Awarded the 2025 Good Design Award
A one-of-a-kind hotel that harmonizes the scenic value of Sanjo Street with exceptional comfort for every stay.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER has been honored with the 2025 Good Design Award.
Rooted in the rich history and culture of Sanjo Street—an area that has developed its own unique character within Kyoto—the hotel has been thoughtfully designed to resonate with modern sensibilities. This recognition encourages us to continue striving to provide guests with a comfortable and memorable stay, with heartfelt hospitality from all our staff.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER has pursued the vision of being a truly one-of-a-kind hotel, unique to Sanjo Street—a district that has developed its own distinct character within Kyoto. In response to the increasingly sophisticated and diverse needs of both domestic and international guests visiting Kyoto, as well as the intensifying competition in the city's hotel market, the hotel aims to create a space that offers a high level of privacy and modern comfort, while contributing to the vibrancy and scenic value of the street. This approach has led to its recognition with the 2025 Good Design Award.
Design Highlights
- 1.Utilizing the depth of the site to balance engagement with the lively street atmosphere and the comfort of the hotel’s interior spaces
- 2.Expressing the contemporary spirit of Kyoto Sanjo not through traditional Japanese materials or motifs, but through spatial composition and materials that connect with the street’s history
- 3.Enhancing the street’s visual appeal through a dynamic composition using authentic materials and a lush, green façade that spills into the urban landscape
Jury Comments
While many hotels in Kyoto have adopted traditional architectural design methods such as machiya-style aesthetics, this project deliberately sets itself apart by embracing a design that harmonizes with the modern architectural landscape of the Sanjo-Takakura area. Rather than relying on what is superficially considered “Kyoto-like,” the hotel thoughtfully captures customer needs and presents a presence that feels as though it has always belonged there. Furthermore, the planning—centered around a courtyard that embodies a truly unique interpretation of Kyoto—stands out for not depending on conventional materials or design language.
About the Good Design Award
Established in 1957, the Good Design Award is Japan’s leading initiative for evaluating and promoting outstanding design, continuing the legacy of the original Good Design Product Selection System. Recognized globally, the award attracts participation from numerous companies and organizations both in Japan and abroad. Held annually, it aims to improve the quality of life and address social issues and themes through the power of design. The symbol of the award—the iconic “G Mark”—is widely known and respected as a sign of excellence in design.
