Many concept hotels are now being created in Kyoto. Among them, we would like to recommend the Hotel Anteroom Kyoto to art lovers. Opened in April 2011, the hotel is located in Kyoto, a city with many art colleges and universities where many young artists are active. It is also designed to present "the ever-changing art and culture of Kyoto today".

This hotel was originally used as a student dormitory for a preparatory school. The 23-year-old building has been renovated and is attracting attention as a unique facility that combines the functions of both a hotel and an apartment.

Excellent access, one stop by subway from Kyoto Station

The eye-catching female object was created by a young artist.

One of the attractions of "HOTEL ANTEROOM KYOTO" (hereafter referred to as "ANTEROOM") is its accessibility.

It is about an 8-minute walk from Kujo Station, the first stop after transferring to the subway Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station. It is also a 15-minute walk from the Hachijo exit of Kyoto Station. Cabs only take the first fare. Although the Kujo area is very accessible from Kyoto Station, the surrounding area is very quiet and residential, so you can relax and enjoy your stay.

From the moment you enter the building, you are in a world of art - "Gallery 9.5"
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"Gallery 9.5"

Upon entering the building, visitors will find "Gallery 9.5" connected to the entrance. Named after the hotel between "Kujo"(9-jo) and "Jujo" (10-jo), this is a space with a high degree of freedom. Directed by SANDWICH led by sculptor Kohei Nawa and the space hosts a variety of exhibitions and events, including a special exhibition introducing Kyoto-based creators.

On this day, the solo exhibition "Murals" by Masanao Hirayama, an artist from Kobe, was held. The drawings on the walls were created by Mr. Hirayama during his stay at the hotel. Characterized by a graffiti-like humorous style, he is active in various genres such as art, illustration, fashion, and design.

Shop space "ANTE STORE"

In one corner of the gallery is a store space, ANTE STORE. It features works by Kyoto-based artists, as well as books and goods by related artists that are hard to find in the Kansai region. The assortment is like that of a museum store, and it is exciting just to look at it.

The low table is designed to look like a carrying case. Even these details are playful.

Art books and books related to Kyoto are collected here.

Lots of flyers for art events and exhibitions near Kyoto.

Next to the shop is a library space. The library space is lined with art books and Kyoto-related books that are hard to find in the Kansai region, as well as books selected by Keibunsha Ichijyoji, a well-known bookstore in Kyoto that attracts book lovers from all over the world. There are also PCs and printers available for free use.

The entire building is an art space
"365 days art fair"

Based on the concept of a 365-day art fair, more than 200 works by about 80 artists, mainly artists associated with Kyoto, are displayed throughout the museum. It is also possible to purchase some of the works.

In July 2016, the floor space was expanded and renovated, adding a "Japanese" element to the space to allow visitors to experience "Kyoto today" in the context of Kyoto, a city with a strong tradition of traditional culture. The "Japanese" style is not the typical Japanese or Kyoto style, but a new world fused with modern art.

Artworks are displayed in the corridors connecting each guest room to the lounge and other common areas. Just walking around inside the building is as enjoyable as being in a museum.

Kengo Kito's artwork using fluorescent light as material

An object using stuffed deer by Kohei Nawa, the face of the hotel

Artwork on the walls of the restrooms

A space for adults with a wide variety of alcoholic beverages
"ANTEROOM BAR"

There is a bar lounge "ANTEROOM BAR" on the first floor. It is a space for adults where you can enjoy various types of alcohol beverages, such as over 150 types of whiskey, craft beers, and seasonal cocktails.

KYOTO BREWING CO. ￥600

As "One free welcome drink!", we were served a craft beer brewed in Kyoto. It was "Session IPA Summer Whimsy". It is low in alcohol content and refreshing. It is nice to be able to enjoy Kyoto's beer at the hotel.

We were told that we could take drinks back to our rooms, so we returned to our rooms and enjoyed them at our leisure.

Of course, art is also displayed in the bar space.

