Kyoto Higashihonganji
Traditional Japanese carpentry meets contemporary luxury. Warm timber everywhere, tatami floors, sliding screens, and cedar baths — but also Simmons-quality beds and modern bathrooms. The atmosphere is deliberately serene and intimate, with just seven rooms and staff that know every guest by name.
Second-floor rooms (Hiuchi, Hashira, Kimayu, Moya, Taruki) are accessible only via stairs from the lobby — ask about this if mobility is a concern
Why It Matters
Listed in the Michelin Guide. The property sits directly in front of the Goei-do Gate of Higashi Honganji Temple, one of Kyoto's most imposing Buddhist structures. The Studio Aluc renovation is genuinely design-forward — duplex maisonette rooms with tansu staircase details, open-plan irori dining, and hinoki baths are not the usual ryokan formula. The carpentry theme runs through every detail, from room names to furniture joints.
A 100-year-old machiya townhouse in central Kyoto, formerly known as Onyado Niwa, gutted and rebuilt by Tokyo-based Studio Aluc into a seven-room luxury ryokan. The whole design concept revolves around traditional Japanese carpentry: every room is named after a structural timber element — Obiki, Tsuka, Taruki — and the interiors are loaded with locally sourced wood, exposed joinery, and tansu-chest staircases. Two previously separate wings were merged under a single roof, and the result feels more like a craftsman's masterpiece than a hotel. Rooms start at over $570/night, so it is not cheap. But what you get is a private open-air or semi-open-air bath in every room, irori hearth cooking for breakfast and dinner, and a lounge with free drinks available throughout your stay.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Bettei (別邸) — Deluxe King Annex
A separate annex room (bettei means 'detached villa') with an open-air private bath. 43 sqm. The most private option on the property — physically separated from the main building. Accommodates 2 guests. Added to the property's lineup more recently (page updated December 2025).
43 sqm
Hiuchi / Hashira / Magusa — Deluxe King
Three rooms sharing the same category: Hiuchi (corner brace), Hashira (pillar), and Magusa (lintel). All are second-floor rooms, 41–43 sqm, with semi-open-air private baths. Accessible via stairs from the lobby only. Each accommodates 2 guests.
42 sqm
Moya / Taruki (母屋 / 垂木) — Luxury Twin
The flagship room — an 84 sqm maisonette suite spanning two floors, connected by a tansu-chest staircase. Named after the main structure (Moya) and rafters (Taruki). Second-floor location, stair access only. Sleeps up to 5 guests. Futons prepared for groups of 3 or more. The most spacious option for families or groups.
84 sqmObiki (大引) — Deluxe Twin
First-floor semi-suite named after the large floor beam (Obiki) in timber construction. Features an open-air private bath. Warm wood interiors with locally sourced timber furniture. Accommodates 2 guests.
52 sqm
Tsuka (束) — Deluxe Twin
The largest of the standard room types at 56 sqm. Named after the short vertical timber post (Tsuka). Open-air private bath and semi-suite layout. Stone tub praised by guests for its generous size. Accommodates 2.
56 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A blend of stretches and massage techniques to relieve tension and rejuvenate the body. No oils used — suitable for guests with oil allergies. Performed in-room by a visiting therapist.
Oil-based full-body lymphatic drainage massage to improve blood and lymph circulation. Helps alleviate stiffness, swelling, and neck pain. Performed in-room by a visiting therapist.
Dress in a traditional kimono and explore the streets of Kyoto. Free hair arrangement included for women. An easy, popular way to experience Kyoto's aesthetic while staying in the neighborhood of Higashi Honganji Temple.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Every room has its own private outdoor or semi-outdoor onsen-style bath. Baths are crafted from hinoki cypress or volcanic stone. Water maintained at 40–42°C. Accommodates 2–4 persons depending on room type.
Central open-plan lounge with a live charcoal irori hearth. Used for breakfast and dinner service. Also the main communal gathering space where complimentary drinks and snacks are served.
Complimentary wireless internet throughout the property, including in all guest rooms.
All rooms have a complimentary minibar. The irori lounge offers free snacks and alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks throughout the stay. Welcome drinks (sake, sparkling wine, water, coffee) provided at check-in.
No swimming pool on the property.
All 7 rooms are individually air-conditioned.
Concierge service for sightseeing arrangements, activity bookings, and local recommendations. Multilingual staff.
Luggage storage available for guests arriving before check-in or after check-out.
24-hour front desk with multilingual staff. Phone reservations accepted 9am–9pm.
No dedicated parking at the property. Nearest paid lot: Mitsui Repark Higashi Honganji East Car Park. Guests arriving by car are directed to nearby coin parking.
BUILD YOUR NAZUNA KYOTO HIGASHIHONGANJI PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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