Whispers of Luxury at Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei
The Serene Welcome of Okura
Upon arrival, my first impression of the Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei hotel was understated elegance. The hotel’s facade blends seamlessly into the scenic backdrop of the area, with architecture that respects Kyoto’s aesthetic heritage while embracing modern design principles. The entrance is graced by a meticulously maintained Japanese garden and seasonal floral displays, immediately immersing guests in an ambiance of tranquility and beauty.
Walking through the main entrance, the lobby welcomes visitors with a serene atmosphere, where traditional Kyoto craftsmanship and contemporary elegance coalesce. The interior design, influenced by the “Kyoto Aesthetics for a New Age” concept, showcases local arts and traditional crafts in a fresh, modern context. The attention to detail is palpable. Each element tells a story of Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage, from the delicate kanaami tsuji metalwork decorations to the fragrant tamo wood that adorns the interiors.
The hotel’s unique charm lies in its commitment to offering a peaceful haven from the city’s bustle, catering to adults and older guests seeking a sophisticated and tranquil experience. With 60 spacious rooms, including eight luxurious suites, each guest space offers a view of the neighboring Okazaki Betsuin Temple’s gardens, presenting a serene landscape that has been carefully preserved over the centuries.
This small luxury hotel is the epitome of a new era in Kyoto aesthetics, blending the elegance of traditional Kyoto with the simplicity of modern design. It is a place where guests are not just staying but are wrapped in the attentive hospitality known as “Omotenashi” and the beauty of Kyoto aesthetics. It’s a hotel that stands apart for its location in a quiet residential area, providing a calm oasis for those aged 12 and above, distinguishing itself from other accommodations in Kyoto.
Bamboo and Light: Guiding Guests to a Private Retreat
On arrival, guests are immediately enveloped in the hotel’s serene atmosphere, underscored by the innovative use of traditional crafts and modern design philosophies. The entrance is captivated by original lighting fixtures made from wire mesh azalea, carefully crafted by artisans to cast delicate shadows, setting a tone of refined elegance. The reception area further enriches this initial impression, where calligraphy art and Nishijin textile walls welcome visitors, their flowing textures inviting exploration and reflection.
The hotel grounds are a masterclass in landscape design inspired by the Shugakuin Imperial Villa. The approach to the guest rooms is evocative of wandering walkways and bamboo gates, leading through lush gardens that blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the adjacent Shinshu Otani-ha Okazaki Betsuin Temple grounds. The hotel’s design encourages guests to meander and discover, with traditional artwork and crafts adorning the pathways, creating a sense of strolling through a living museum dedicated to Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.
Elevator halls and guest room hallways continue the theme of understated luxury, with walls lined with sumushiko bamboo slats and light fixtures designed by the esteemed tea canister maker Kaikado. These elements not only guide guests to their private spaces but also offer a nod to the spirit of the tea ceremony, emphasizing hospitality and tranquility.
The hotel’s outdoor areas are nothing short of breathtaking. Guests can immerse themselves in Kyoto’s changing seasons through the hotel’s meticulously maintained Japanese gardens. The Geishun No Niwa (Garden), with its plum and cherry blossoms, and the Senshu no niwa (Garden), featuring maple trees, are highlights, offering a serene backdrop and a chance to witness the ephemeral beauty of nature.
These gardens, alongside the rich natural surroundings of the temple next door, provide guests with a vivid sense of Kyoto’s four beautiful seasons, from the vibrant blossoms of spring to the dramatic golden hues of autumn.
What sets the Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei Hotel apart is its commitment to luxury and comfort and its deep reverence for Kyoto’s traditional crafts and natural beauty. The collaboration with GO ON, a project unit of successors to Kyoto’s traditional crafts, ensures that every element, from the interior design to the outdoor landscapes, reflects the beauty and handiwork of Kyoto.
This partnership has resulted in a hotel experience that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition, offering guests a unique blend of the old and the new.
Space Alive: Rooms infused with Local Craftsmanship
Each guest room and suite within this exquisite hotel is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and serene beauty that Kyoto is renowned for. From the moment you embark on the journey from the hotel’s entrance to your room, you are surrounded by a tapestry of Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage, elegantly woven into every detail.
