The unified look of Garrya Nijo Castle is the result of a tripartite collaboration between Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects, Hashimoto Yukio Design Studio and landscape design firm Sola Associates. A spacious landscaped courtyard was specially created on the site, with all the rooms angled to optimise views of the garden and Nijo Castle. The property’s rugged stone facade offers a nod to the design of the historical castle complex.

Constructed in 1603, the Unesco- recognised landmark was built as an impressive abode for Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan’s first shogun of the Edo period; its hefty outer walls recall the appearance of a fortress to signify the political and military might of the family in residence. “We sought to incorporate the composition of Nijo Castle, and gave a modern interpretation of the ancient use of shingled roofs, with the use of mottled tiles [in this hotel],” says Shigeki Irie, project director at Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects.

The Japanese concept of shakkei, which loosely translates into “borrowed scenery”, guides the interior design by Hashimoto Yukio Design Studio, which aims to mirror and enhance the seasonal beauty of the landscaped garden and the vicinity. Echoing the reflective nature of the pond, the interior was designed to highlight the natural allure of the outdoor scenery. These are complemented with local elements such as the use of Japanese paper panels in the elevator, as well as red lacquered finishes that are a nod to craft traditions. Altogether, the peaceful tableau presented is an ode to the contrasting elements that make Kyoto so memorable, in an ancient city where modern life and Japanese tradition are so closely entwined.

Long before its popular video game franchises such as Pokémon, Super Mario, and Donkey Kong won the hearts of fans worldwide, Japanese gaming giant Nintendo first started as a traditional playing cards manufacturer in Kyoto. For over two decades from 1933, an art deco-influenced compound in the city acted as its headquarters, until the company vacated the premises and left the site unoccupied for decades.

Today, the site has received a new lease of life as boutique hotel Marufukuro; its current iteration and name recall the building’s original fuku (which means luck in Japanese) emblem, a recurring circular motif seen on its facade and interior. Its remarkable transformation is led by Plan Do See, a Tokyo-based lifestyle company with over 30 years of history, which currently runs three hotels and resorts in Japan, as well as over a dozen restaurants in Asia and around the world.

As part of the refurbishment, the company restored the historical elements while adding modern amenities to the site. It brought in Tadao Ando Architects to design an annex building, so that the property now houses a total of 18 rooms. The team takes pride in revitalising heritage venues, as Reina Matsuo, marketing director of Plan Do See, explains to me. She adds that decorative details referencing the building’s history abound: framed displays of playing cards are hung on the walls, and old wallcoverings have been upcycled to create paper mache animals that add a fun touch to the lobby.

Every inch of the property has been thoughtfully decorated, such that each nook contains a pleasant surprise for visitors. From stained-glass windows to a library furnished with design books and Nintendo paraphernalia, there is so much to catch the eye; the Yamauchi family office was consulted on the design and was particularly involved in the curation of the library in the Marufukuro hotel. The cosy space features various game consoles and artifacts displayed on the shelves in an inviting space where visitors can read up about the firm’s history.

The rooms themselves feature retro decorative elements that speak of their mid-century design influences: the soft furnishings and accessories feature jewel-toned hues and plush fabrics like velvet and corduroy. Some of the rooms come with their own balcony, which looks out to quiet views of the riverside neighbourhood.

Among the notable options is the Residential Suite in the annex building, which has a modern design attuned to the pared-back aesthetic that Tadao Ando Architects is known for; it even bears a signature by Ando himself, scrawled onto a concrete structural wall in the suite.

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Backed by Plan Do See’s concept of omotenashi—a Japanese term that represents a heartfelt and hospitable approach towards receiving guests—the hotel features a full-board room fee that includes light bites and lunch in the lounge area, as well as a multi-course breakfast and dinner at its signature restaurant, Carta.

Helmed by chef Ai Hosokawa, Carta is a charming 23-seat venue that offers Western-inspired dishes that thoughtfully incorporate Japanese ingredients, served on tableware from local studios. Its interior similarly features handmade tiles, along with Taizan ceramics and lighting pieces crafted by Japanese talents. A stay at this unique property certainly feels like you’ve been transported back in time; nothing too kitschy, and all accomplished in a tasteful manner that will thrill die-hard Nintendo fans and design lovers alike.

The impetus for Maana Homes sprang up from a cosy dinner between two friends in Spain. During this trip together, co-founders Irene Chang and Hana Tsukamoto visited several Airbnb rental properties but felt there was a gap between unique accommodation options and high hospitality standards. “Many of the homes we stayed in were beautiful, but lacked the modern luxuries one would expect from a hotel,” recalls Chang. At that time, the two friends were planning a mid-career change; Tsukamoto, who was a creative director in advertising, was planning to move back to Japan from New York, while Chang was contemplating her next step after years of working in the hospitality industry.

Read more: Kyoto by Design: 5 inspiring venues to visit for decor inspiration

Upon Tsukamoto’s return, she came across choice sites in Kyoto that she felt had immense potential. Formerly used as teahouses, these properties measured just under 1,000 sq ft and are located separately within 3km of one another. These structures were redone as a pair of two-bedroom townhouses by Shigenori Uoya Architects and Associates, a Kyoto-based firm with expertise in restoring such historical properties; they were opened in 2018 as Maana Kyoto and Maana Kamo to provide a home away from home for local and international travellers.

Each property features its own design that incorporates tatami-floored rooms with futon mattresses as well as Western-style bedrooms. When it came to their third venture, Maana Kiyomizu, the two friends wanted to go beyond providing a beautiful place to stay for their guests. They chose a quiet lot in the suburbs of Kyoto as the site of a new space that would also foster a sense of community.

The team had to start with a blank slate for Maana Kiyomizu, as the original structures—a set of four former teahouse buildings—were in a state of disrepair. Shigenori Uoya Architects and Associates retained the interior roofs, structural beams, and columns, and redid the rest, working in collaboration with Ikei Takahashi Architects to design a compound that would house three suites, a cafe, a homeware shop, and a venue for exhibitions and craft-making workshops. The result is a captivating blend of airy spaces done up in a modern minimalist style, looking out to views of an open field and a nearby temple.

The Kyoto-based Tsukamoto also enlisted new collaborators for the shared spaces within Maana Kiyomizu. She had already teamed up with Swiss-Japanese entrepreneur Tina Koyama to found POJ Studio (Pieces of Japan), and posited the idea to run its first brick-and-mortar store within the Maana Kiyomizu compound. She also reached out to local breakfast stalwart Kishin to open Kissa Kishin, a modern kissaten (Japanese-style coffeehouse) borne from the desire to provide a cosy and casual brunch spot for their guests and intrepid travellers.

“Having more public spaces such as a cafe and store would allow us to cultivate a creative community and offer guests a complete lifestyle experience. Our vision for this space was clear from the beginning; an intimate project where guests can stay, dine and shop,” adds Chang. This all-in-one venue represents a significant step forward for the independent brand, which seeks to celebrate mindful living and honour local craft traditions. “It is Kyoto’s humble way of life that is most intriguing to us,” declares Chang. “We wanted to create a space that showcases how Kyoto’s traditions can beautifully fit into our modern lives, with the intention to inspire a more mindful way of living.”

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