Category: Kyoto

Oakwood’s opening of Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto reinforced its commitment to double its global portfolio of managed properties by 2025. The brand’s 12th property in Japan also marks Oakwood’s debut in the former Japanese capital, which is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as thousands of temples, shrines and beautiful gardens. Being one of the few international serviced apartments brands in the fabled ancient city, Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto showcases a total of 120 thoughtfully designed rooms and studio apartments with fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities in the charming heart of the historic and cultural district.

“Following the success of Oakwood’s operations in Tokyo and Yokohama, we are delighted to make our market entry into Kyoto, which is one of the world’s iconic historic cities. This landmark opening signifies the arrival of Oakwood’s distinctive style of hospitality in Japan’s coveted tourism hotspot at an opportune time when the world returns to travel once again. Adding Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto to our East Asian portfolio within ten months of Oakwood Suites Yokohama’s opening underscores the commitment to accelerate our growth momentum in Asia Pacific and differentiate the hospitality landscape with locally-immersive residential experiences backed by internationally acclaimed service standards,” said Dean Schreiber, chief executive officer of Oakwood. 

Strategically located close to several of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions, Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto is a two-minute walk from the Kyoto Shiyakusho-Mae Station on the Municipal Subway Tozai Line and a fifteen-minute train ride from Kyoto Station. Its exceptional address is perfect for both leisure and business travellers on the search for authentic local experiences, cultural immersion and exploration of Kyoto’s architectural marvels. Prominent landmarks in its vicinity include the Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Sentō Imperial Palace, home to emperors of Japan for many centuries.

A short stroll to popular riverside walks and charming restaurants along the beautiful Kamo River, the property offers myriad retail and epicurean indulgences after a day of historic excursions. Just minutes away by taxi, subway or even rented bicycles are the ancient cobblestone streets, geishas and tea houses of iconic Higashiyama ‘old town’, with abundant authentic local restaurants and shopping for traditional Japanese crafts and kimonos at Karasuma-Shijo and Nishiki Market.

Modern-day Kyoto is also an information technology hub, the home base for industry leaders such as Nintendo, and the academic centre of Japan with over 40 higher education institutions, including Kyoto Institute of Technology, ranked among the world’s best for architecture and design.

Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto offers a safe sanctuary for business and leisure travellers seeking residential comfort without compromising on service excellence. All 104 elegant guest rooms promise a good night’s rest with quality beds and the latest in-room technology, including an air purifier, 55′ flat screen smart TV, tablet, press readers and complimentary Wi-Fi along with world-class guest services. Sixteen studio apartments feature a well-equipped kitchen fitted with a refrigerator, microwave oven, cooking utensils, washing machine and dryer.

Café O, an on-site dining establishment, will serve breakfast featuring local culinary specialities. Other facilities include a co-working space, smoking room, laundromat, housekeeping and multi-lingual guest relations for seamless assistance, such as limousine, taxi and airport bus arrangements.

To safeguard the health and safety of guests, associates and the local community, Oakwood Clean360, will be observed so that the renowned Oakwood experience can be enjoyed with an absolute peace of mind.

For more information, please visit Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto

Situated just minutes from JR Kyoto Station, travellers to Japan’s famed cultural centre can now enjoy the very best in comfort and accessibility with the Mercure Kyoto Station. 

Mercure Kyoto Station – Design Concept

Mercure Kyoto Station is the first Mercure branded hotel in the Kansai region. Playful design elements can be found throughout the stylish interiors. The main lobby features an installation of the Japanese handmade origami kemari, Heian-era football, and a colourful design wall composed of blown glass spheres. Notable buildings such as Kyoto Tower and Shimabara Oomon are located within walking distance from the hotel while the World Heritage sites of Nishi Honganji and Toji are located within close proximity.