The rooms are designed around the theme of a mountain lodge in Higashiyama, providing a peaceful and calming space that harmonizes with the surrounding scenery. The use of Hosoo’s Nishijin woven fabric in the interior design is particularly striking. This unique weaving technique creates a three-dimensional effect that mirrors the serene reflection of water seen from a mountain hut, bringing the tranquility of Kyoto’s natural landscapes indoors. Incorporating Kitayama cedar logs as pillars adds to the room’s aesthetic appeal and brings a piece of Kyoto’s lush forests into the space.
The hotel boasts 60 guest rooms, each themed around the concept of a mountain lodge. The design seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, ensuring every space is functional and relaxing. The variety of rooms includes the spacious 40㎡ Superior South Room, the intimate and practical Double Room, the Deluxe Triple Room for those needing extra space, and the Superior North Twin Room, which offers views of Kyoto’s seasonal beauty.
The Garden Double Room and Bettei Twin Room provide stunning north-facing views, allowing guests to enjoy the hotel’s dry landscape garden and the nearby Higashi Honganji Okazaki Betsuin Temple. The pinnacle of luxury, the Bettei Suite, spans 70㎡ and offers unparalleled views of Kyoto, including the Japanese garden below and the iconic main gate of Konkai Komyoji Temple.
Each room is equipped with top-notch amenities to enhance your stay, including an independent washbasin and toilet, a bath with a washing area, a Nespresso machine, an air purifier with humidification function, a Bose speaker with Bluetooth, and a 55-inch 4K LCD TV, among others. The attention to detail extends to the lighting in the guest room hallways, crafted using techniques from Kaikado, known for their handmade tea caddies, adding a subtle touch of elegance that grows over time.
The design inspiration drawn from the Shugakuin Imperial Villa is evident in the layout and furnishing of the rooms. The tokonoma alcove posts made from Kitayamasugi cedar, headboards adorned with Nishijin-ori fabric, and decorative trays by Nakagawa Mokkougei showcase the harmony of natural beauty and craftsmanship. Contributions from local artists, such as calligrapher Tomoko Kawao and lacquerware artist Genta Ishizuka, infuse the spaces with a dynamic energy that complements the hotel’s tranquil ambiance.
Seasonal Bounty: Menus Inspired by Kyoto’s Seasons
At the heart of the Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei Hotel lies a culinary sanctuary that marries the traditional with the contemporary, encapsulating the essence of Kyoto’s rich gastronomic culture. Dining at the hotel’s esteemed restaurant, Nouvelle Epoque, is more than a meal—it’s an immersive experience into the new era of Kyoto’s cuisine, influenced by the legendary Masakichi Ono, the father of French cuisine in Japan and the foundation of Okura French cuisine.
Nouvelle Epoque stands as a testament to this culinary heritage, offering a menu that skillfully blends the finesse of French cuisine with Kyoto’s local flavors and seasonal ingredients. The dishes here are a feast for the taste buds and a visual delight, embodying the changing seasons of Kyoto with artistic flair and elegance. The restaurant itself is a warm, inviting space where bamboo work by local artisans and art by Kyoto artists add color and texture, enhancing the dining experience with a touch of Kyoto’s aesthetic sensibility.
The attention to detail extends beyond the cuisine to the very design of the space and the tableware used. Asahi ware decorates the restaurant with its modern expression of sabi (the beauty of natural aging) and bamboo work intricately woven by skilled artisans. This adds to the new-age Kyoto aesthetics that define the space. Tableware, including styling mats with Nishijin-ori’s unique foil and Kaikado sugar pots and milk pitchers that beautify over time, are not mere utensils but integral parts of the gastronomic journey, inviting diners to a richer experience through the craftsmanship they embody.
The dining experience at Nouvelle Epoque is defined by its meals, from a blissful breakfast featuring ingredients from Miyama, a village known for its gourmet treasures, to lunches and dinners that showcase the best of Kyoto’s seasonal produce. Highlights include the dinner menu’s signature grilled beef pie with foie gras, encased in a delicate puff pastry—a perfect example of the fusion between Kyoto food culture and Okura French cuisine.
