The Shinmonzen

The Shinmonzen, in Kyoto’s beautifully preserved Gion district, takes inspiration from traditional ryokans and machiyas (wooden townhouses). The minimalist interiors of this new-build property are the work of renowned architect Tadao Ando, who imbued the space with elegant restraint. The luxurious nine-room boutique property showcases the work of Japanese artisans, including Takayuki Watanabe’s perfectly imperfect ceramics, and bento boxes by fifth-generation bamboo masters Kohchosai Kosuga. Rooms feature bathtubs crafted from hinoki wood, and terraces lined with jasmine overlooking the Shirakawa River. A sister hotel of the impossibly chic Villa la Coste in Provence, France, expect to find masterpieces casually displayed, including works by the likes of Damien Hirst and Louise Bourgeois, and a table by Charlotte Perriand.

Tatler Tip

The Shinmonzen’s one restaurant is headed by none other than chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Order the tasting menu, which  is an excellent play on local ingredients and French techniques.