 

Feel at Home with Real Craftsmanship, Real Comfort and the Real Kyoto

In an age where countless options for accommodation exist, Shinsho-an stands out for its commitment to authenticity, responsible luxury, and harmony with the Okazaki community. With comfort and familiarity infused into the legacy of traditional Japanese design, it is an ideal way to enjoy Kyoto without feeling like a tourist. Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time or planning the latest of many trips, let Shinsho-an welcome you home. 

Shinsho-an brings together the best of Japanese tradition and Western comfort