Gilded Meiji showcase
Meiji-era opulence lingers in restored salons, where Baccarat crystal chandeliers, stained glass, and Rococo reliefs host gatherings of timeless ceremony.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A 1909 Meiji-era villa and designated National Important Cultural Property with preserved period salons.
Notable
Renaissance Revival architecture housing eclectic salons with authentic Baccarat crystal chandeliers, stained glass, and marble fireplaces.
Notable
Afternoon tea accompanied by a 1955 Bösendorfer grand piano in the historic Rococo reception drawing room.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
This Meiji-era villa functioned as a private guesthouse for years before it was turned into a luxurious boutique hotel.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The villa sits inside Maruyama Park beside Yasaka Shrine, with the stone-paved alleys and wooden teahouses of Gion just moments away.
The rooms
Annex suites feature rich wood paneling, flame fireplaces, deep-soaking Jacuzzi tubs, and picture windows framing Mount Higashiyama.
French Restaurant Le Chêne
Tables in the Victorian dining room look out toward the gardens, and the kitchen serves French courses using Kyoto produce.
At the table
Library Bar Madeira pours vintage fortified wines in the wood-paneled study, and the boutique displays pastries under vaulted ceilings.
How it began
Tobacco magnate Kichibei Murai built the 1909 villa as a private reception hall, named by Japan's first Prime Minister Hirobumi Ito.
Good to know
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Hotel Chourakukan
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Kyoto
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.