HANAMIYA HOTEL TO OPEN IN KYOTO IN AUTUMN 2026, OFFERING AN INTIMATE SIX-SUITE RETREAT IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
A Private Kyoto Experience Combining River Views, Contemporary Craftsmanship, and Omakase Dining
September, 2026KYOTO, JAPAN — September 2026 — Hanamiya, an intimate six-suite luxury boutique hotel, is scheduled to open in Kyoto’s Tennocho area in Autumn 2026, offering a private and highly considered base from which to discover Kyoto’s cultural and artistic heart and the enduring traditions of one of Japan’s most richly layered cities.Set overlooking the Kamo and Takase Rivers, Hanamiya Hotel brings together Kyoto craftsmanship, contemporary Japanese design, exceptional sushi, and views toward some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including Yasaka Pagoda and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.Approximately a five-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station in the lively center of Kyoto, Hanamiya offers an atmosphere of privacy and seclusion. With only six guestrooms, the hotel is particularly suited to discerning travelers, families, and larger groups seeking an exclusive stay in the city. Each floor comprises two suites, which can be reserved together as a private floor, creating the feeling of an exclusive residence in the heart of Kyoto.
SIX ROOMS, ROOTED IN KYOTO CRAFTSMANSHIP
Each of Hanamiya’s six guestrooms has been conceived as a contemporary interpretation of Kyoto’s traditional aesthetic, with an emphasis on natural materials, artisanal techniques, and understated luxury. Alternatively, the two rooms on the same floor can be combined into a two-bedroom suite, which can accommodate up to 9 guests.Traditional crafts including urushi lacquer, Kyoto textiles, ceramics, and karakami decorative paper are incorporated throughout the interiors. Richly finished lacquer surfaces, warm-toned wood, and delicate latticework create spaces that feel distinctly Japanese without relying on overtly traditional styling.The craftsmanship throughout the hotel is being developed in collaboration with Hiyoshiya Craft Lab, led by Kotaro Nishibori, the fifth-generation head of Hiyoshiya, Kyoto’s renowned maker of traditional wagasa umbrellas.With a history spanning generations, Hiyoshiya has preserved the craftsmanship of Kyoto’s traditional umbrellas while exploring new applications for these techniques in contemporary design and daily life. At Hanamiya Hotel, this philosophy extends into the guestrooms, where traditional materials and techniques are interpreted for a modern luxury setting.The result is a contemporary hotel where Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship is woven naturally into the design and the stay.
SUSHIYA YOHEI KYOTO: OMAKASE: BY THE KAMO RIVER
Hanamiya will also be home to Sushiya Yohei Kyoto, an intimate sushi restaurant offering omakase dining for both lunch and dinner.The restaurant is a sister establishment of the popular Sushi Saeki and will be the group’s third location. The kitchen will be led by Takashi Taniguchi, the representative chef of Kyoto Saeki since 2018. With more than 25 years of experience dedicated to sushi, Taniguchi brings a deep understanding of traditional sushi techniques, carefully selected ingredients, and the craft of traditional sushi rice. His approach combines technical expertise with a warm, engaging style of hospitality, creating an experience that extends beyond the food itself.With the Kamo River as its backdrop, Sushiya Yohei Kyoto will present full-course omakase menus centered on sushi and seasonal Japanese ingredients, offering guests a dining experience closely connected to the rhythms and character of Kyoto.From May through early October, the restaurant will also offer dining inspired by Kyoto’s traditional kawayuka culture, when restaurants along the Kamo River create elevated outdoor dining spaces overlooking the water. Guests will be able to enjoy seasonal cuisine alongside the river, surrounded by the atmosphere of Kyoto during the warmer months.For Hanamiya guests, the restaurant provides an opportunity to experience Kyoto’s culinary culture without leaving the property, bringing together the precision of traditional sushi craftsmanship, seasonal Japanese cuisine, and the distinctive setting of the Kamo River.
A PRIVATE BASE IN THE HEART OF KYOTO
Hanamiya’s location offers an unusual combination: immediate access to the energy of central Kyoto alongside the privacy of a six-room retreat.The hotel sits close to Kyoto-Kawaramachi and Shijo Stations, placing guests within easy reach of the city’s renowned restaurants, boutiques, cultural sites, and historic districts. At the same time, its position overlooking the Kamo and Takase Rivers creates a sense of calm and separation from the surrounding city.For families and groups traveling together, the hotel’s small scale offers particular advantages. Multiple guestrooms or entire floors can be reserved together, allowing guests to maintain privacy while sharing a single, highly personal base in Kyoto. The generous 132-square-meter main suite further enhances the property’s appeal for extended stays and multigenerational travel.
