Genji Kyoto
Quiet luxury, wabi-sabi aesthetic, literary and design-forward. Modern structure dressed in deep Japanese craft — tatami areas, Panton tatami chairs, tansu chests, radiant floor heating, and pocket tsubo gardens that blur the line between inside and outside. It feels more like a serious art project than a typical hotel.
Book a City Studio or River Superior — they're on the same floor as the rooftop Sky Forest Garden, giving you direct, easy access
Why It Matters
Michelin Guide selected. A member of Design Hotels™ and Marriott Bonvoy. Opened April 2022, it immediately drew attention for its rigorous design fidelity to Kyoto's machiya townhouse tradition without ever feeling like a theme park. Every piece of furniture is custom-made by Kyoto craftsmen. Nine river-facing rooms have balconies. The Genji Machiya annex — a renovated Meiji-era townhouse — is the most complete private-stay version of the concept.
Genji Kyoto sits on the edge of the Kamo River in the residential, low-key Gojo-Kawaramachi district. It's a modern building, but you'd be forgiven for thinking otherwise — cedar imprints in the concrete walls, handmade washi paper windows, and Hiba cypress soaking tubs make it feel rooted in a very old Kyoto. The whole hotel draws from 'The Tale of Genji,' the 1,000-year-old novel: each of the 19 rooms has an original painting by a young Kyoto artist referencing a chapter of the book, and the Ukifune Zen garden in the lobby courtyard takes its name from one of its most melancholic heroines.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
City Deluxe
City views with a mini-balcony, floor-to-ceiling corner window and a bespoke dining table — all handmade by Kyoto craftsmen. The bathroom looks onto a pocket garden of antique stones. Feels spacious for two despite the size, thanks to the well-considered Kyoto-craftsmen-made furniture.
King · 34 sqmCity Premium
The most spacious city-view room, with two private pocket gardens — one in the room and one in the bathroom. Can accommodate up to 4 with 2 futons added to the tatami area. Has Panton tatami chairs, a generous sofa-table set, and a vintage tansu. Good for families who want a central Kyoto base without needing a river view.
King · 47 sqmCity Studio
Compact, light-filled studio with open layout on the top floor. Views of the city and Kyoto Tower. Same floor as the rooftop garden. The corner bathroom opens onto a private tsubo garden of antique stones, with pebbles extending into the bathroom itself. Has an original painting 'Ukifune' by Kyoto artist MIREI on Mino Washi paper.
Queen · 27 sqm
Garden Deluxe
East-facing room looking onto a private tsubo garden with a flowering tree, moss, and antique stones. Bamboos behind frosted glass throw leaf-shadow dances across the garden. Has a Panton tatami chair nook beside a porch. A painting of 'Kiritsubo' by artist Harunona hangs on the wall.
Queen · 33 sqmGarden Premium Double
Two double beds with garden views, a tatami area with Panton chairs, and a Hiba cypress soaking tub. The bathroom has a double sink and a tsubo garden view with river pebbles seemingly flowing in from outside. One extra futon can be added. Good for families wanting the garden-room atmosphere with flexibility.
2 Double · 48 sqmGarden Suite
The most complete garden experience in the hotel — tsubo garden views from the living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Spacious tatami area with Panton chairs, a Hiba cypress soaking tub, king bed with garden outlook. Up to 2 futons in the tatami area. Comes with a ceramic sculpture by a Kyoto artist alongside the Genji painting.
King · 51 sqm
Genji Machiya Townhouse Annex
A Meiji-era machiya townhouse two blocks from the main hotel, lovingly renovated over two floors. The most private option at Genji Kyoto — full access to hotel facilities is included. Heritage features include exposed beams, earth walls, tokonoma alcoves, fusuma sliding doors, vintage lamps, and a 'Floating World' Zen garden. But there's also a king bed, Hiba cypress soaking tub, skylight study with a library, open kitchen, and floor heating. It sleeps up to 4.
King (master bedroom) + 2 futons (tatami room) · 80 sqmRiver Balcony Deluxe
The go-to room for two. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic Kamo River views from the queen platform bed, and the balcony is the place for watching river wildlife. Tatami area with Panton chairs, custom dining table, and tansu chest — all handmade in Kyoto.
Queen · 33 sqmRiver Balcony Premium Double
Wide, open room with two double beds, a full balcony, and river views. Good for a family or three friends — one futon can be added in the tatami area. The Hiba cypress soaking tub has pebbles that appear to 'flow' in from the tsubo garden.
2 Double · 47 sqmRiver Balcony Suite
Separate bedroom with a king bed, a spacious tatami living area, and a balcony all facing the Kamo River. The bedroom also overlooks a private tsubo garden. Up to 2 futons can be added in the tatami area. Has a ceramic sculpture by a Kyoto artist alongside the Genji-inspired painting.
King · 47 sqmRiver Superior
Top-floor room with Kamo River and Higashiyama mountain views from a mini-balcony. Same floor as the rooftop Sky Forest Garden, so you can slip up for breakfast or a sunset drink without going far. The bathroom looks out onto a private tsubo garden decorated with antique stones and flowing pebbles.
Queen · 27 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A Matterport 3D virtual tour of the hotel is available online — useful for exploring the property and getting a feel for specific rooms before booking.
Hotel bicycles are available for guests on a complimentary first-come, first-served basis. Useful for reaching temples, markets, and neighborhoods beyond easy walking distance.
A relaxed, informal matcha-making session offered by the hotel — described as a low-key alternative to the more formal and costly tea ceremonies popular with tourists. Takes place in the hotel; exact scheduling arranged with the Guest Experiences team.
The Guest Experiences team helps guests plan walking routes and custom itineraries around Kyoto — sights, culture, food, shopping. The hotel also produces hand-drawn neighborhood maps covering local machiya cafes, workshops, and spots not found in guidebooks.
Open-air rooftop garden planted with species mentioned in The Tale of Genji. Guests can take breakfast, meals, sunset drinks, or simply sit and take in panoramic views of the Kamo River and Higashiyama Mountains. Wildlife-watching on the river is a quiet highlight.
A century-old Sento (traditional Japanese public bathhouse) is located within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel explicitly recommends it as an authentic Japanese cultural experience deeply rooted in local life.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Business center on-site.
Complimentary in-room and throughout the property. Marriott Bonvoy members booking direct receive complimentary in-room internet access.
Each room features a bar stocked with premium champagne, wine, beer, spirits and snacks.
In-room dining available during limited hours — food and drinks from the Genji Lounge menu can be delivered to guest rooms.
A complimentary welcome drink is offered to all guests upon arrival — sake is one popular option.
Luggage storage available at the property.
24-hour front desk available for guests.
Complimentary self-service laundry available on the 2nd floor of the hotel. Eco housekeeping options also available.
Daily housekeeping offered; eco housekeeping options available on request.
A dedicated Guest Experiences team can recommend walking routes, design custom itineraries, and assist with reservations at local restaurants and activities. Hand-drawn neighborhood maps are provided.
Strictly non-smoking in all rooms, public areas, and the rooftop Sky Forest Garden.
No swimming pool on-site.
Bose Bluetooth speaker in all rooms (B&O speaker in Machiya).
LCD Smart TV in all rooms.
Universal radiant floor heating throughout all guest rooms — a notable feature given Kyoto's cold winters.
No electric vehicle charging stations available at the property.
No parking is available at the hotel. A nearby car park is available for approximately ¥1,100 per 24 hours. The hotel recommends public transportation.
BUILD YOUR GENJI KYOTO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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