node hotel, Kyoto: Appreciate Contemporary Art In Japan's Ancient Capital

node hotel in Kyoto - Immerse Yourself in Art

Picture courtesy of node hotel
Art surrounds guests 24 hours a day at node hotel. Authentic contemporary art decorates the 25 guestrooms of this extraordinary lodging, which opened in central Kyoto in July 2019.

The hotel is located close to both Shijo Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line) and Karasuma Station (Hankyu Kyoto Line). Bus stations are also nearby, making it ideal for those sightseeing. The Gion area, known for its nostalgic scenery, Pontocho, where eateries are lined up along the narrow cobbled streets, and Yasaka Shrine, which hosts the Gion Matsuri—one of the three most major Japanese festivals—can all be reached within twenty minutes by bus and train.

Live with Art During Your Stay

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The hotel was designed to resemble an art collector's residence. It has an intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to relax while appreciating the pieces. Additionally, it was built so that people could "experience the joy art on a daily basis."

The hotel producer also told MATCHA, "After being purchased, many works of art are stored in a warehouse. Our company decided to display the art collection in a hotel where visitors can take them in." It took three years for this desire to come to fruition.

The hotel simplified the check-in process to allow guests to spend more time with the pieces. This is one way to ensure that visitors can lose themselves in art.

Guestrooms with Luxurious Artworks

Right-hand picture courtesy of node hotel

At node hotel, contemporary works of art are displayed in all of the guestrooms. The hotel staff selected and purchased each artwork without employing any art agency.

Works by Japanese artists such as Tomoo Gokita—who creates monochrome paintings in a mysterious style (upper left-hand photograph)—and Haruna Kawai—an inventor of imaginary, three-dimensional figures and a staff favorite (lower left-hand photograph)—are displayed alongside other rising stars and veteran artists.

Picture courtesy of node hotel

The rooms are designed with a simple interior to ensure that the artworks stand out. The walls are made of concrete while the furniture either has a subtle calming color or woodgrain patterns, which offer guests a relaxing stay.

You can feel first-hand that the furnishing has been selected with care. Various items—such as lamps, chairs and accessories—were all commissioned by artisans.

The organic offering of amenities also use argan oil, which is gentle on the skin. Aside from the curated artworks, this is a hotel that has been thoroughly planned.

Artworks Abundantly Exhibited on the First Floor

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The high-ceilinged first floor, where the lobby and a restaurant are situated, has a spacious feeling; art is also displayed on this floor. Depending on the time of the day, the restaurant turns into a cafe or a bar, so guests can return to the hotel and take a break during their Kyoto adventures.

In the back of the entrance hall, there is a bar counter made from amethyst, where visitors can sip on a drink while being surrounded by art.

Picture courtesy of node hotel

Depending on the accommodation plan, guests can have breakfast served on the first floor. The tasty meal consists of bread from the local bakery and local ingredients produced by Kyoto farmers.

Those with vegan or vegetarian requests should inquire about the menu in advance.

Create Art-Centric Memories While Sightseeing in Kyoto

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Carefully planned over a long period of time, the hotel facility itself resembles a work of art.

Nishiki Market is also a ten-minute walking distance from the hotel, so guests can easily enjoy the local food or take a look at the daily life of Kyoto residents. It's ideal for tourists looking to both sightsee and create a long-lasting memory while staying at this unique lodging facility.

Visit node hotel and add a colorful travel keepsake to your Kyoto trip.

In cooperation with node hotel and ON THE TRIP.
Main image courtesy of node hotel