SHIKI PROPERTIES: MORE THAN 11 YEARS IN KYOTO
Hanamiya is operated by Shiki Properties, a Kyoto-based property management company with more than 11 years of experience across the city’s hospitality and real estate sectors.Today, Shiki Properties manages a portfolio of more than 50 properties, primarily in Kyoto, encompassing traditional machiya townhouses, hotels, and other distinctive properties rooted in the city’s architectural and cultural heritage, with operations also extending to Osaka and Nagano.The company’s expertise extends beyond day-to-day property management. Shiki Properties takes a considered approach to preserving and enhancing the individual character of each property, with close attention to its architecture, history, location, and relationship with the surrounding neighborhood.In addition to property management, Shiki Properties is active in real estate sales and brokerage, as well as ventures in other sectors, including food and beverage. Its portfolio of businesses includes Habanebros, a hot sauce brand made with 100% Kyoto-grown habanero peppers.Hanamiya represents a natural evolution of this Kyoto-based expertise. Conceived from the outset as a distinctive hospitality experience, the property brings together privacy, craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a deep appreciation for the character of its location.
AN INTIMATE WAY TO EXPERIENCE KYOTO
Hanamiya brings together several defining elements of Kyoto in a single, private setting: the Kamo and Takase Rivers, views toward Yasaka Pagoda and Kiyomizu-dera, the city’s traditional craftsmanship, contemporary Japanese interiors, and omakase sushi overlooking the river.Rather than positioning itself simply as a luxury hotel, Hanamiya is designed as a private gateway to Kyoto, a place where the city’s architecture, craftsmanship, cuisine, and seasonal beauty become part of the stay itself.With only six guestrooms and the ability to accommodate families and larger groups across multiple rooms or private floors, Hanamiya offers a rare sense of exclusivity in one of Kyoto’s most vibrant central neighborhoods.The hotel is intended for travelers seeking a more intimate and deeply connected way to experience Kyoto , whether for a private family journey, a multigenerational escape, or a small group stay centered around exceptional Japanese culture, cuisine, and design.The hotel is operated by Shiki Properties, a Kyoto-based company with more than 11 years of experience in hospitality and real estate. Today, Shiki Properties manages a portfolio of more than 50 properties, including hotels and accommodations housed in traditional Kyoto machiya townhouses, reflecting the company’s deep understanding of the city’s distinctive architectural and cultural heritageHanamiya Hotel is scheduled to open in Kyoto’s Tennocho area in Autumn,2026. Enquires – anna@shikiproperties.com
Property Overview
Property: HANAMIYA HOTELOperator: Shiki PropertiesOpening: Autumn 2026 (scheduled)Address: 155 Tennocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8013Guestrooms: 6 ( 47-132-square-meters)Access: Approximately 4 minutes on foot from Kyoto-Kawaramachi StationViews: Kamo River, Takase River, Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizu-dera TempleOn-site Dining: Sushiya Yohei KyotoCuisine: Omakase courses for lunch and dinnerSeasonal Experience: Kawayuka-style riverside (May to October)Craftsmanship: Hiyoshiya Craft Lab / Kotaro NishiboriShiki Properties Portfolio: More than 50 properties in and around Kyoto, including machiya and hotelsExperience in Kyoto: More than 11 yearsBusiness Areas: Property management, real estate, food and consumer product sales, and related businesses
Japan’s health ministry reassures travelers and residents as hantavirus concerns surface globally
Here’s What Happened
Earlier this week, a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean experienced an outbreak of suspected hantavirus that resulted in three deaths. Given that a Japanese national is among the passengers, Japan’s health ministry released a public statement addressing concerns about the virus potentially spreading to the country.
The news made headlines, and naturally, you may of started wondering: Is Japan safe? Should travelers still plan their summer trips? What do health officials say?
The official word: On May 7, Japan’s health ministry confirmed that the risk of hantavirus spreading through person-to-person transmission remains low, even if infected passengers enter the country. They called on the public to remain calm.
What the Health Ministry Wants You to Know
Japan’s health authorities have been clear and straightforward about this. Here are the key points they’ve emphasized:
How Hantavirus Actually Spreads
Hantaviruses transmit primarily through the excreta of infected rodents, not easily from person to person. This is the critical detail that changes everything about the threat assessment. While some viruses can spread person-to-person after initial infection, hantavirus generally doesn’t work that way.
The health ministry specifically noted that person-to-person transmission has been documented for some viruses, but confirmed hantavirus cases in Japan remain at zero. Zero. That’s the historical record.
What Hantavirus Actually Does
When someone does become infected with hantavirus, symptoms include fever and cough, symptoms that, while serious, are treatable and manageable by medical professionals. The mortality rate hovers around 40-50%, which sounds scary on paper, but context matters: these are global figures involving people who may not have immediate access to modern healthcare. Japan has world-class medical facilities everywhere.
