Kyoto State Guest House, a collection of the best of traditional Japanese skills

It was built 19 years ago on a site within the Kyoto Imperial Palace to welcome important VIP guests of the nation from abroad with our traditional culture and to deepen understanding and friendship with Japan.

The best of modern technology in garden and building architecture and crafts are gathered here, and you can see many works by so-called “living national treasures” and their top class in one place.

Here you can enjoy the beauty of Japanese tradition. Maki-e, Nishijin brocade, Kirikane, lacquer, mother-of-pearl inlay, gardens, etc…

Once again, I was overwhelmed and left impressed by the greatness, height, elegance, richness, precision, and harmony of Japanese traditional techniques!

The entrance and other parts of the building have a really casual and uncluttered appearance and interior.

The entrance and other parts of the building look really simple and unassuming, but here is a world of beauty filled with the best of traditional Japanese craftsmanship that has been calculated and refined even further.

Omotenashi means “hospitality behind the scenes.”…

In other words, they make the greatest effort to embody their feelings for others behind the scenes and show them casually.

Shrines and temples are wonderful for sightseeing in Kyoto, but I urge you to visit this Kyoto Guest House!

Unfortunately, this intangible traditional skill cannot be preserved.

However, I believe that it can only be passed on through continued utilization.

I hope that the skills will be further passed on in succession for the new era.