“With 1200 years of history, Kyoto is known as Japan’s finest city for culture and tradition. We are honoured to pay homage to the pastimes of Heian nobility through the hotels unique motifs and interior designs, ensuring guests can enjoy an immersive journey into the local culture for which this city is well known”, said Mr. Shumpei Mizuno, Hotel Manager of Mercure Kyoto Station.

Mercure Kyoto Station – The Rooms

The hotel boasts 225 guestrooms, ranging from 23 to 34 square meters with design elements including motifs from the Heian period – a nod to the ancient history for which Kyoto is renowned. Each floor features a different theme with various traditional patterns, and premium rooms feature vibrant artworks and decorative touches.

“We are very pleased to launch our sixth Mercure hotel in Japan, joining a worldwide network of over 850 Mercure-branded hotels across 62 countries. With such an extensive reputation worldwide, the Mercure brand offers peace of mind to both business and leisure travellers who seek hotels that are locally inspired and brought to life by genuine and enthusiastic teams. Mercure Kyoto Station is indeed a portal to the city of Kyoto with an exciting array of modern facilities and outlets, and I am confident that the team will deliver a very genuine experience for those visiting this historic city”, said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer for Accor, Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives.

Mercure Kyoto Station – Wine & Dine Options

Trattoria M Kyoto, a live kitchen-style bistro restaurant and bar, will offer dining choices throughout the day. Guests can also unwind in the exclusive underground lounge which is inspired by gagaku, a type of Japanese classical music performed at the Imperial Court in Kyoto since the 7th century. The lounge will feature original furniture from the Heian period and books providing insights into the ancient traditions of Japan.

Mercure Kyoto Station is located at 288 Aburanokojicho Shimogyo ku, 600-8231, Kyoto, Japan, 500 metres from JR Kyoto Station and 47km from Osaka International Airport. For more information, please visit www.all.accor.com, or email HB4F4-RE1@accor.com for general enquiries and reservations.

Situated in the quiet cityscape of Kyoto, Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery is designed by renowned architect Yukio Hashimoto and is centred around a Japanese garden, offering an elegant portal to the four seasons. Hashimoto Yukio’s philosophy focusses on designing ambience rather than focussing solely on materials, allowing him to create timeless and minimalistic interiors.

Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery – The Rooms

The luxury boutique hotel offers a collection of 25 rooms, from the 40-45 square metre Deluxe Room to the 53 square metre Rikyu Suite. Select rooms feature balconies with views towards Nijo Castle and all rooms overlook the Japanese gardens, along with amenities including espresso machines, air-purifiers, mini-bar facilities and separate bathrooms.

Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery – Wine & Dine Options

The hotel’s restaurant and bar, Singular, will specialise in French offerings, inspired by Japan’s beauty and the rich culinary traditions of Kyoto. Chef Susumu Okubo, whom trained under the French culinary masters Alain Ducasse and Pierre Gagnaire, will lead the restaurant; inviting guests to experience culinary masterpieces prepared using local ingredients gathered from carefully select producers across the region. Okubo most recently served as Chef de Cuisine of the one-star Michelin restaurant, Pierre, in Osaka.

Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer for Accor, Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives commented: “The opening of our second MGallery hotel in Japan signals our confidence in this brand to offer something truly distinctive to travellers. We know that our guests are continually seeking authentic and original experiences, and we predict this to be an even stronger trend in the years to come. With the opening of Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery, we look forward to welcoming guests to come and experience many memorable moments in Kyoto, a charming city with countless unique stories to tell.”

Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery – Attractions Just A Stone-throw Away

The hotel is located in close proximity to Nijo Castle – one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, which has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The central Kyoto district offers an array of sights and attractions including Kyoto Gosho, the Imperial Palace. Nijo Jo Mae Station is also just a short walk away, offering guests convenient accessibility via the Tozai Subway Line. For the convenience of guests who travel by train, the hotel offers a private transfer service from Kyoto Station.

