Our building of Shinsho-an is a creation of Kyoto craftsmen and masteries in sukiya-zukuri, which is a type of residential architectural style in Japan based on traditional tea house. It was built from endless pursuit of the noble spirit and sense of beauty which have been inherited by people since ancient times in Japan. We have only four guest rooms which are filled with our attention to detail. Shinsho-an successfully recreated sukiya-zukuri architecture in a modern lifestyle. We combined the taste and atmosphere of a Japanese-style inn with the comfort and convenience of a modern hotel, providing our guests a sense of comfort and relaxation as if they were back at home.

The building as a whole was designed by Mr. Toshihito Yokouchi, a Kyoto-based architect with a reputation for creating traditional Japanese space of “wa” that value the connections to nature. The guestrooms and the hanare, a small residential structure in Japan built in addition to the main residential building, were designed by Kyoto-based Nakamura Sotoji Komuten, the firm worked on the tea ceremony room at Ise Jingu Shrine and many other sukiya-zukuri styled buildings in and out of Japan. The sukiya-zukuri styled guest rooms are made from the finest raw wood carefully selected from all over Japan. Skilled craftsmen in Kyoto succeeded in creating an atmosphere of beauty using traditional Japanese building materials. As time goes by, the materials will gain deeper flavor and charm.

The property includes a hanare and a small garden, both of which have a quiet presence. In 1966 the hanare was built by Sotoji Nakamura, one of Japan's leading masters of sukiya-zukuri architecture. The garden was created by Sentaro Iwaki. Just recently, the second generation of Nakamura Sotoji Komuten renovated the hanare, his predecessor's masterpiece, and modified the garden to make it harmonize with the main building of Shinsho-an.

Key Facts about Shinsho-an:

• Awarded as 12 Best Hotels in Kyoto 2024
• Awarded as Conde Nast Japan’s Best Hotels / Hot List 2023 & 2024
• A four-suite, introduction-only hotel, Shinsho-an is not open to the general public and is accessible exclusively through an introduction
• Located in Kyoto’s Okazaki neighborhood near Nanzenji Temple, Heian Shrine, and the Philosopher’s Path, offering a serene, culturally rich setting.
• Designed by Nakamura Sotoji Komuten, a three-generation master carpentry firm specializing in sukiya-style architecture and natural woodwork; notable works include the Rockefeller Villa on the Hudson River.
• Higashiyama Ogata, the first new location of the two-Michelin-star kaiseki restaurant "Ogata", is known for its delicate and diverse multi-course meals. Guests of Shinsho-an enjoy priority reservations, and only those staying at the hotel are able to experience Higashiyama Ogata’s breakfast.
• Each guest room includes a distinct private bath and spa space, designed for relaxation and immersion in the traditional Japanese aesthetic.