Botanical craft refuge
Glass distillation vessels, living greenery, and an open library lounge create a calm craft refuge on the ground floor.
What it’s good at
Notable
Architect Hiroyuki Tanaka shaped the botanical lounge with minimalist timber furniture and Rui Sasaki glass installations.
Notable
Kyoto roaster blends and Arashiyama matcha pair with titles curated by independent local bookstore Seikosha.
Listed
An open street-facing cafe and communal library lounge welcome guests and passersby for pour-over coffee.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The Rakuro, by contrast, is as modern as can be, right down to the geometric facade that sets it apart from its slightly ramshackle surroundings.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Tucked into a quiet corner of Nakagyo Ward, just moments from the sprawling gravel grounds of Kyoto Gyoen and Nijo Castle.
The rooms
Clean timber carpentry and neutral palettes define minimalist spaces, with raised tatami platforms featured in selected rooms.
At the table
At street level, cafe fawn serves breakfast dishes, custom roast coffee, and signature Gosho puddings behind sheer noren curtains.
How it began
Two reinforced concrete buildings from the late 1980s were reimagined into a modern craft hotel centered around an inner garden.
Good to know
Stay here
RAKURO Kyoto Hotel
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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.