Back

Higashiyama Shikikaboku

Kyoto / 京都
Higashiyama Shikikaboku is a stylish reimagining of the Kyoto luxury ryokan, conceived not as an urb
  • 8
  • Array
  • No

THE STORY

Higashiyama Shikikaboku is a stylish reimagining of the Kyoto luxury ryokan, conceived not as an urban escape but as an exclusive entryway to the authentic, lived-in city most tourists never get to see.

Lovingly designed from the ground up by the husband-and-wife team of architect Takafumi Kawakami and interior designer Masumi Kitayama, both long-term Kyoto residents, the property combines a chic modern sensibility with a deep connection to the city’s ancient culture and crafts. Kawakami’s layout makes excellent use of the canal-side Higashiyama location to offer views of Heian Temple’s iconic red torii gate and the lush eastern mountains from the 8 guest suites. A private open-air bath and rooftop lounge area, rarities in central Kyoto, grace the upper floors. Meanwhile, Kitayama’s thoughtful design weaves an ambiance of understated luxury with one-of-a-kind antiques, seasonally changing bonsai and ikebana, bespoke linens, and the use of handcrafted materials evocative of Japanese tea culture, such as woodblock-printed karakami paper from the centuries-old Karacho house and woven ajiro wickerwork ceilings.

Higashiyama Shikikaboku forgoes the traditional in-house dinner in favor of a concierge service that provides access Kyoto’s rich culinary world, leaning on an extensive local network to guarantee hard-to-get reservations and suggest off-the-beaten-track spots tailored to each guest’s preferences. Along with a fully stocked kitchenette in each guestroom, this flexible approach makes the property ideal for longer stays.

Like staying with a trusted friend, Higashiyama Shikikaboku offers an intimate experience of Kyoto enriched by local insight and human connection, revealing aspects of the ancient city no guidebook could capture.

ROOMS

  • ROOM Teigyoku The suite names at Higashiyama Shikikaboku reference both their main design element and a facet…
  • ROOM Ensyu The name of this premium suite comes from Kobori Ensyu, a 17th-century artist and aristocrat wh…
  • ROOM Bousen / Yuuin Bousen - The name of this premium suite (Forgotten Fish Trap) comes from a tearoom at Kyoto’s D…
  • ROOM Yuuseki / Koukoku Yuuseki (Tranquil Stones) comes from a well-known poem by the 13th-century Zen priest Dogen des…
  • ROOM Syuusui / Syunsou Syuusui takes its name from a centuries-old teahouse that overlooks a pond in the Kyoto Gyoen N…
    ROOM Teigyoku The suite names at Higashiyama Shikikaboku reference both their main design element and a facet of tea ceremony culture, with Teigyoku (Garden Gem) nodding to a tearoom at Kyoto’s Daitokuji Temple said to be a favorite of 17th-century master Kanamori Sowa. Despite being located on the 5th floor, this room boasts a private Japanese tea garden, where moss-covered stones and the gentle tinkling of the stone font encourage reflective relaxation. A garden-view red granite bath, tearoom with undulating naguri wood floors, antique writing desk, and a spacious living area round out the luxurious features of this top-class suite, in addition to the standard all-natural Noble Isle amenities, bespoke linen sheets, and Japanese-style pajamas designed by the owner herself.
    ROOM Ensyu The name of this premium suite comes from Kobori Ensyu, a 17th-century artist and aristocrat who founded the Ensyu-ryu school of tea ceremony. He favored a simple elegance over the rustic wabi-sabi fashion of the time, which is reflected in the clean lines of this suite’s wood furniture, a mix of modern pieces and Asian antiques. In a similar blend of old and new, the tatami-floored tearoom has cabinets decorated with Karacho karakami in an undulating pattern equally evocative of an ukiyoe seascape and an audio waveform. When the woody aromas of traditional hinoki cypress bathtub fills the air at bedtime, the room is a feast for all five senses. All-natural Noble Isle amenities, bespoke linen sheets, and Japanese-style pajamas designed by the owner herself are also included.
    ROOM Bousen / Yuuin Bousen - The name of this premium suite (Forgotten Fish Trap) comes from a tearoom at Kyoto’s Daitokuji Temple. It is a reference to the Zhuang Zhou proverb “The fish trap exists because of the fish; once you've gotten the fish, you forget the trap,” which can be interpreted as a direction to remember the past. The art in this room similarly evokes the connection between past and present with fragments of antique folding screens repurposed as objets d’art and bespoke karakami panels from the kamisoe atelier created using an innovative technique that incorporates metal that will burnish over time. A tatami-floored tearoom and full shower and bath provide plenty of room for relaxation, in addition to the all-natural Noble Isle amenities, bespoke linen sheets, and Japanese-style pajamas designed by the owner herself.

