NOHGA HOTEL KIYOMIZU KYOTO

A Contemporary Haven Amidst Kyoto’s Heritage

Tucked into the foothills of Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward, Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu offers a refined yet welcoming retreat just a stone’s throw from the city’s most celebrated cultural landmarks. A short walk from the storied Kiyomizu-dera Temple, this design-led hotel blends modern lifestyle comforts with a deep reverence for Kyoto’s artisan spirit.

Words by Adam Chan

Stepping inside, guests are enveloped by the inviting aroma of the hotel’s in-house bakery, where the scent of fresh sourdough mingles with the calming signature room fragrance. The open-plan lobby — shared by the bakery, check-in area, and casual seating — feels more like a neighbourhood café than a traditional hotel entrance. It’s a communal hub, equally frequented by guests and locals, reminiscent of  the spirited social spaces of boutique stays in London or Tokyo.

The rooms are impressively generous by Japanese standards. Our Deluxe Twin room offered 33 square metres of understated elegance: subtle lacquerware, soft textiles, and ceramics crafted by local artisans. The hotel’s commitment to Kyoto’s creative community is evident throughout, from hand-thrown Tokinoha tea cups to wallpaper embellished with hikihaku gold leaf.

Those seeking something more indulgent should consider the NOHGA Suite. Located on the top floor, it’s a true sanctuary, complete with a wine cellar, a vinyl turntable, and a high-fidelity HORA Audio speaker system — as much a listening lounge as a place to sleep. Every element feels thoughtfully curated, from the artisan tableware to the custom room fragrance. Even the Junior Suite, slightly smaller in size, features an audiophile’s dream setup, including a Komatsu vacuum-tube amplifier and designer speakers.

Dining at CICON, the hotel’s all-day restaurant and bakery, is a highlight in itself. A curated semi-buffet breakfast pairs house-baked bread and fresh fruits with à la carte dishes like mushroom risotto, Japanese omelettes, and Kyoto vegetable platters. In the evening, the restaurant transforms into a grill house, where Josper oven-roasted meats and vegetables are paired with natural wines and Kyoto-inspired cocktails.

Upstairs, the rooftop bar is a true standout. Open to guests and the public, it offers panoramic views of Kyoto and the Higashiyama mountains, with the pagoda of Kiyomizu-dera peeking through the treetops. Designed with a garden-like aesthetic and centred around a fireplace, it’s a serene spot to enjoy a sundowner.

The hotel also hosts a series of immersive cultural experiences — from matcha tea ceremonies  and aroma-blending workshops to the beautifully conceived Meditation Room, created in collaboration with Zen priest Toryo Ito and sound artist Jukan Tateishi. This dimly lit, circular sanctuary, inspired by the shape of a womb, echoes the quiet rhythm of Kyoto’s seasons through sound and light.

Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu isn’t just a place to stay — it’s an invitation to experience Kyoto slowly, attentively, and with all five senses. For travellers seeking a quiet immersion into the city’s craftsmanship, cuisine, and culture, it delivers with subtle brilliance.

For more information, visit Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu's website.