In the autumn of 2019, the small luxury hotel "Shikikaboku" opened in the tranquil Higashiyama area of Kyoto, known for its historic estates and elegant villas. The owners are a couple, an architect and an interior designer, both deeply in love with Kyoto. Originally specializing in designing hotels and residences, they embarked on a journey to create a place they themselves would want to stay in. Their concept was to offer guests a "personal Kyoto retreat," even if just for one night, where they could escape their everyday lives and experience the grace of Kyoto. They dedicated time and effort to meticulously design the hotel and experiment with the direction of hospitality. The completed hotel consists of eight unique rooms, each designed to provide a sense of relaxation while immersing guests in Kyoto's traditions and culture. Each room has its own distinct charm, yet they all maintain a consistent sense of aesthetics that defines the hotel as a whole. One of the significant attractions of Shikikaboku is its proximity to the Shirakawa River, allowing guests to enjoy the changing natural landscapes of Kyoto throughout the seasons, whether it's the cherry blossoms of spring, the fireflies of summer, the autumn foliage, or the winter snowscapes, all just a stroll away from the hotel.

The facade of the five-story building maintains the essence of simplicity and minimalist beauty, while preserving the traditional Japanese aesthetic. The facade reflects the beauty of Japanese tradition by stripping away unnecessary elements and creating an elegant atmosphere that feels far removed from the bustling city, especially with the entrance's small courtyard, which exudes depth and richness. Inside, a graceful and serene space has been created by blending modernity with Japanese aesthetics. The first thing that catches your eye upon entering the entrance is the delicate paper tilework. The dynamic and beautiful traditional patterns etched on these tiles give a glimpse of the high-quality time that awaits you at "Shikika Mokuhana." The "Charon (Salon)," adorned with earth walls and a lattice ceiling, serves as both the entrance and reception area. Here, you can leisurely check in while enjoying tea from the "Maruri Yoshida Meichaen," Japan's oldest tea garden, and seasonal Japanese sweets. The rooms are named after Kyoto's tea rooms, and there are a total of eight rooms, each offering a unique atmosphere and sensibility. To ensure a special and tranquil experience, there are no televisions in the rooms. Instead, you can immerse yourself in the exquisite harmony of various spaces that transcend regions and eras, including Japanese gardens, bonsai, British antiques, Qing Dynasty furniture, and Japanese antiques. These spaces provide an environment free from hustle and bustle, allowing you to savor moments of pure serenity and tranquility. The spirit of "omotenashi," which has become synonymous with Japanese hospitality, is said to have its origins in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony known as "chanoyu." It is an approach to serving and welcoming guests that treats each encounter as a unique and special moment, aiming to provide heartfelt care and the best possible environment. Shikika Mokuhana embodies this concept with the belief that all staff members act as concierges, dedicated to moving and resonating with the hearts of their guests.

For breakfast, the hotel offers exquisite dishes prepared by a chef who previously worked at a top Italian restaurant. While the hotel does not provide dinner service, there are many renowned traditional Japanese restaurants, kaiseki establishments, and famous dining venues in the vicinity, and the hotel can assist in making reservations. After dinner, guests can unwind in the first-floor bar "Takeba - Sasa," where a sommelier is always available to help you enjoy your preferred wine, creating a tranquil atmosphere for reflecting on your journey through Kyoto. Moreover, there is an open-air bath with expansive views of Kyoto's beautiful landscapes, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate while feeling the gentle breeze or using it as a space for self-reflection with soothing healing music. Kyoto is a city rich in various aspects, including tea, flowers, gardens, craftsmanship, and art, with many renowned experts in each field. It is also home to a vibrant food culture and philosophical traditions like Zen. Staying at the hotel provides an opportunity to deeply explore and appreciate these facets of Kyoto, allowing you to truly experience the city's charm. We invite you to experience a stay that enables you to immerse yourself in the essence of Kyoto, discovering its richness and allure through the realms of tea, flowers, gardens, craftsmanship, art, cuisine, and philosophy.

Edited by STAYFOLIO
Designed by Shikikaboku
Image © Shikikaboku