A unique hotel has opened in Kyoto, Japan that allows guests to explore the city in a new and inventive way. Called ENSO ANGO, it is comprised of five separate properties spread out across different neighbourhoods that function together as one. Hailed as the country’s first ever “dispersed” hotel, each building includes distinctive communal spaces and facilities, encouraging guests to discover Kyoto by visiting the entire hotel.
The front of TOMI II, one of the five buildings that make up the hotel. Image by Satoshi Asakawa
The zen-inspired hotel (the name ENSO refers to the concept that everything is connected in a circle) was designed to fit in with the traditional architecture of Kyoto while also being sustainable. “Contrary to an ordinary development that would take down existing buildings for a large space, we decided to use what was available. The size and shape of each property was different, but we decided to consider the five as one, so the guests can enjoy different experiences by visiting one another,” Minako Morita, Executive Assistant at Ango Hotels told Lonely Planet Travel News.
The garden inside TOMO II in Kyoto. Image by Tomooki Kengaku
Each building is completely unique, and has different lounges and facilities where guests can have refreshments, beverages and light snacks, as well as viewing art. While they will be sleeping in just one of the five locations (all of which have their own names) they are welcome to visit the other buildings to sample different breakfasts and interact with other travellers.
The five buildings are completely unique, and are open for guests to explore.
The building FUYA I includes an art gallery, while FUYA II, the largest of the five, has a Japanese tea room and a lobby that overlooks a garden where guests can relax. It also houses a gym, while TOMI II is the only building that houses a restaurant. The smallest of the five, YAMATO I, is nestled close to the streets of Gion, and has a bar that is open to guests and the general public.
The facade of FUA I. Image by Satoshi Asakawa
ENSO ANGO organises various activities for guests to participate in, including night yoga, morning zazen meditation, and cooking classes that concentrate on typical Kyoto dishes. It even has a dedicated guest relations department that focuses on creating a network of Kyoto locals that help plan interesting events. Plans are also in place for an additional seven buildings to be added to the hotel.
More information is available at the official ENSO ANGO website.
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