Muji is opening a boutique hotel in Kyoto near Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Good news: you’ll soon be able to experience one of Japan’s most popular destinations the Muji way. The beloved Japanese lifestyle brand is opening Muji Base Kyoto Kiyomizu on May 20, just around the corner from the Unesco World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Set in the historic heart of Kyoto, the new hotel offers easy access to some of the city’s top attractions, while also providing a soothing retreat to return to after a day spent navigating the crowds. 

The property takes over the long-established Amenity Hotel Kyoto. While the familiar exterior is preserved, its 18 rooms have been fully renovated in Muji’s clean, minimalist aesthetic. They are decked out entirely with Muji furniture and decor, complemented by art and crafts by Kyoto-based artisans and creatives. 

However, unlike the city-centric Muji Hotel in Ginza, Muji Base follows a different concept. Typically located in local neighbourhoods rather than busy urban centres, Muji Base is designed to make travel seem less like visiting and more like living.

To help guests feel more grounded and connected to local life, the rooms at Muji Base Kyoto Kiyomizu come with a map highlighting community-based experiences including kintsugi (the art of repairing broken pottery with gold) workshops, traditional cafés and neighbourhood bathhouses. Guests will also receive an Outing Kit – complete with a reusable Muji water bottle in an exclusive tote bag – to take with them on their explorations around town.

Moreover, thanks to the hotel’s proximity near the stone-paved approach to Kiyomizu-dera, guests can join the guided Morning Kiyomizu Walk to experience the renowned temple in peace and quiet before the crowds arrive.

Muji Base Kyoto Kiyomizu offers several room types, from standard doubles to spacious family rooms that can accommodate four guests. Rates start from ¥20,600 per room per night, and reservations are now open.

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