T A K A N O R I M U R O I
Interview} Ken Waller
Photographed by} Ken Waller
Location} Hotel Seiryu Kyoto
KW: What inspired you to join Hotel Seiryu Kyoto?
TM: I was appointed The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu GM in July 2024. I was drawn to this hotel’s location and charm with its historical value. No other hotel combines the modern and classical atmosphere of a renovated elementary school that has been the community’s favorite for over 90 years. Kyoto is a beautiful city with over 1,000 years of history and rich culture. I’m honored to serve as the general manager of this wonderful city.
KW: What sets Hotel Seiryu Kyoto apart from other luxury resorts?
TM: We believe that Seiryu’s unique hotel stay value and the hospitality of its staff set it apart from other luxury resorts. We have been rewarded with the highest achievements in service.
2022 Forbes Travel Guide 2022 Four-Star award
2023 Forbes Travel Guide 2023 Four-Star award
2024 Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Four-Star award
2024 Joined The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW)
2024 One Michelin Key
We are proud to have maintained a four-star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide hotel category since opening(2022), a testament to our commitment to hospitality. Moreover, in 2024, we became a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, a prestigious association representing the finest luxury hotels worldwide. As a cherry on top, we were honored with the coveted Michelin One Key in 2024.
Our success can be attributed to our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional experiences to our guests. From historic accommodations to personalized services, we strive to create unforgettable memories for every visitor. Our commitment to quality has garnered us a loyal customer base and numerous accolades within the industry.
KW: What are the most popular amenities and activities for guests?
TM: We offer a variety of activities that allow our guests to experience the real Kyoto! Among them, the performance by the Maiko from Kyoto in the guest lounge is very much appreciated by our guests. While there are few opportunities to meet the Maiko, we offer guests the value of a unique Kyoto experience by allowing them to see their performances and take photos with them.
KW: Can you describe the dining experience at Hotel Seiryu Kyoto? What culinary options do guests have?
TM: The latest noteworthy news is that we have started a sushi bar at the library. Guests can enjoy sushi and sake in a casual atmosphere. We just started this service in October as a limited service for hotel guests, and it has been well received. We are planning to expand the service to include our visitors in the future. Also, a partner French restaurant (BENOIT Kyoto) is on site. This partner restaurant serves exquisite French cuisine.
KW: What do you believe is the true essence of luxury, especially in a place like Hotel Seiryu Kyoto?
TM: Both hardware and software create luxury, and we believe that the value of our hotel lies in the luxury created by our location, the value of our historical buildings, and the hospitality of our staff.
One of the hotel’s attractions is its ability to offer a luxurious stay that allows guests to spend their time in various ways, whether relaxing inside the hotel or exploring the many Kyoto landmarks within walking distance.
We are also highly rated by our guests for our small size (48 rooms), which allows us to provide personalized hospitality to each guest.
For our guests, luxury is also about experiencing richness. Our hotel is the closest luxury hotel to the World Heritage Site Kiyomizu Temple (8-minute walk). We hope to continue to offer many more hotel stays that take advantage of our location and allow our guests to experience history.
KW: What is the one dish or drink that consistently surprises guests and becomes their new favorite?
TM: Japanese breakfast is valued not only for its delicious taste but also for its beautiful appearance. One of its characteristics is to “express the four seasons. By using seasonal ingredients, decorating dishes with seasonal flowers and leaves, and utilizing seasonal furnishings and utensils, guests can enjoy the beauty of nature and the changing seasons at the dining table.
With its elegant beauty, taste, and high cultural value, Japanese food was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.
Our hotel also attracts guests to feel the essence of Japanese food in the morning by offering authentic Japanese breakfast.
To learn more about Hotel Seiryu Kyoto. https://www.princehotels.com/seiryu-kiyomizu/