“We are very excited to introduce this truly special hotel in Kyoto which is sure to become one of Japan’s most mysterious hideaways. We look forward pursuing the highest levels of excellence and crafting an array of authentic experiences for our guests on their next visit to this historic city”, commented Yuko Sato, General Manager of Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery.

Kyoto Yura Hotel Nijo Jo Bettei MGallery – Opening Special

To celebrate the hotel’s opening, guests can experience a sumptuous ten-course menu paired with five glasses of wine at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Singular, from JPY77,000 until 17^th March 2021. Members of Accor’s lifestyle loyalty program, ALL – Accor Live Limitless can enjoy 20% discount on the best available rate including breakfast starting from JPY48,800 on weekdays from Sundays to Thursdays until 17 March 2021.

MGallery Kyoto Yura Hotel will make its debut in the country’s ancient capital today, promising to take you on a journey to the crossroads of time in the dawn of modern Japan with interiors blending elements reminiscent of the legendary Samurai era. The hotel pays homage to the traditions of Kyoto through art and heritage, providing a unique experience inspired by the essence of the local neighbourhood – a key consideration for all MGallery Hotels.

“The opening of Kyoto Yura Hotel MGallery strengthens our luxury footprint in Japan following the successful launch of Pullman Tokyo Tamachi last year. Home to 17 stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kyoto is considered the heart and soul of traditional Japan.  Famed for its great temples, beautiful gardens and intricate works of art, the place offers the touch of a modern city as well as the historical treasure.” said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Office at Accor for Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives. 

MGallery Kyoto Yura Hotel – Location, Location, Location

Located within walking distance of the hotel are Kyoto’s most scenic spots that include the famed geisha district of Gion, Yasaka Shinto Shrine and downtown district of Kawaramachi. You and your loved ones can enjoy an evening walk or morning run along the picturesque Kamo River.

At the heart of Kyoto lies Gion, the city’s most popular entertainment district and the centre of its traditional arts. The streets of Gion are characterised by old wooden townhouses (Machiya) featuring teahouses (Ochaya), shops and local restaurants. The buildings give the district a beautiful old world charm. Apart from temples and shrines, Gion and the geisha culture play a big part in Kyoto’s history while the surrounding vibrant downtown area is also home to some of the best shopping districts in the city.

“Kyoto is the cultural heart of the country renowned for its popular temples and shrines. The MGallery brand is inspired by the destination enriched through arts, history and cultural experiences. MGallery Kyoto Yura Hotel offers travellers memorable moments by blending the refined French art of hospitality with wholehearted Japanese hospitality known as omotenashi in one of Japan’s most beautiful cities.” said Kazunori Tanaka, General Manager of Kyoto Yura Hotel MGallery.

MGallery Kyoto Yura Hotel – The Rooms & Facilities

Boasting 144 rooms with contemporary classical design, local fabric Nishijin–ori can be found in each of its guest rooms celebrating a weaving heritage dating back over 1,200 years, while the seating area is furnished with traditional tatami mats.

Designed to highlight the distinct historical heritage of the city, the all-day dining, 54th Station Grill is named after the ancient route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto.

Guests can expect to learn about similar authentic stories in 1867 Bar, located in the lobby, which draws inspiration from the original Samurai era and features a range of traditional and modern cocktails, mocktails and wines.

MGallery Kyoto Yura Hotel will be the first of its kind in Japan, joining the collection of 101 storied boutique hotels around the world in addition to 48 others under development. Each hotel is inspiring, enhances local discovery; hotels are known to be highly individual ensuring you are enriched with delightful and unique experiences. MGallery will expand its collection with captivating new hotels in the coming months including MGallery Cannes and Hong Kong to name a few.

MGallery Kyoto Yura Hotel – Opening Promotion

To celebrate the opening, Le Club AccorHotels members enjoy a dining credit of JPY 5,000 when they book from now until 30 June 2019 for stays between 26 April and 30 September or spend a weekend getaway with a Classic Room stay from 34,850 JPY per night.

