Courtyard townhouse retreat
A French guesthouse sensibility shapes this quiet wooden retreat, arranged around an inner courtyard alleyway just off Gojo.
What it’s good at
Notable
Minimalist timber interiors and traditional tiled roofs arranged around a quiet central courtyard garden.
Notable
Run on ancestral family land, offering quiet neighborhood stays and partnerships with local kimono dressers.
Listed
An on-site private bookable sauna complemented by complimentary access to an affiliated neighborhood fitness gym.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The seven rooms are more like small apartments or two-floor maisonettes, with amenities such as kitchenettes, dining rooms, and balconies overlooking the private garden.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Tucked onto quiet Akezu Street, Inaba Yakushido temple sits steps away, with Higashi Hongan-ji and Gojo Station a short walk further.
The rooms
Split-level maisonettes and garden flats feature warm timber finishes, private balconies, and select kitchenettes overlooking courtyard greenery.
The sauna
A private cedar-lined sauna cabin connects to a minimalist relaxation lounge and an outdoor timber deck.
Restaurant
Shared Salon
Freshly baked bread and coffee are served each morning around the salon's grand timber table.
How it began
After embracing slow living in the French mountains, the owners returned home to build upon their family's ancestral land.
Stay here
Tamao
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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.