Kyoto Shijo
Urban lifestyle hotel. Minimalist-modern design, white walls, clean lines. Social communal space doubles as bar and restaurant. More hostel-energy-meets-design-hotel than a quiet Kyoto retreat. If you want silence and tatami, look elsewhere — but if you want to meet people and actually use the city, this works well.
Ask for a room above ground floor — the Cosy Twin is in the basement with no view
Why It Matters
Japan's first property in Dusit's ASAI brand. The Soi Gaeng restaurant holds Thai SELECT Two Stars and pulls in non-guests. Bi-weekly Maiko performances in the lobby are genuinely rare — most visitors to Kyoto never get this close to a trainee geisha performance.
ASAI Kyoto Shijo is Japan's first ASAI hotel — a 114-room lifestyle property in the Shijo-Karasuma district that genuinely tries to plug you into the neighborhood. The name itself means 'to live' in Thai, and the hotel leans into that — community ambassadors on call around the clock, a curated map of 100 local spots to pick up at reception, Maiko dance performances in the lobby every other Saturday. Rooms are compact (most are 16 sqm) but smartly designed so nothing feels squeezed. The surprise on-site is Soi Gaeng, a Bangkok-inspired Thai curry bar that earned Thai SELECT Two Stars and has guests coming back multiple days in a row just for the Tom Yum.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Accessible Comfy King
Slightly larger than the standard at 17 sqm with full accessibility features. Grab rails in the bathroom, wheelchair-accessible layout. Same city view as the standard king. Cribs available in this room type.
King · 17 sqmComfy Corner Hollywood Twin
The largest room in the hotel at 18 sqm. Corner position means more natural light from two sides. Hollywood twin configuration means two beds pushed together — can be split into twin or kept as a wider sleeping surface. City view.
Two singles (Hollywood style) · 18 sqmComfy Hollywood Twin
Same footprint as the Comfy King at 16 sqm but with two beds. Hollywood twin configuration. City view. Crib available. Good for two travelers who want separate beds.
Two singles (Hollywood style) · 16 sqmComfy King
The standard entry point and the most popular room. At 16 sqm it's compact by any measure, but the design keeps it from feeling cramped — clothing rack, work station, stone wash basin, and smart storage built in. City views. No window you can open; AC only.
King · 16 sqmComfy Twin
Standard twin configuration at 16 sqm with city views. Two separate beds, work station, all standard amenities. Multiple guest reviews specifically call out the spacious feel despite the compact footprint.
Two singles · 16 sqmCosy Twin
The most affordable option. Located in the basement (B1F) — no natural light, no view. Otherwise the same layout and amenities as the Comfy Twin. Fine if you're spending all day out and just need a bed; not fine if you care about daylight.
Two singles · 16 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Tuesday afternoon chair yoga sessions on the first floor. Beginner-friendly, guided by an expert yogi. Complimentary for guests.
Local DJs spin in the communal space every Friday and Saturday from 19:30 to 22:30. Bar specials and food available. Complimentary entry for guests.
Hands-on Thai cooking class with Soi Gaeng's chefs. Learn to craft classic Thai dishes using ingredients from the hotel's own organic garden, then sit down with your group to eat what you've made. JPY 4,000 per person.
Traditional Japanese woodblock-printed paper craft originating from China. Held at Karamaru, a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Learn the history, techniques, and patterns, then create your own original design to take home.
Learn traditional wood stamping using beautifully carved wooden blocks to create intricate patterns on fabric or paper. Guests take home a personalized souvenir.
ASAI ambassador-guided exploration of Nishiki Market — a 390-metre covered street with a 400-year history. Find unique ingredients, local pickles, and authentic Kyoto coffee.
On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month, trainee geisha (Maiko) perform traditional live dance shows in the hotel's communal space. Complimentary for hotel guests. Even Kyoto locals rarely get access to performances like this.
Guided matcha preparation experience with a tea master. Covers the history of matcha and step-by-step preparation technique.
Dress in kimono or yukata at nearby rental shops in the Gion and Kawaramachi neighborhood. Hotel team can point guests to the best local rental spots.
Rent bikes from J-cycle near ASAI and explore central Kyoto — along the Kamo River, through local neighborhoods, stopping at cafes. From JPY 1,000 per day.
Ninja training at the nearby Ninja Dojo and Store Kyoto, a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Classes available for all levels from beginner to pro.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Wheelchair elevator at the entrance area. Accessible rooms and wheelchair-accessible restrooms also available. Wheelchair rental service offered.
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property — in rooms and communal areas. Wired internet also available.
No swimming pool on property.
No dedicated fitness facility on site. Hotel promotes morning runs along the Kamo River (10-min walk) as an alternative.
No on-site parking available. Guests are expected to arrive by public transit.
Extensive list of free-to-borrow items available at front desk: humidifier, air purifier, iron, pants press, phone charger, weight scale, hair iron, corkscrew, ice bucket, umbrella, HDMI cable, transformer, suitcase scale, and thermometer.
All 114 rooms equipped with AI smart speakers. Bluetooth-enabled.
Reception staffed around the clock. Community ambassadors also on hand with local recommendations.
Available before check-in and after check-out.
Ground-floor communal area adjacent to Soi Gaeng. Used for check-in, socializing, DJ nights, Maiko performances, and yoga sessions. The social heart of the hotel.
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