You can enjoy reasonably priced food such as the Sausage Platter (¥500) and the Snack Buffet (¥300) where you can enjoy free refills of chips, popcorn, and chocolate.

It's open from 20:00 to 25:00 (last order at 24:30), so it's nice to have a drink after sightseeing or after dinner.

Functional and artistic room

North Building: Single Room

There are a total of 128 guest rooms, 61 in the north building with a simple design and 67 in the south building with a modern expression of Japanese beauty. Originally being a student dormitory, the interior is compact yet functional.

The wall around the bed is cushioned, so you can read, lean on it, or use it like a sofa. It is a space where you can feel the attention to detail even in its simplicity, such as a desk made of old wood, a pendant light, and exposed piping.

The art works displayed in the guest room were Kazuhito Tanaka's "GOLD SEES BLUE #48 (left)" and "GOLD SEES BLUE #49 (right)".

Even the details such as the door sign are carefully designed.

The paper holder also has a nice iron atmosphere.

Each room is decorated with more than 200 works by about 70 groups of young artists. All of these works are available for purchase, and there is a rule that the artists whose works are purchased will exhibit their new works.

Concept room immersed in art

Concept Room No.152 (Mika Ninagawa twin room with garden)

In the 2016 renovation, a new "concept room" was created, in which eight groups of artists active in Japan and abroad created and coordinated an entire hotel room.

The eight artists, Kohei Nawa, Mika Ninagawa, Kenji Yanobe, Teppei Kaneuji, BAKI-BAKI + Masahiro Inoue, Shiho Ukaji, Aiko Miyanaga, and Yoshitaka Yazu (KYOTO ART HOSTEL kumagusuku), expressed their respective world views not only through their artworks but also through the furnishings, using an entire room of the hotel.

Concept Room No.154 (Twin room with Kohei Nawa garden)

Concept Room No.664 (IBUSHI-GIN Twin Room)

Concept Room No.666 (Shiho Ukaji twin room)

Source: https://hotel-anteroom.com/rooms/

Breakfast restaurant where you can enjoy local ingredients
"ANTER ROOM MEALS"

Anteroom has a reputation for its stylish and delicious breakfast. In an open space surrounded by art, you can enjoy a nutritious breakfast that uses plenty of local ingredients, including daily pita bread sandwiches and smoothies. (¥1,000 (tax included))

The smoothies and salads use plenty of seasonal ingredients delivered from Sakanotochu, a vegetable partner company that handles vegetables with a low environmental impact.

It also comes with a vegetable smoothie.

We were pleased to see a wide variety of salad toppings. Some were made with Kyoto ingredients, such as yuba chips (center of the photo) and white miso dressing.

Choose up to 3 of your favorite main dishes from 3 types. (Additional requests are also OK after ordering a small amount!)

The three main dishes of the day were "Pita Sandwich of Boiled Salted Pork and Summer Vegetable Salad with Gochujang Miso Sauce," "Corn Onigiri with Fresh Ginger and Dried Daikon Salad," and "Gateau Chocolat". Since many people stay for consecutive nights, the menu is designed so that they do not get bored.

The after-dinner gateau chocolat was excellent.

Soups, salads, drinks and desserts are buffet style. Coffee and tea can be brought to your room.

Having breakfast surrounded by art was a very luxurious time. When staying at Anteroom, be sure to include breakfast as a set.

Sightseeing in Kyoto by renting a bicycle!

Free bicycle rental (first-come-first-served basis. Available for 1-2 hours)

Paid rental cycle (AM 9: 00-PM 7: 00 usage fee: 1300 yen (return to hotel)

Anteroom also rents bicycles. In addition to paid rentals, there is a free Choi Rent-A-Cycle, which is convenient for small shopping trips.

"Hotel Anteroom Kyoto" was a magical place, as if we were staying inside a contemporary art museum. The gallery space, art exhibits in the building, and breakfast are all part of the hotel experience that will delight you no matter how many times you visit. Why not immerse yourself in art at the "Hotel Anteroom Kyoto" during your trip to Kyoto?