Aman Kyoto offers an exquisite way to immerse oneself into the richness of Japan’s cultural heritage with the introduction of Tea House Senkutsu.
Tea House Senkutsu is a meticulously-crafted space steeped in tradition and designed to celebrate Japanese culture and spirituality; as such, it serves as a new sanctuary of tradition and calm within the resort’s secret forest garden.
Showcasing the exquisite artisan craftsmanship of the finest Japanese tea house architecture, it features two tea rooms for guests to immerse themselves in cultural experiences, such as the sacred ceremony of chanoyu, the Japanese Way of Tea.
Located within the extraordinary gardens that surround the hotel’s magnificent pavilions, the tea house is located at the end of a moss-covered stone pathway, overlooking a pond, where it harmonises with Aman Kyoto’s architectural and natural beauty.
Inside the tea house, the host embodies the concept of omotenashi, traditional Japanese hospitality, by performing a carefully choreographed ritual that has evolved over centuries to create a moment of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.
Aman Kyoto general manager Yasuo Mizobuchi said of this new addition to the hotel’s exceptional amenities: “Aman has always held a deep respect for local culture and tradition, fostering understanding through experience. With the arrival of Tea House Senkutsu we hope to offer guests a timeless encounter with Japanese aesthetics and the spirit of the tea ceremony, providing moments of calm and mindfulness.”
Design moulded by tradition
Tea House Senkutsu has been designed by SEN ART STUDIO, specialist architects of traditional sukiya tea house design: a minimalist style that can be traced back to the 16th century.
SEN ART STUDIO has gone to every length to render Tea House Senkutsu in a style that exemplifies the traditions of Urasenke, one of the most influential schools of the Japanese tea ceremony which which traces its origins to Sen no Rikyū (1522-1591), the first generation.
Zabosai Sen Soshitsu, a 16th-generation grand master of the Urasenke tradition, selected the name “Senkutsu”, which loosely translates to “a cave of the master of wisdom”, suggesting a quiet retreat for spiritual reflection.
Tea House Senkutsu has been crafted by Nakamura Sotoji Komuten, a leading collective of sukiya carpenters that specialises in traditional Japanese wooden architecture.
Carefully selected materials have been used to create the tea house, such as locally-sourced Kitayama cedar and soil from Takagamine, where Aman Kyoto stands, which has been used to craft the earthen walls.
The result showcases the enduring elegance of Japanese tea house design, characterised by simplicity, elegant lines, harmony with nature, and the interplay of light and shadow.
Spaces for serene contemplation
The usable space consists of two tea rooms including the koma (small tatami mat room) and a second ryu-rei-area (chair-seated style).
The koma room is used for very traditional ceremonies and is entered by crouching or crawling down through a low nijiriguchi (small crawl-through entrance) which symbolically emphasises humility and respect.
This entrance leads to a minimalist, yet meticulously crafted space with four tatami mats to sit on without shoes and a masu-doko alcove.
Here, seasonal flowers and scrolls adorn the walls, steam rises gently from the simmering kettle and the scent of the fresh tatami straw mats perfumes the air.
Soft fluctuations of light and shadows through the shoji screens create a sense of harmony with the elements, where guests will immerse themselves in the world of chanoyu.
The second ryu-rei-style room, has been designed so that guests can sit on chairs to experience the tradition of chanoyu, making it the most accessible and comfortable experience for those who are new to the ritual.
This room connects to the mizuya (preparation room) which will also serve as a multipurpose venue for cultural activities such as seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets) making, art classes with local painters, calligraphy and Ikebana (flower arranging).
This will be an extension of the other cultural activities that can be arranged by Aman Kyoto, from the Kaiseki dining experience at Taka An restaurant to meditation sessions with Zen Buddhist monks at a local temple.
