Six Senses has made its arrival in Japan with the debut of Six Senses Kyoto.
With both interior and exterior spaces spearheaded by BLINK Design Group, Six Senses Kyoto embodies authentic Japanese aesthetics with clean lines and subtle, earthy colors that celebrate local culture, nature, and the changing of seasons.
The design also incorporates quirky touches inspired by ancient Japanese folklore from the 11th-century classic The Tale of Genji, as well as legends of the Soudan Fox and the Moon Rabbit.
Traditional Japanese materials take centerstage at Six Senses Kyoto
Time-honored materials run throughout the hotel’s interiors—from sakan (traditional Japanese plasterwork) and ceramic tile to woodwork joinery and metal detailing. Additional layers are achieved through live-edge details, sudare blinds, recycled washi paper (made using the Tesuki method), Hikihaku weaving, natural stone flooring, and biophilic elements, like pocket gardens, hanging plants, and flowers arranged in a centuries-old Japanese style known as ikebana.
“Designing Six Senses Kyoto aligns well with our placemaking philosophy, where we take a deep dive into local lore, culture, traditions, and arts,” says Clint Nagata, founder and creative director of BLINK Design Group. “This brought us into the Heian era (794-1185 C.E.), where the concept of Miyabi played a huge part in the Japanese arts. We took our inspiration from Miyabi, which expresses appreciation for the gestures and rituals that mark the passage of an ordinary day—such as the interplay of light and shadow, the changing colors, and moods of the seasons.”
The 81 guestrooms and suites, ranging from 450 to 2,500 square feet, are arranged to offer views of a central courtyard, the gardens of the neighboring Toyokuni Shrine, or the surrounding city panorama.
Secluded on the top floor of the hotel is the three-bedroom penthouse suite, perfect for large travel groups or private events.
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