Why book?
For design lovers seeking a stay that feels more like crashing at a wealthy art collector’s private residence than checking into a conventional hotel, this 25-room property transforms any overnight into a gallery experience.
Set the scene
The lobby functions as both an exhibition space and an informal meeting ground, where young, local creatives mix with international business types over coffee at the ground-floor restaurant. A long, glass-paneled bookshelf near the entrance displays architecture and design tomes alongside carefully chosen objects d’art. The moody, industrial-chic interior creates an ideal backdrop for rotating exhibitions—an upcoming show will feature cult photographer Moriyama Daido—ensuring even repeat guests encounter something fresh on each visit.
The backstory
Node Hotel debuted in 2019 as the brainchild of Daisuke Enomoto of design studio Indian Creek Fete Kyoto, who designed the interiors and produced the bespoke furniture throughout the property. The name “Node” refers to a connection point—fitting for a property designed to link international guests with Kyoto’s thriving contemporary art scene. Kyoto architect Seiichiro Takeuchi designed the five-level building to resemble a luxury residence more than a hotel, with its striking glass façade and concrete frame forming an understated modern presence on the street.
The rooms
You’ll find the photography of Nobuyoshi Araki, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Eikoh Hosoe, and Jorgen Axelvall throughout the rooms, lobby, and corridors. Each of the 25 rooms showcases different artworks against a monochrome palette of charcoal grays. The aesthetic strikes that elusive balance between classical elegance and modern edge, with custom-made, triangular-backed chairs and quirky ceramic lamps designed by a local artisan. Thoughtful touches in all of the rooms include Argan amenities and drip coffee bags from beloved local roaster Ogawa Coffee, while expansive junior suites and twin rooms feature deep soaking tubs.
Food and drink
The ground-floor café-restaurant-bar operates under a farm-to-table philosophy that celebrates local Kyoto ingredients through Japanese-inflected Italian cuisine. The space transforms throughout the day from a morning coffee space to a laptop-friendly café to an intimate dinner spot and bar (try the seasonal fruit cocktails). At the rear, the sleek bar area features a dramatic wall of windows framing a double-height vertical garden. The restaurant’s wide leather chairs—another signature piece from Node’s furniture collection—encourage lingering, whether you’re conducting business over lunch or settling in for an evening of wine and conversation.
The service
Staff members are as carefully curated as the decor; stylishly attired in avant-garde black and gray, they strike the right balance between professional efficiency and approachability. They share recommendations and handle bookings upon request, and are particularly keen to discuss the hotel’s extensive art collection. The team tailors their suggestions accordingly, whether directing art lovers to nearby galleries or foodies to hidden local gems.
The neighborhood/area
The hotel sits in the bustling Shijo-Karasuma district, Kyoto’s main commercial heart, centered around the major intersection where Shijo Street meets Karasuma Street. This is department store central—home to established retailers like Daimaru and Takashimaya alongside international flagships from brands like Louis Vuitton. Duck into the narrow alleys tucked between concrete buildings and you’ll stumble upon traditional wooden townhouses and craft shops that feel worlds away from the main drag’s commercial feel. The nearby Kamo River provides a natural respite, its tree-lined banks perfect for evening strolls.
Eco effort
Node makes efforts to reduce single-use plastics and practices eco-friendly housekeeping, with linens changed every few days and fresh towels refreshed only upon request. When possible, the restaurant sources organic vegetables.
Accessibility
There’s tactile paving for the visually impaired and an accessible bathroom on the first floor. However, slight steps in the guest room bathrooms may pose issues for those with mobility challenges.
Anything left to mention?
The restaurant opens at 7:30 a.m., perfect for breakfast and a rarity in an area where the cafés usually open much later in the morning.
AloJapan.com