HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO

The 18th-century gate that welcomes guests to this elegant new addition to Kyoto’s hotel scene offers a hint of the site’s heritage: it once marked the entrance to the residence of the powerful Mitsui clan. It’s but one of a number of historical features woven through the newly built property by architect Akira Kuryu and Hong Kong– based designer André Fu. Folding around a scenic central garden, the hotel showcases countless touches of contemporary Kyoto—from a modern tea ceremony space to a light-flooded corridor of wooden arches echoing the red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari shrine. The 161 Fu-designed guest rooms reflect a contemporary riff of Kyoto aesthetics, with wabi sabi ceramics, tea-green window shades, and abstract water motifs. The Thermal Spring Spa, which spans the basement, is a temple to selfindulgence, with its dramatically lit hot spring baths, pampering spa rooms, and private onsen suites. Food is another highlight, with exquisite French-meetsKyoto gastronomy served up in chic Toki restaurant and more laid-back Italian fare at Forni. hotelthemitsui.com; doubles from US$1,100