A hotel loved by Kyoto people has been renovated to mark its 130th anniversary.

There is a hotel known as ``Keage Hotel'' that has been loved by the people of Kyoto since ancient times. Celebrating its 2020th anniversary in 130, the hotel underwent a large-scale renovation that included completely new guest rooms, restaurants, and a new spa. She showed off her beautiful appearance in 2021. The Westin Miyako Kyoto, affectionately called the Keage Hotel by the people of Kyoto, is beginning a new chapter in its history while inheriting 130 years of history and tradition.

Tradition and formality that welcomed distinguished guests including Queen Elizabeth

The history of ``The Westin Miyako Kyoto'' dates back to 1890 (Meiji 23) when the hotel's predecessor, ``Kissuien'', opened. This "Kichisuen" building, which was built on the same land as Sanjo Keage today, was expanded and opened as "Miyako Hotel" in 1900. Since then, the hotel has welcomed distinguished guests from Japan and abroad as a representative hotel not only in Kyoto but also in Japan. Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, Helen Keller, Einstein...

One of the major features of ``The Westin Miyako Kyoto'' is ``Kasuien,'' which was designed by Togo Murano, a leading architect of the Showa era. Kasuien, which opened in 1960, is known as the epitome of modern Sukiya architecture, along with the garden designed by Hakuyo, the eldest son of the seventh generation Jihei Ogawa.

Due to renewal, shift to a more luxurious route

With this large-scale renovation, the average guest room area has increased significantly from the previous approximately 35 m50 to approximately 270 mXNUMX, and the number of guest rooms has been almost halved to approximately XNUMX rooms. In other words, the company has set its course on a more luxurious route than ever before. Additionally, the guest rooms at Kasuien have been significantly renovated, keeping Murano's taste in mind. Additionally, the famous French restaurant ``Dominique Boucher'' has opened, and a new buffet restaurant overlooking the city of Kyoto has been established. In addition, a spa has been created that utilizes the natural hot springs that gush out underground within the hotel grounds. It was literally a major renovation.

The suite category has been completely redesigned. The concept is "The Queen of Elegance"

When renovating the guest rooms, the hotel focused on ``curves,'' one of the characteristics of Togo Murano's architecture, and at the same time adopted the concept of ``The Queen of Elegance.'' This concept is reflected in the graceful curves featured throughout the interior. There are a variety of room types in the suite category, including the top-of-the-line ``Luxury Suite'' and ``Junior Suite Heiankyo View.'' If you want a panoramic view of Kyoto from your room, you'll want to choose the Heiankyo View. Also worth noting is the addition of a new club lounge exclusively for suite guests. Of course, you can expect a comfortable and peaceful sleep on the Westin Hotel's signature ``Heavenly Bed''.

From the famous Showa architecture “Kasuien” to the Reiwa era “Kasuien”

The renovation of Kasuien was also one of the major pillars of this renewal. This famous Showa-era building, which has been open for more than half a century, was designed and supervised by Takushi Nakamura (NAP Architectural Design Office), and while keeping the beauty of the space and garden as it is, it was built with the latest architectural technology and materials. It was reborn as a new sukiya-style architecture by introducing it everywhere.

The area of ​​the guest rooms has been significantly increased by turning two rooms into one and separating the bedroom and living room, and a natural hot spring has been added to the bathroom. Kasuien, which was reborn while valuing the spirit of Murano architecture, will be handed down to future generations as a masterpiece of Reiwa architecture.

A spa using natural hot springs pumped from the hotel grounds is also open.

One of the hot topics during the renovation was Kacho, one of the largest spas in Kyoto that uses natural hot springs that gush out underground within the hotel grounds. The bathroom is inspired by the Suirokaku of Lake Biwa Canal, one of the famous attractions in the area, and even includes a semi-open-air bath and a sauna.

After a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs, which are effective for recovering from fatigue and sensitization to cold, enjoy a spa treatment. Le Jardin Sothys, attached to the spa, soothes the mind and body with a variety of menus including spa treatments, shiatsu massage, and moxibustion.

"Dominique Bouchet" opens its first store in Kyoto. Supervision of Teppanyaki

Dominique Boucher, a renowned French chef who combines tradition and innovation, was invited to the main dining room. This is the first time in Kyoto that the legendary flavors created by Dominique, who has experience as head chef at famous French restaurants such as Tour d'Argent, will be making their debut in Kyoto, and Teppanyaki is also under his supervision. The course, which starts with French-style appetizers and includes Kyoto brand beef and Kobe beef, has quickly become popular.

Enjoy Kyoto's delicacies in a casual setting at all-day dining "Rakuku"

Rakuu, an all-day dining restaurant where you can enjoy meals while looking out at the views of Kyoto from large windows, was also created as part of the renovation. ``Rakuku'' holds a buffet fair that changes depending on the season and events, and is equipped with a live kitchen where you can make sushi and fry tempura right in front of your eyes. There is also a bakery counter and a dessert counter where you can watch the pastry chefs making sweets. As an all-day dining option, you should definitely visit this restaurant at least once during your stay.

Kyoto has a history of 1200 years, and while preserving its ancient traditions, it has also actively tried new things. The Westin Miyako Kyoto, which has a history of 130 years and is one of the oldest hotels in Japan, is beginning to weave a new story while valuing the history that has been passed down and the dignity that that history exudes.

text by Masao Sakurai (Office Clover)