Beyond Nouvelle Epoque, the hotel’s lounge on the first floor offers a serene spot for relaxation, surrounded by a beautiful garden. Here, guests can enjoy a leisurely moment with a cup of tea in an elegant setting, embraced by the delicate warmth of natural materials, including woven bamboo partitions from Kohchosai Kosuga. Inspired by the traditional Kyomachiya houses and their beautiful triangular roofs, the private dining room provides an intimate setting for special occasions, further emphasizing the hotel’s commitment to integrating Kyoto’s architectural beauty into its design.
Dining and drinking at the Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei Hotel are not merely activities but pivotal elements of the luxury experience, reflecting the hotel’s dedication to celebrating Kyoto’s cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation. It’s a journey through taste, art, and tradition that leaves a lasting impression on all who partake.
Exclusive Fitness: 24/7 Access to Well-being
While the Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei may not boast a spa or wellness center, it compensates with many other luxurious amenities and unique experiences that cater to its guests’ wellness and leisure needs. The hotel offers an exclusive fitness room accessible 24 hours a day, free of charge. It ensures privacy and convenience for its guests, as entry is secured with room keys post-check-in.
Beyond physical wellness, the hotel extends its luxury to gastronomic delights at its restaurant, which serves French cuisine infused with Kyoto’s characteristic flavors. The dining experience is elevated by the breathtaking views of a meticulously curated Japanese-style landscape garden, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Kyoto’s four seasons through its changing scenery.
Adding to the hotel’s leisure offerings is the daily complimentary wine service available at the lounge on the first floor. Between 4 pm and 6 pm, guests can indulge in their choice of sparkling, red, or white wine, creating a perfect prelude to an unforgettable evening. This thoughtful touch exemplifies the hotel’s commitment to providing exceptional hospitality. It enhances the overall guest experience, making stays at the Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei memorable.
Experience Cultural Immersion at the Heart of Kyoto’s Heritage
Building on the legacy of Okura Hotels & Resorts, the Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei sets a new benchmark for personalized and attentive hospitality. From the moment guests step into the hotel, they are surrounded by an atmosphere of luxury, tranquility, and cultural immersion, making it an unforgettable retreat for those seeking the essence of Kyoto.
The hotel’s prime location in Okazaki places guests at the doorstep of Kyoto’s historical and cultural treasures, including the serene Ginkaku-ji, the majestic Nanzen-ji, the spiritual Heian Shrine, and the National Museum of Modern Art. The proximity to these sites offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Kyoto’s history and natural beauty, such as the picturesque Philosopher’s Path along the Lake Biwa Canal.
One of the hotel’s most distinguishing features is its adjacency to the Shinshu Otani-ha Okazaki Betsuin. This location allows guests to enjoy the lush temple grounds and the meticulously maintained Japanese garden, which can be admired from both the lobby and the dining area. The hotel embodies the Higashiyama culture’s basic concepts, where the beauty of wabi-sabi, texture, and harmony enrich every space.
Looking ahead, the Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei is poised for exciting developments. With plans to introduce traditional Japanese activities such as Zen meditation and tea ceremony experiences, the hotel promises to deepen the cultural immersion for its guests. This commitment to fostering a memorable stay, combined with its serene setting and exemplary service, positions the hotel as a premier destination for those wishing to experience Kyoto’s timeless elegance.
Final Thoughts
During my visit to the Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei, I found myself genuinely touched by the quiet elegance and deep sense of tranquility that defines the hotel. It’s rare to find a place that so effortlessly combines the luxury of modern amenities with the profound cultural depth of Kyoto. From the outset, the staff’s warmth and attention to detail stood out, making my stay personalized and sincere.
The dining experience at Nouvelle Epoque was a highlight, offering a thoughtful blend of French and Kyoto cuisines that reflected the changing seasons outside. Exploring the nearby historic sites was a delight, which added a meaningful dimension to my visit.
For those who appreciate travel’s finer aspects, seeking comfort and a genuine connection to their destination, the Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei offers a unique experience. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s an invitation to truly engage with the beauty and heritage of Kyoto.
