Hotel Tou Nishinotoin Kyoto: A modest and beautiful hotel that blends seamlessly into everyday Kyoto life
Nice to meet you, I’m Omusubi, a HafH ambassador.
This time we stayed at Hotel Tou Nishinotoin Kyoto, located in the heart of Kyoto.
I usually work full-time five days a week, commuting between home and work every day.
I stayed here for two days and one night with a friend who works in the same way as me to refresh myself.
What was particularly impressive this time was the elegant atmosphere created by the lighting throughout the hotel and the Japanese taste, as well as the food made with ingredients from Kyoto.
In this article, I will share my impressions of staying at the hotel from the perspective of someone considering staying there.
Hotel Tou Nishinotoin Kyoto is conveniently located in the Nishinotoin area of Kyoto, just a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station.
The hotel is located in a quiet area where the atmosphere of traditional townhouses still remains.
I lived in Kyoto for about five years, and I highly recommend this location to anyone visiting Kyoto for sightseeing.
This time, I walked from Kyoto Station, and although it’s in the center of Kyoto, it’s a calm place a little away from the hustle and bustle, so it felt very easy to get to.It’s also within walking distance of Gojo Station on the Karasuma subway line, making it an easy location to visit Kyoto’s main tourist spots.
As soon as you step inside, you’ll find a path leading to the “inner reaches” of the facility, a place that is distinct from the outside world.
I felt that the space was designed with the hotel’s concept of “depth” in mind.
A space that gives you a sense of Kyoto’s traditional culture and allows you to enjoy a valuable stay in Kyoto
Upon entering the lobby, you will find yourself in a studio-like space lit by subdued lighting.
It was so sophisticated that I almost exclaimed, “Wow…”
The large table, tastefully arranged books, the warm texture of wood and soft indirect lighting create a cozy atmosphere.
It seemed to gently relieve the tension and fatigue of the journey.
The staff’s demeanor is also calm and blends in with the quiet space.
Their quiet and polite behavior made me naturally lower the tone of my voice, and I felt their hospitality.
Check-in was very smooth with a simple machine-based process.
Minimalist, gentle guest rooms with uniform lighting and a quiet environment
This time we stayed in a clean twin room.
When you open the door, you’ll find yourself muttering to yourself, “Ah, how relaxing.”
There was a quiet space.
What was particularly impressive was the soft natural light that poured in the moment the sliding doors were opened.
Outside the window, a tranquil cityscape spreads out before me, and I lost track of time as the atmosphere deepened and became more humid as dusk turned into night.
The room is compact but not wasteful.
It is a functional design that allows you to easily move your feet even when your suitcase is open.
The Japanese atmosphere and sophisticated interior blend together in an exquisite balance.
It felt like I was invited into a modern Kyoto mansion.
The beds have an exquisitely snug fit, providing an exceptional sleeping experience that will ensure you don’t carry the fatigue of sightseeing into the next morning.
In addition, spending time in a Wi-Fi-equipped room, watching YouTube or Netflix on a large TV, is the very definition of luxury: “staying like you’re living.”
We can confidently recommend it for workation, where you want to concentrate on your work.
If you point your camera at the room, pay attention to the shadows created by the sliding doors and the indirect lighting by the window.
This corner, whose appearance changes depending on how the light enters, is the best photo spot, encapsulating the unique beauty of this hotel.
I run a beauty account as a hobby, and the photos I take of the skincare and cosmetics I post on social media have turned out amazingly well, which has really helped me make progress.
The room is surprisingly quiet, making you forget that it’s only a 10-minute walk from the city.
I was also very impressed with the fact that I could spend a relaxing time while being in the city.
Enjoy a Kyoto dinner surrounded by soft lighting
The hotel has a restaurant where you can enjoy welcome drinks, dinner, and breakfast.
The interior of the store is comfortable with carefully designed, subdued lighting, and the spacious layout gives it an open feel.
I recommend it because you can spend some relaxing time with your partner or friends without worrying about others.
The style is a la carte, and you can order at your own pace using a QR code on your smartphone, which is modern and convenient.
The menu features many dishes that incorporate Kyoto vegetables, allowing you to casually enjoy the flavors of Kyoto.
The dish that I found particularly delicious and impressive was the “Smoked Udon with Burnt Butter and Mustard – Duck Meat and Kujo Leek.”
The smoky aroma that hits your table the moment it arrives is just too much!
The rich flavor of the butter is complemented by the spiciness of the mustard and the crispness of the Kujo leeks.
It was so delicious that it awakened all five senses at once.
For dessert, try a dish made with Ippodo Hojicha.
