Noku — Kyoto, Japan

Despite the fickle nature of the travel industry, the one destination that remains constant, is Japan; its easy nature, compelling culture and natural beauty has made it a popular draw for seasoned travellers and occasional tourists alike.
So it’s no surprise then, that the country’s hospitality industry continues to boom with hotels from local brands such as Hoshino Resorts to international groups like the Four Seasons opening at a dizzying pace. The latest brand to follow suit is from Singaporean property company Roxy-Pacific. Taking its cues from the trend for affordable design accommodation, the 81-room Noku Kyoto might not have five star butler service, but its endearing charm, calming Japanese design sensibility and faultless location - right next to the Marutumachi subway station and adjacent to the bucolic gardens of the city’s Imperial Palace - is certainly great value.
Inside, the aesthetic is subtle and understated, with blonde woods, soft lighting and a low-key colour palette that has been smartly interspersed with colourful patterned headboards, adding a dash of modernity and texture. Bathrooms, to be fair, are on the cosy side, but what it lacks in space, is more than made up for with the generous-sized bottles of Shiseido amenities.
In the lobby, sip on artisanal brews from local coffee master Takahiro Maeda, who has provided locals with their caffeine fix since 1971, and fuel up on the delicious french toast, before immersing yourself in the city’s sites- many of which are only a short stroll away.
ADDRESS
205-1 Okura-Cho Karasuma-dori Marutamachi sagaru
Nakagyo-Ku Kyoto-city 604-086
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Lauren Ho is the Travel Director of Wallpaper*, roaming the globe, writing extensively about luxury travel, architecture and design for both the magazine and the website. Lauren serves as the European Academy Chair for the World's 50 Best Hotels.
-
The Wallpaper* Design Issue comes with our Salone del Mobile must-sees
The May 2025 issue of Wallpaper* is on sale now, taking in Milan Design Week, the Venice Biennale, and a very stylish tea party
By Bill Prince Published
-
Aboard Gio Ponti's colourful Arlecchino train in Milan, a conversation about design with Formafantasma
The design duo boards Gio Ponti’s train bound for the latest Prada Frames symposium at Milan Design Week
By Laura May Todd Published
-
The ultimate high-performance earbuds, courtesy of McLaren and Bowers & Wilkins
The new Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition continues a decade’s worth of cross-pollination between these two tech-focused British manufacturers
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
A new book captures the kitschy allure of Japanese ‘love hotels’
For his latest project, French photographer François Prost documents the whimsical façades that characterise these erotic roadside venues.
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
All aboard the world’s most luxurious train journeys
Stay on track with our pick of the most luxurious train journeys around the world, whether in 1920s-style opulence or contemporary chic
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu: a soothing onsen hotel
In Japan’s bucolic northeast, Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu breathes new life into a sleepy hot spring village without betraying its ancient roots
By Eric Millman Published
-
Shake off the winter chill at these design-led onsen hotels in Japan
Whether you’re heading to the mountains of Hokkaido or the alleys of Kyoto’s Gion district, these immaculately designed onsen hotels will keep the shivers at bay
By Jen Paolini Published
-
The new hotels you’ll want to stay at in 2025
Where to stay in 2025? Let six of the most-read-about hotel openings of the past 12 months inspire your escape – from a tiny Tokyo bolthole to a Tanzanian safari retreat
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
2025 getaways: where Wallpaper* editors will be travelling to this year
From the Japanese art islands of Naoshima and Teshima to the Malaysian tropical paradise of Langkawi, here’s where Wallpaper* editors plan to travel to in 2025
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
The most whimsical hotel Christmas trees around the world
We round up the best hotel Christmas tree collaborations of the year, from an abstract take in Madrid to a heritage-rooted installation in Amsterdam
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Six brilliant bars for your 2025 celebrations, hot off the Wallpaper* travel desk
Wallpaper’s most-read bar reviews of the year can't be wrong: here’s inspiration for your festive and new year plans, from a swanky Las Vegas lounge to a minimalist London drinking den
By Sofia de la Cruz Published