For reservations, email HB2Z1@accor.com or call +81 75 366 5800 for general inquiries. For more information, visit accorhotels.com.

When visiting Kyoto, most of us would go for the ancient city’s specialities like such Yuba Kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine), Shojin Ryori (Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), Kyo-wagashi (Kyoto sweets), Yudofu (tofu cooked in hot broth) etc. Not many people know that Kyoto does have a wild side to its culinary scene too. Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen Kyoto can be said to be quite a deviant with their fiery signature dish – the Fire Ramen. Located just north of Nijo Castle in a quiet suburban area, you must experience this flaming bowl of noodles that can burn your brows off … if you do not follow instructions.

Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen Kyoto –  Popular & Social Media Savvy Restaurant

Given its popularity with both the locals and tourist crowds, the restaurant does not entertain reservations. You have to be prepared to wait for around 15 to 30 minutes.

While waiting in the line, you can use the designated selfie stand at its main entrance to capture a perfect ‘Been there, done that’ shot with the restaurant entrance as the backdrop.

We guess many must have complained about not being to take photos or videos during the process due to safety reasons because the restaurant has prepared the smartphone holders rights above their pots to help you capture the perfect footage when the flames come cascading down onto your piping hot ramen.

Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen Kyoto –  Ramen Options

Once you are seated, you will be asked where you are from so they can offer the menu in your preferred language and customize your safety explanation. The menu offers 4 different options as shown below.

These are the pin designs that go with the special set.

There is no sharing of ramen. Everyone must order their own bowl. They do not have other menu options for vegetarian, vegan, or Muslims. For the ramen, the chicken broth is mixed together with fish broth and both are inseparable. There is, however, a vegetable soup option. Too bad if you hate onions which is one of the key garnishing ingredients, you either take it or leave.

Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen Kyoto – So Deadly That Instructions Need To Be Strictly Adhere To! 

To sample the fire ramen, you have to be seated at the counter, put on your apron and follow their safety instructions strictly. Before they begin preparing your order, a friendly staff will  introduce himself and shows you a laminated sign with the instructions to be followed for fire ramen:

1. Your height must be at least 110cm (3’7″)

2. Your age must be at least an elementary school student.

3. Please do not take pictures when oil is being poured.

4. Please stay seated no matter what. Don’t cry and don’t run away

5. Please do not touch the bowl, it’s covered with oil and may stain your clothes.

6. Please keep apron on while you eat to avoid staining your clothes.

As the flames do reach great heights, it is important to observe these instructions for safety.

Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen Kyoto – Green Onion Ramen

According to the staff, Fire Ramen is basically green onion ramen. Pouring the flaming oil just before eating brings out the flavour and helps to release the full aroma of green onion. It is a simple ramen with soy sauce-based soup of chicken, pork, and fish.

Here’s a simple infographic on how it is prepared.

Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen Kyoto – Taste & Experience

You must visit this restaurant if you never experienced ramens that burst into towering flames right in your face. The ramen broth was thick and very flavourful The flaming oil brought out the additional ‘wok-hei’ taste. But of course, this is a place for the experience more than anything else.

A post shared by WhatWHSees (@whatwhsees) on Oct 18, 2017 at 4:40am PDT

Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen Kyoto 

If you are keen to experience it yourself, here are the full details:

Address: 757-2, Minamiiseyacho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-Shi, Kyoto, 602-8153, Japan ( By Bus: Take Kyoto city bus #9, #50, #101 and get off at “Horikawa Marutamachi” or By Train: Take the subway Karasuma line, transfer to Tozai line at Karasuma-Oike Station, get off at Nijojo-mae Station.) | Opening Hours: 11.30am-11.00pm Daily | Tel: +81-75-812-5818 | Facebook: fireramen | Twitter: menbakaichidai 

Feel free to drop us questions if any and do share with us your experience in the comments section below too!