12 Best Hotels in Kyoto

"Modern-Americana-meets-handcrafted-Kyoto is not a conventional formula—yet Ace brand’s first Asia outpost was always going to break rules as well as turn heads. In an ancient Japanese capital famed for its aesthetic discretion (latticed facades, minimal tea rooms, sliding screens), the direction here is unapologetically unorthodox. From tacos and DJ parties to paper lanterns and temple-inspired joinery, it’s a confident cross-pollination of east and west courtesy of LA-based Commune Design and Japanese architect Kengo Kuma (plus 50 homegrown artisans). First is its size: the hotel inhabits a cavernous century-old building known as the Shin-Puh-Kan, plus a new build with a striking angular gridded facade whose abstract lines hint at the city’s famed townhouses. In the lobby, music fills the industrial-edged space, with young staff in striped jackets hovering by a shiny pink copper front desk as round as a rubber ring. Rainbow-bright bursts of contemporary artwork cover the walls, while local creatives gather beneath a high timber ceiling at a long communal table, and craft coffee lovers can get a taste of Portland at the hotel’s on-site Stumptown Coffee. The compact guest rooms mix up Judd-inspired benches and TEAC turntables with washi-ceilings and tatami areas plus vintage-tinged textiles and bold artworks. Food belongs unwaveringly in the US camp: zesty tacos—a Kyoto novelty—at Piopiko (by Wes Avila of LA’s Guerilla Tacos); and quality comfort food at Mr Maurice’s Italian, by Marc Vetri. Another highlight is Kosa directed by chef Katy Cole; enjoy modern farm-to-table treats and natural wines in a contemporary tea room-inspired space, with vast paper lanterns crafted at a centuries-old atelier—an unapologetic finale to perhaps the ancient city’s most novel hotel yet. —Danielle Demetriou" - Danielle Demetriou