Kyoto during the waning days of summer is a delightful respite. Although the vibrant blooms of cherry and plum trees have yet to emerge, the city's once-bustling crowds have dwindled, imbuing the surroundings with tranquillity. In this peaceful setting, a new hotel has recently opened.
Crafted by BLINK Design Group, Six Senses Kyoto is a masterclass in understated elegance, drawing inspiration from Japan's storied Heian period and the concept of Miyabi - a refined sensibility and appreciation of nature that permeates the entire design. The hotel's design is a loving tribute to this era, with the legendary Tale of Genji, a classic Japanese literature written around the peak of the Heian period, taking centre stage.
The hotel's owner, a charismatic Japanese history buff, entrusted the designers with his vision, and Clint Nagata, founder and creative partner at BLINK, took the reins. Nagata notes that this is one of the great things about working with Japanese clients – "They'll give you their thoughts and opinions, but once they've chosen you, you have their full trust. They hired you as the designer, so they trust your expertise."
As a Japanese-American born in Hawaii and based in Bangkok, Nagata's multicultural heritage lends a unique perspective to his work, one that resonates with Japanese clients seeking a fresh, nuanced approach. "For this project, I got to know the owner, and we got along quite well. So I think that was one of the reasons, I'm assuming, that he hired us."
"When Japanese clients look at me, they see a familiar face and last name, but they also know there's more to me than meets the eye," he explains. "My upbringing and experiences allow me to bring a unique perspective to projects, a third-culture view, one that might elude a local or an outsider."
The original manuscript of the revered Tale of Genji was crafted in the "concertina" or orihon style, with sheets of paper pasted together and folded alternately in one direction and then the other. Inspired by this timeless art form, BLINK created an origami-like ceiling design in the lobby that beautifully captures the delicate essence of the classic text's format.
Flanking the lobby space are two breathtaking artworks. On one side, a mesmerising multicoloured screen commands attention, crafted from the traditional raku-yaki material rooted in the celebrated Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics of the region. This intricate piece, comprising 504 handmade tiles, is the result of nearly two years of dedication by the artist, and it beautifully captures the silhouette of Mount Kurama, a mountain steeped in history and mythology.
Across the way, a playful bronze artwork pays homage to Japan's earliest known manga, the Chōjū Giga. This classic work illustrates animals engaged in human-like tasks, embodying the quirks and playfulness that are hallmarks of asobi goroko, a playfulness that references various aspects of Japanese cultural heritage. Design elements throughout the hotel echo this sense of whimsy, as seen in the quirky occupancy signages in the shape of Japanese Kitsune (fox) masks made from recycled washi paper, intriguing and enchanting guests.
The hotel's art pieces are by local artists from the Kyoto region and surrounding areas. BLINK worked with an art consultant to commission these regional artists. "It's more appropriate to find local artists to create something bespoke for the hotel rather than have artists from overseas interpret their idea of Kyoto. Unless the artist is exceptionally renowned and their particular style aligns with the hotel's vision, it simply doesn't work that well."
"To my knowledge, these artists aren't widely famous, but they put in tremendous effort to craft pieces tailored for specific locations within the hotel. They were given the conceptual brief and then produced everything themselves. We reviewed samples and mock-ups along the way, which made it a fun creative process."
The rooms continue this playful theme with a headboard wall of rotating panels framing the bed. These panels divide the bedroom and bathroom, with one side showcasing a rich red lacquer and the other featuring a traditional Japanese Asanoha pattern etched into the wood.
The air in the hotel is laden with a distinctive woody scent crafted by Kyoto native aroma designer Tomoko Saito. She expertly blended Kitayama's northern cedar, hinoki and cypress to create a fragrance that permeates every corner of the hotel, from towels to restrooms. A recent guest was so enamoured with the fragrance that she bought 100 bottles to bring home. A single whiff transports you to a serene, forested oasis – exactly what this hotel feels like.
Six Senses Kyoto sits in the ancient Japanese capital's temple-dotted Higashiyama ward. It pays tribute to the nearby ancient shrines and temples through its understated yet evocative architecture, with an exterior so discreet it could easily be mistaken for a temple itself. Surrounded by buildings on all sides, the location initially presented a significant design challenge, but this constraint proved a blessing in disguise.
Turning inward, the designers created a captivating Japanese courtyard that serves as the genesis for the entire design. This internal garden is a multi-tiered landscape featuring moss-covered rocks, plum blossoms and maple trees, as well as meandering stone paths that lead to a pond fed by a gentle brook. The serene setting fosters an immediate connection with nature, a sentiment that permeates throughout the interiors via other biophilic elements such as pocket gardens, ikebana arrangements, hanging plants and locally sourced natural materials. The hotel's structure was then thoughtfully built around this tranquil core.
Sekki, the all-day dining establishment, draws inspiration from the life cycle of a tree. The design elements progress from the budding attributes of the courtyard to the petrified textures found in the main dining area, private room and open kitchen. This space encourages guests to pause, reflect and gaze out towards the courtyard, much like the writers of the Heian period once did.
At Nine Tails cocktail lounge, guests can select fresh herbs and garnishes from a live display at the entrance, which bartenders incorporate into bespoke cocktails. The apothecary-inspired bar features Oribe tiles, handmade in Gifu, Japan, and known for their rich glazes. The dimly lit lounge offers private nooks with hammered glass screens and organic seating areas, perfect for intimate gatherings.
In a time where the term "urban retreat" is used liberally, with many city hotels claiming that title, it's a rare delight to stumble upon a true embodiment of this concept. The newly minted Six Senses Kyoto is one such oasis, justifiably earning its reputation as a genuine urban retreat. As our gracious hosts confide, "We're frequently told by our guests that they're reluctant even to leave the hotel, which is the highest compliment we could receive, given the countless wonders that Kyoto has in store."
Photo: BLINK Design Group / Ben Richards
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