Historic garden lodgings
Accommodations overlook an expansive pond garden fed by the Lake Biwa Canal, surrounded by mature Japanese red pines.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A preserved 1895 Meiji villa surrounded by a historic pond garden crafted by master landscaper Ogawa Jihei.
Notable
Interiors by Ryu Kosaka blend traditional sukiya timber joinery and tatami floors with contemporary low-slung furnishings.
Notable
Intimate stay of five rooms featuring private garden dining, deep hinoki soaking tubs, and dedicated multi-course breakfasts.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Every inch of the grounds is given over to a masterfully designed garden, including a koi pond and authentic Sukiya-style architecture…
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Set along the tree-lined approach to Nanzen-ji temple, the property sits within easy walking distance of Eikan-do and the brick aqueduct.
The rooms
Sukiya timber joinery and low-slung beds open to private garden views, paired with fragrant hinoki cypress soaking tubs.
The spa suite
Behind a white noren curtain, the Spa Suite has a tatami relaxation lounge looking onto a raked gravel garden.
Baths and sauna
A glass-enclosed mist sauna sits beside stone soaking tubs and round ceramic baths set over pebble floors.
Garden Restaurant & Terrace
Candlelit tables on the open-air terrace look straight out over the illuminated 200-year-old pines and strolling pond garden.
At the table
The main dining room serves seasonal kaiseki by chef Yasushi Nishino before floor-to-ceiling windows facing the moss garden.
How it began
Originally built in 1895 as a kimono merchant's villa, the estate began its second life as a culinary ryokan in 1955.
Good to know
Stay here
Nanzenji Sando Kikusui
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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.