Explore Kyoto's top 7 tea ceremony spots for a tranquil experience of Japan’s rich cultural and Zen traditions in the city's historical and serene settings.

Designed by architect Yoshiji Takehara, the hotel's rooms are spread across seven traditional townhouses dating back to the last century, reinterpreted and transformed into comfortable, modern spaces while losing nothing of their original soul, but providing all the facilities modern visitors expect. But the choice of its location was a fundamental part of the design. Otsu is a 20 minute drive from the overcrowded tourist hotspots of central Kyoto and is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbour. Bringing visitors here helps to support the regions outside the tourist hotspots and reinvigorate commerce, but also to give visitors a glimpse of the hidden charm that can't be found in the over-travelled centres.