HOTEL KANRA KYOTO, Kyoto

Hotel Kanra Kyoto - A renovated schoolhouse with traditional kintsugi studio, teppanyaki dining, and cedar soaking tubs

Located in a renovated schoolhouse complex near Gojo station, this 4-star Kyoto hotel features rooms with modern Japanese design elements, including tatami workspaces and aromatic cedar bathtubs. Hotel Kanra's guest rooms incorporate premium bedding, air conditioning, free WiFi, and safes, while bathrooms showcase trendy mosaic tiles and QINUDE toiletries from CHISO, a kimono brand established in 1555. The property houses multiple dining venues: HANAROKU serves wagyu beef and local sake, while both the teppanyaki and Italian restaurants source local seasonal ingredients. The open lobby contains an elegant café selling handcrafted Japanese goods, and the on-site kintsugi studio RIUM offers demonstrations of traditional pottery repair using gold-dusted lacquer. Kanra sits 0.5 miles from Kyoto Tower, 1 mile from both Nishiki Market Shopping District and Kyoto Aquarium, and 1 mile from Sanjusangendo Temple.

Pros

The kintsugi studio provides live demonstrations of traditional pottery repair

Each room features a Japanese cedar soaking tub and tatami workspace

The property offers a 'Tamatebako' box containing local crafts and sweets

Twin rooms accommodate families of up to five people

Cons

Located 31 mile from Osaka Itami Airport

Guests must specify gender of all occupants when booking