Nestled in areas where many major temples are located in the Maruyama Park area of Kyoto, Kyoto Chourakukan is a luxurious longstanding hotel and restaurant (since 1909) known for its western look. But way before it became a hotel, it was a guest house to entertain distinguished guests from Japan and abroad.
“Chourakukan” means “eternal happiness” and also referring to the district of Chorakukuji
Built by Japan’s “Tobacco King” at the time, Murai Kichibei, the location was designated as Kyoto City’s tangible cultural properties in 1988.
Murai released Japan’s first double-cut paper wrapped cigarette “Sunrice” back in 1891 and followed with “Hero”, a double-cut paper-wrapped cigarette in 1894. The cigarette would win a gold medal at the 1900 Paris World’s Fair and designated a “world-class cigarette”.
By 1904, wanting to have a goto place in Kyoto, construction of Chorakukan began. Murai would be busy establishing the Teikoku Silk Co, Ltd. and in 1908, he would request Takagi Haisui to create a mural (in the guest room on the first floor). But throughout its history, the Chorakukan entertained many people including John Davison Rockefeller Sr., His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Wales Edward VIII,
The well-known entrance gate still exists
The hotel and restaurant was constructed in 1965 and a coffee shop would follow in 1968. The hotel was originally a women’s hotel and the Guest Room is a rococo-style rom that was once used as a reception room, exclusively for afternoon tea guests. Women would use the space to chat and partake in scones and sandwiches with British afternoon tea and cake.
The tea served is a Chorakukan blend tea based from Sri Lankia, the organic herby “Honeybush” from South Africa for texture and aroma. While this can be found in the cafe, inside is the restaurant, Le Chene. This is a French restaurant which features Chef Hashimoto Kazuki.
My visit to Chourakukan was in 2019, the 110th anniversary of the location.
May you want to reserve for a hotel, restaurant or cafe, it’s one of the more luxurious and western-inspired places to visit in Kyoto. But do know to partake in lodging or eating at the location lives up to its luxurious feel and an average stay for a room is around Y80000 to Y130,000 per day and you will need to reserve as soon as you can as the place fills up its reservations quickly.
Want to be treated like royalty, definitely give Kyoto Chourakukan a try!
