Gion Matsuri: A Month-Long Spectacle in Kyoto

The Gion Matsuri, held annually in July, is Kyoto’s most famous festival, captivating visitors with its rich cultural heritage, grand parades, and vibrant atmosphere. This ancient tradition dates back to 869 and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, making it a significant contributor to the city’s tourism industry. From intricately decorated floats to traditional music and dance performances, the Gion Matsuri offers a unique and unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s cultural tapestry.

IHG Hotels & Resorts Returns to Kyoto with New Holiday Inn at Gojo

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a partnership with AXA IM Alts to open a new Holiday Inn in Kyoto, Japan, in early 2025. The hotel will be the eleventh Holiday Inn in Japan and the third IHG property in Kyoto, joining ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto and Six Senses Kyoto. The new hotel will feature 183 rooms and will undergo significant renovations, transforming into Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo. Upgrades will include a modern open-lobby lounge and café bar, an upscale restaurant, several banquet halls, traditional Japanese daiyokujo baths, and a state-of-the-art gym. The hotel is strategically located near Kyoto’s main train station and surrounded by the city’s rich cultural heritage sites and authentic dining options. The new hotel is expected to leverage the global recognition of the Holiday Inn brand and IHG’s extensive network to attract both domestic and international guests.

MIMARU Hotels Unveils Exclusive Gifts for Pokémon Room Guests

Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd. is launching exclusive gifts for MIMARU Pokémon Room guests starting June 1, 2024, at hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The new collection of goods features four charming items: a laundry bag, a drawstring bag, a small purse, and stickers. Each item blends practical use with fun Pokémon designs, creating perfect mementos for your stay. One complimentary set will be provided per family per reservation, ensuring that every guest can take home a piece of the Pokémon magic.

New Art Gallery and Reservation-Only Bar Open in Kyoto’s Iconic Circle Park

The new gallery, titled “KOCHI,” has opened in Kyoto’s picturesque Circle Park, adjacent to the iconic Yasaka Shrine and Chionin Temple. Its inaugural exhibition, entitled “BLACK MONN KYOTO,” showcases the works of celebrated artist Enlightenment Hiro Sugiyama. Sugiyama’s unique Black Painting series reinterprets renowned artworks, including moonlit scenes by Yoshitoshi Tsukioka and still lifes by Cézanne, by reducing them to their essential silhouettes and filling the interiors with rich black hues. Beyond the gallery’s art-filled space lies an exclusive, reservation-only bar, “BAR Kaoru,” conceived by legendary bartender Minoru Nishida. Inspired by a well discovered during renovations, the bar’s concept revolves around the theme “Mother of Water,” featuring signature drinks created with water drawn from the well. With a limited menu and intentionally distanced seating, the bar offers an intimate and indulgent experience. The Circle Park complex will also soon welcome a cafe using the same water source. While the bar operates on a referral basis, the gallery is open to the public, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in art and the park’s serene ambiance free of charge.

Scroll to Top