    Yuuin - This premium suite shares a name with a teahouse constructed by famed master Sen no Sotan. However, while the characters Sotan used meant second retirement, the homophone characters here mean “evening retreat,” what this suite will surely be after a busy day exploring Kyoto. The suite has the same layout and design concept as Bousen, but has carpeting rather than hard floors and slate-black tiling in the bathroom. In the tea room, the bespoke karakami panels are made with copper, expected to burnish with notes of verdigris green over time, accenting the celebrated pure white Shino glazing on the Mino ware vase on the counter above them.
    ROOM Yuuseki / Koukoku Yuuseki (Tranquil Stones) comes from a well-known poem by the 13th-century Zen priest Dogen describing a pond wrapped in wintery mists. Koukoku is the name of a Kyoto teahouse constructed by 20th-century garden architect and ikebana artist Shigemori Mirei. These two standard rooms feature a cozy layout with two armchairs next to a balcony shielded by sliding shoji screen doors, perfect for a romantic getaway. Yuuseki is carpeted, while Koukoku has hardwood floors. They both have the same amenities as the premium suites, including fully equipped kitchenette, all-natural Noble Isle amenities, bespoke linen sheets, and Japanese-style pajamas designed by the owner herself.
    ROOM Syuusui / Syunsou Syuusui takes its name from a centuries-old teahouse that overlooks a pond in the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. Meanwhile, Syunsou references a teahouse built in the 1600s by the powerful Oda clan. These two standard rooms are slightly more compact, but still have a comfortable furnished seating space for two and the same amenities as the premium suites, including fully equipped kitchenette, all-natural Noble Isle amenities, bespoke linen sheets, and Japanese-style pajamas designed by the owner herself. Syuusui is carpeted, while Syunsou is ideal for those that prefer hardwood floors.

FACILITIES &
SERVICES

  • Private Open Air Bath Cleverly concealed from surrounding buildings, the two open-air baths atop Higashiyama Shikikaboku can be reserved for the private use of guests, allowing families and couples to enjoy a soak together. Two Japanese-style showers with traditional hinoki cypress seats provide a place to get clean, while the faintest of music and the gentle poppling of hot water into the stone tub lulls guests into a relaxed state of mind before they’ve even dipped a toe in the steaming bath. Particularly at night, when the stars shine bright overhead, it’s a sublimely tranquil space for physical and mental rejuvenation.
  • Karacho Karakami Karakami refers to washi paper with decorative patterns applied by hand with carved woodblocks. In Kyoto, the heart of Japanese karakami, the craft has been practiced for more than a millennia, with the elegant papers created used for everything from waka poetry canvases to wallpaper in the imperial palace.

    The Karacho house was founded in 1624 by master karakami craftsman Karakamiya Choemon. Over the centuries, the house has created a treasure trove of hundreds of master woodblocks, preserving them through fires, wars, and natural disasters. Today, it is the oldest continuously operating karakami house in Japan.