Combined with the surprisingly reasonable prices for a hotel restaurant, I was left feeling happy until the last bite.
Including the warm and attentive service of the staff,
The overall satisfaction level is so high that it makes you think, “It’s worth going out of your way to eat here.”
The staff were very friendly and I was able to enjoy the experience to the very end, feeling glad that I had chosen this place.
A time to unwind from the everyday and relax your mind and body
The facilities and services within the hotel were also very attentive and I was very satisfied.
The welcome drink service was a nice way to take a break after checking in.
The coldness of the glass and the aroma of herbs tickling your nose,
I feel a surge of realization: “Ah, I can finally relax.”
It felt like a beautiful and gentle cup of “boundary” that separated me from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Another recommended feature of this hotel is that it has a large public bath, which is rare in Kyoto.
The large public bath is located underground, and the dim lighting reduces visual noise.
It was a space that naturally made me breathe deeply.
As I soaked in the spacious bathtub, I felt my body, stiff from the journey, gently loosen up.
The changing room is equipped with a Panasonic hair dryer and MUJI lotion.
Amenities designed with attention to detail and comfort will further enhance your stay.
It was a blissful moment, where I was able to reset myself to my heart’s content in a quiet space.
There is also an amenity bar next to the hotel front desk.
I was surprised to see that they even had a Sekkisei skincare set.
I was very happy with the thoughtful consideration given to my desire to take care of myself even while traveling.
Japanese and Western breakfast plates to suit your mood of the day
The next morning, I got up a little early and headed to the morning bath.
The water temperature is neither too hot nor too lukewarm, just “just right.”
I was enveloped in a refreshing and comfortable atmosphere, and was able to refresh both my body and mind from the morning.
Breakfast was served in the same restaurant as dinner.
The plate system allows you to choose between Japanese and Western styles, and I chose the Western plate this time.
What particularly impressed me were the freshly baked croissants.
The crispy exterior was followed by a nice chewy texture in the middle, and it was cooked to perfection, so I couldn’t stop eating it.
Also not to be missed is the “Kyoto Tofu Self-Serving Buffet” which is available separately from the plate.
The staff recommended adding olive oil to the dish to give it a Western touch.
A surprising taste that overturns the image of Japanese food. The natural smoothness and richness of tofu.
The sweetness really stands out, and I was impressed by the possibilities that the ingredients offer thanks to their simplicity.
Check-out was also very smooth.
The warm welcome from the staff was a great welcome and I left the hotel feeling very happy.
This time, I was on a self-isolation trip, so I wasn’t able to see the surrounding area of Kyoto.
For tourists, we recommend Higashi Honganji Temple, which is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
The hall is one of the largest in Kyoto and is designated as an important cultural property, so its appearance is truly impressive.
I would definitely recommend you visit.
A hideaway with overwhelming value for money, where you can find solace in the “shadows” of Kyoto
What I particularly liked about the stay was
“The immersive experience created by the sophisticated design” and “The quality of the breakfast.”
The entire hotel is dimmed and the color black is used, and the design is a modern interpretation of “Japanese” and “art.”
No matter where you looked, it was picturesque, and there was an overwhelming sense of the extraordinary that made you forget about your everyday life.
The food is very satisfying, especially the breakfast “Tofu Buffet” served with olive oil and salt.
It was a refreshing surprise. Enjoying a flaky croissant completes the luxurious experience of spending quality time in the hotel.
In terms of value for money, I felt that “this price for this facility and experience is extremely rare even in Kyoto City.”
I think it was very satisfying.
While being in an affordable price range,
The luxury of the lobby and large public bath is comparable to that of a luxury hotel.
On the other hand, the rooms are stylish and compact,
If you have a lot of luggage or are visiting with your family, you may find it a little cramped.
Keeping your luggage organized and living a minimalist lifestyle seems to suit the hotel’s style.
I especially want to recommend:
・Couples and friends who want to enjoy Kyoto on the weekend
・Solo travelers who want to spend time in a calm and quiet environment
Although it is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station, another great attraction is that it is very quiet at night.
Enjoy a stylish stay at HafH to deepen your memories of Kyoto
The attached restaurant and dinner prices are also reasonable, making it perfect for a “stay-at-home Kyoto stay.”
I would definitely like to stay at this hotel again, where you can reset your mind and body in the cave-like large bath!
You can easily book a high-quality stay in Kyoto through HafH.
With HafH, you can easily get great deals on your stay with HafH Coins.
Another feature is that cancellations are free up until the day before, making it easy to plan.
We encourage everyone to come and stay at Hotel Tou Nishinotoin Kyoto.
⇒ Book here
