Following the success of their first two Kyoto properties, Maana Kyoto and Maana Kamo, Maana Homes co-founders Irene Chang and Hana Tsukamoto wanted their third venture, Maana Kiyomizu, to go beyond providing a beautiful place to stay. They wanted to foster a sense of community.

The team had to start with a blank slate for Maana Kiyomizu, as the original structures—a set of four former teahouse buildings—were in a state of disrepair. Shigenori Uoya Architects and Associates retained the interior roofs, structural beams, and columns, and redid the rest, working in collaboration with Ikei Takahashi Architects to design a compound that would house three suites, a café, a homeware shop, and a venue for exhibitions and craft-making workshops. The result is a captivating blend of airy spaces done up in a modern minimalist style, looking out to views of an open field and a nearby temple.

The Kyoto-based Tsukamoto also enlisted new collaborators for the shared spaces within Maana Kiyomizu. She had already teamed up with Swiss-Japanese entrepreneur Tina Koyama to found POJ (Pieces of Japan) Studio, and posited the idea to run its first brick-and-mortar store within the Maana Kiyomizu compound. She also reached out to local breakfast stalwart Kishin to open Kissa Kishin, a modern kissaten (Japanese-style coffeehouse) borne from the desire to provide a cosy and casual brunch spot for their guests and intrepid travellers.

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A quiet bamboo-lined side entrance leads to the foyer of Garrya Nijo Castle in Kyoto. When Tatler visited the hotel, we were mesmerised by the sight of autumn foliage, beautifully reflected onto the glossy tops of the lacquered tables in the lobby. It is a scene that invites you to enjoy a moment of repose in a space made for mindfulness.

Located near the namesake Nijo Castle, this 25-room property is one of two hotels in Kyoto by Singapore-based hospitality firm, Banyan Tree. The Garrya brand concept is focused on wellness, which is conveyed visually through its modern minimalist design. A spacious, landscaped courtyard was specially created on the site, with all the rooms angled to optimise views of the garden and Nijo Castle. The property’s rugged stone façade offers a nod to the design of the historical castle complex.

Its sole restaurant—aptly named Singular—serves an elegant menu where local Japanese ingredients are met with refined French techniques.

Standing tall in Tokyo’s business district is Hoshinoya Tokyo, an urban property by the well-regarded homegrown hospitality brand. Don’t be fooled by its ultra modern façade, the inside is a beautiful ode to the ryokan. You’re welcomed by a soaring genkan, where guests are invited to take off their shoes and feel the tatami mats beneath their feet.

Each floor is equipped with an ochanoma lounge, a relaxing communal space with books, snacks and tea—everything you need to feel at home. In the suites, which are some of the biggest in Tokyo, guests are cocooned by soft light streaming through the shoji screens and the grounded nature of the interior design. One thing not to miss is the rooftop onsen baths—cross the tunnel from the indoor bath to the outdoor portion, where you can look straight up to Tokyo’s skies while peacefully soaking in the mineral-rich hot spring water drawn from 1,500 metres below.

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