    Higashiyama Shikikaboku is proud to use both classic and modern karakami paper from Karacho house atelier Kira Karacho throughout the hotel. The first-floor lobby also features a tile mural depicting a Kira Karacho pattern called The Clouds of Tenpyo , auspicious bringers of life-giving and purifying water.
  • Armani Sofa The sofa in the Teigyoku suite is a Higashiyama Shikikaboku original, made with a Japan-inspired fabric from Armani.
  • Tearoom Art Owner Kitayama has lovingly selected unique pieces of art to grace the tearooms in every suite. Here, 19th-century lacquer bowls have been refinished in gold and displayed on an angular modern shelf for a refined blend of old and new.
  • Entrance Chozu-bachi The entrance of the hotel is flanked by a granite water basin called a chozu-bachi, a common element in Japanese gardens. This particular chozu-bachi dates from the 14th century and was originally a piece of a five-level Buddhist stupa called a gorinto. The five pieces of a gorinto have deep symbolic meaning, with this triangle shape representing fire and a point of transition between two worlds.
  • Reiko Kawabe Calligraphy A powerfully dynamic piece of calligraphy hangs above the café and bar space, the creation of artist Reiko Kawabe. It depicts the characters 日ノ山, loosely Mountain of the Sun, a reference nearby Higashiyama, where the 7th-century emperor Tenji is enshrined.
  • Café and Bar The first-floor café is the venue for a seasonal breakfast created especially for Higashiyama Shikikaboku by chef Ryo Sakatsuji of popular restaurant Pasto Generale. With local organic produce, free-range eggs from Ohara, pastries and bread from bakery Hanakago, and tart yogurt from Miyama, the healthy meal showcases the fresh, flavorful abundance found in Kyoto’s backyard. During the day, the cafe is a peaceful perch to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and watch the comings and goings of the neighborhood. With a dynamic piece of calligraphy by Rieko Kawabe overlooking warm wood furnishings and a courtyard garden of moss and stones, the space exudes an austere beauty and understated comfort. By night, the space becomes a bar overseen by experienced sommelier Eiki Takahara, whose skill at wine and sake curation is surpassed only by his seasonal fresh-fruit cocktails. Outside guests are welcome, but Higashiyama Shikikaboku doesn’t advertise that fact, so the bar is still a well-kept secret. Of an evening, any other patrons are likely to be friends of the owners from the art and design world and the occasional kimono-clad maiko with client in tow.
  • Lobby / Concierge Desk Higashiyama Shikikaboku’s ethos of tailored service and human communication begins with a check-in that is not an empty formality but rather a consultation on accessing the Kyoto of their dreams. Guests are ushered to a quiet space on the second floor and seated at a golden wood counter carved from a single piece of Amur cork. Over a cup of silky green tea from Uji’s Yoshida Meichaen, one of Japan’s oldest producers, the knowledgeable staff inquire after guests’ interests and assist in making any necessary reservations or arrangements, as well as recommending off-the-beaten-track spots for an authentic experience of Kyoto only possible through local insight. As owner Kawakami puts it, their job is to ensure every stay is full of surprises, large and small. The tatami-floored library adjacent is open to guests at all hours as a place to relax or draw inspiration from the many volumes related to Kyoto art and history.
  • Rooftop The rooftop lounge area, a rare amenity in central Kyoto, is available for guests to use at all hours. On sunny days, it is a pleasant place to sip a cup of coffee, comfortably ensconced above the bustle of the city, and enjoy views of Heian Jingu’s famous red torii gate and the peaked gables of the temples nestled among the trees on the neighboring mountains. Post sunset, elegant Baccarat candles provide a romantic illumination that complements the sleepy scintillations of a starry sky. Even when overcast, the colorful illumination of Kyoto Tower and the endless tessellations of the city’s traditional ceramic rooves provide a reason to venue out at night.
  • Shitsuji Service The Japanese word shitsuji is usually translated as butler or concierge, but at Shikikaboku, we think it means something deeper. By inviting you to explore local gems, we are serving as the producers for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime stay in Kyoto. As long-time residents, the owners draw on a broad network of connections and first-person knowledge to curate experiences that meet the unique needs of every visitor.
  • Shitsuji Service — Kyoto Cuisine —
    Higashiyama Shikikaboku doesn’t offer dinner in-house. Instead, we invite guests to enjoy the many ryotei, kappo, and Michelin-starred restaurants in our neighborhood. Based on your interests, our owners will suggest the perfect venue and leverage their connections to reserve seats at even the most exclusive restaurants.
    — Experience Kyoto’s Unique History, Tradition, and Culture —
    Join geisha and maiko performances usually limited to regulars, visit temples usually closed to the public, or tour the city’s antiquities with an escort more knowledgeable and discerning than the typical guide.
    — Anniversaries & Celebrations —
    We are happy to help plan a once-in-a-lifetime proposal, honeymoon, or other unforgettable celebration.
    With a wealth of experience and deep connection to an authentic Kyoto most visitors miss, Higashiyama Shikikaboku is ready to produce your dream stay. Feel free to reach out.
  • Shitsuji Service — Deeper Kyoto Experiences Arranged With the Owners’ Network —
    1. Private shopping excursion led by the owner of a venerable ukiyo-e gallery
    2. A kumiko woodcutting experience at a famous artist’s atelier, followed by an al fresco dinner in Miyama
    3. A tour of Kyoto art galleries with an expert
    4. A tour of temple gardens usually closed to the public with a specialist researcher
    5. Private lesson at the hotel with a Kyoto-based calligrapher
    • In addition to the above, we can arrange experiences tailored to your interests.
    • Some experiences may not be available depending on the schedule or number of people. Please reach out as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
  • Shitsuji Service — Introducing the Owners —
    Takafumi Kawakami (Mr.)
    Architectural Directions CEO, registered architect (class 1)
    Kawakami has designed many private homes in the Kansai and Kanto regions, using his focus on the development of residential spaces and extensive research in Europe and North America to bring international luxury to Japanese architecture. He is also actively pursuing the development of housing-related products and the import of high-quality, low-cost materials. In addition to private homes, he is currently working on a range of projects, including business hotels, development projects, and housing complexes.
    Masumi Kitayama (Ms.)
    After graduating from Kansai University, Kitayama became the first female salesperson at a major aluminum manufacturer. In 1993, she co-founded Architectural Directions. In 2013, she founded Luxe Estate and then in 2019, she became an owner and founder of Higashiyama Shikikaboku.

Map &
Transportation

Closest Train Station Kyoto subway Tozai-line Higashiyama Station
ROUTE DETAILS
Closest Bus Station Higashiouji Sanjo Bus Stop
ROUTE DETAILS
Free pick-up service N/A
Key Gate Way Int'l Airport and Train (Shinkansen) Station
Route details

Ryokan Data

Area Kyoto / 京都
Name of Ryokan Higashiyama Shikikaboku / 東山四季花木
Address 85-1 Shirakawabashi Nishiiru Imakouji-cho, Sanjo-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0023
〒605-0023 京都市東山区三条通白川橋西入ル今小路町85-1
Total Number of Rooms 8 rooms
Check-in Time 15:00
Check-Out Time 12:00
Credit Card Yes

Meals

Dinner Start Time -
Breakfast Start Time 7:00 - 10:30
In Room Dining Available No
Bar
Special Dietary Arrangements Yes
Vegan Friendly Yes
Western Breakfast Available Yes

Other Facilities & Services

Communal Bath No
Family Bath Yes
Private indoor bath in room Yes
Private open-air bath in the room No
Back