If there’s one Japanese hotel I keep coming back to, it’s The Shinmonzen—easily my favorite stay in all of Japan.
Tucked among the rustic wooden houses of the historic Gion district, this all-black ryokan sits quietly beside the renowned Shirakawa River.
THE SHINMONZEN
📍 Shinmonzen-dori, 235 Nishinocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
☎️ +81 75-533-6553
📩 contactus@theshinmonzen
∞ @theshinmonzen
🌍 https://theshinmonzen.com/
EXPERIENCE
Upon arrival in Kyoto, guests are treated to a complimentary one-way private luxury van transfer from any location—whether a hotel or train station.
Right away, you’re treated to attentive, hands-on service as you’re chauffeured through the historic Gion district, arriving at the hotel’s doorstep.
Upon check-in, you’re seated in the reception area, which doubles as a library.
From there, you enjoy a serene view of the Shirakawa River beside you.
One thing that stood out is the Michelin recognition that The Shinmonzen received earlier this year—Two Michelin Keys, a distinction from the Michelin Guide that highlights hotels offering exceptional stays, design, and service.
An impressive feat, made even more remarkable by the fact that The Shinmonzen’s restaurant, Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen, earned its first Michelin star in the 2025 Michelin Guide.
This time, I opted for one of only three Japanese-style rooms, the Ishi room—“rock” in Japanese.
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, often featuring tatami-matted rooms, sliding doors, futon bedding, and communal baths (onsen).
At The Shinmonzen, it blends modern luxury with the classic ryokan aesthetic, offering a minimalist, intimate stay with refined Japanese touches.
The room was fairly spacious, especially by Japanese standards, and had its own balcony with a view of the Shirakawa River.
My own bonsai Japanese cherry blossoms added the perfect touch.
To complement the setting, they also prepared a refreshing citrus drink, paired with fresh strawberry desserts.
Not to mention, everything in the minibar and treats drawer—featuring locally sourced items from Kyoto, down to the bottled drinking water—was complimentary, replenished daily, and plentiful.
With the spacious layout, you also get a full-size walk-in closet, providing ample space for clothes and luggage while keeping everything neatly tucked away and organized.
Just across from it, a pair of his-and-hers marble sinks adds a refined touch of elegance and understated luxury.
The highlight of the room is the hinoki tub, which is prepared for you during the evening turndown service. Crafted from fragrant Japanese cypress wood, a hinoki tub is renowned for its soothing aroma and deeply relaxing, spa-like bathing experience.
KYOTO
But what truly makes The Shinmonzen unique is its location. It sits in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Gion District, an area in Kyoto where Japan’s cultural heritage has been preserved through the ages.
Just a 5-minute walk from The Shinmonzen is Gion Shirakawa, a scenic stretch along the Shirakawa River lined with traditional wooden houses and the historic Tatsumi-bashi Bridge. Featured in the film Memoirs of a Geisha, it remains a popular spot for photography and leisurely sightseeing.
All these waterways flow into the Kamo River, Kyoto’s main river, known for its cherry-lined banks, walking paths, and riverside restaurants—a central hub for locals and seasonal festivals.
JEAN-GEORGES
At The Shinmonzen, the culinary highlight is Jean-Georges, the ryokan’s luxury restaurant, offering a refined fusion of French and Japanese flavors using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
It’s no surprise that Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen earned a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide 2025, marking it as one of Kyoto’s elite dining destinations.
For starters, we were served a wide array of savory finger foods, including sea urchin with yuzu, serrano tuna ribbons, and sea trout, just to name a few.
Hands down, my favorite was the sea urchin.
The egg toast with caviar and dill was another one of my favorites.
The green asparagus, paired with earthy morel mushrooms and rich hollandaise sauce, was a standout dish.
Crispy amadai with Kuji green onions, Kyoto spinach, and green olive dressing.
The night was topped off with an array of locally sourced strawberries, served with tapioca and elderflower.
The next day, breakfast was also served at Jean-Georges, where checked-in guests could choose between American and Japanese options. Of the two, I tried both—but the Japanese breakfast was the clear winner.
THE SHINMONZEN
Overall, this was my second stay at The Shinmonzen, and it was every bit as memorable as I remembered—perhaps even better this time. Every corner of the property reflects meticulous attention to detail, from the cuisine to the warm Japanese hospitality, making the stay an experience in itself.
Honestly, I wouldn’t mind spending an entire day at the resort without stepping outside, because here, you can experience the true essence of Kyoto without leaving the hotel.
The Shinmonzen first captured me with its refined Japanese luxury design, but it’s the genuine warmth and care of the staff that makes me eager to return again and again.
THE SHINMONZEN
📍 Shinmonzen-dori, 235 Nishinocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
☎️ +81 75-533-6553
📩 contactus@theshinmonzen
∞ @theshinmonzen
🌍 https://theshinmonzen.com/
Live an Awesome Life,
NICO of Team Our Awesome Planet