The bottom line? Hantavirus requires specific conditions to transmit, and Japan’s urban infrastructure, sanitation standards, and healthcare system make those conditions extremely unlikely to develop.
Key Facts
No confirmed cases in Japan. Despite rodents existing worldwide, Japan has maintained a clean record with hantavirus. The combination of urban density, modern housing standards, and rigorous public health monitoring creates a protective environment.
Why Traveling to Japan Remains Safe
The System is Built for This
Japan doesn’t just react to health threats, it prevents them. The country maintains quarantine stations at borders where travelers undergo health screening. If someone with concerning symptoms arrives, officials already know about it and have established protocols ready to go. This isn’t something being figured out in real time.
Daily Life Continues Normally
Walk through Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing right now. Take the train to Kyoto and visit the temples. Eat at a packed ramen restaurant in Osaka. You’ll see Japanese residents living their lives with the confidence that comes from actually living in one of the safest, healthiest countries on Earth. There are no warnings, no panic, no disruptions.
Travelers Have Options
The health ministry has practical guidance for anyone traveling: be aware of the virus and its transmission route (contact with rodents), remain alert to unusual health symptoms, and seek medical attention if needed. These are common-sense precautions that apply to travel anywhere, not unusual restrictions unique to Japan.
Should You Still Plan Your Summer Trip?
Absolutely. Japan welcomes millions of visitors every year for good reason. The country offers incredible culture, food, scenery, and hospitality. A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship halfway around the world doesn’t change what makes Japan an amazing destination, and Japan’s health ministry’s own assessment confirms that travel remains safe.
Summer in Japan is spectacular. The weather, the festivals, the energy of the cities, it’s prime travel season. Kyoto’s historic temples feel magical in the warm season. Osaka’s food scene comes alive. Coastal areas offer beaches and ocean breezes.
Looking for Accommodation in Kyoto or Osaka?
If you’re ready to book your summer trip, Shiki Properties offers a range of authentic accommodations across both cities. Whether you want to stay in a traditional machiya or prefer modern comfort, we’ve got options that fit any travel style and budget.
Traditional Machiyas
A machiya, one of those beautiful traditional wooden townhouses lining Kyoto’s historic streets, puts you right in the heart of authentic Japan. You’ll wake up in a piece of history while enjoying modern comforts. We have over 40 machiyas in Kyoto and several in Osaka. Additionally we currently are running a special summer campaign where you can get 10-20% off select stays between May and September 2026. View our discount page here for more information. Three great options to consider:
Yellowstone (Kyoto)— Sleeps 5, 101㎡. Our most spacious machiya, perfect for groups wanting room to spread out and experience traditional living in style
Tofukuji Sakura (Kyoto) — Sleeps 7, 71.92㎡. Located near Tofukuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most stunning natural attractions, especially beautiful in autumn
Kanzaki 01 (Osaka)— Sleeps 4, 73㎡. A premium Osaka townhouse with modern touches, perfect for experiencing Osaka’s vibrant energy while staying in a traditional setting
Modern Hotels: Shiki Suites & Toji Suites & Residence
If you prefer contemporary comfort, we have excellent hotel options. Shiki Suites Kyoto Umekoji offers modern jacuzzi suites and spacious junior rooms (28㎡) in a sleek setting. Kyoto Toji Suites & Residence combines minimalist design with larger rooms (42–44㎡) that feel like apartments, ideal for longer stays. For something more intimate, Tofukuji Riverside offers cozy hotel rooms (21–26㎡) near temples in a quieter neighborhood. All feature modern amenities while keeping that authentic Japanese hospitality touch.
Planning a longer stay? We offer monthly rental options in both Kyoto and Osaka that give you flexibility and better rates. Whether you’re working remotely, taking an extended cultural immersion trip, or just want to truly settle into life in Japan, monthly rentals let you experience the cities like a local rather than a tourist.
The Bottom Line
Japan’s health ministry has confirmed what residents already know: life here is safe and normal. A health threat on a cruise ship in the Atlantic doesn’t change the reality of Japan’s world-class healthcare system, rigorous public health infrastructure, or the actual facts about how hantavirus spreads.
Don’t let a headline prevent you from experiencing an incredible destination. Japan in the summer awaits, the warmth, the culture, the food, the people. And when you arrive, comfortable, welcoming accommodations will be ready to make your stay unforgettable.
Book your summer escape to Kyoto or Osaka today and experience Japan the way it should be experienced, with confidence and wonder.
Japan is expected to see significant snowfall beginning around Sunday, January 11, 2026, with forecasts indicating a stronger-than-average winter system moving into the region. A cold air mass is likely to bring steady to heavy snow to parts of Nagano and Niigata prefectures, as well as areas along the Japan Sea coast.
While snowfall totals may be higher than usual for this time of year, conditions will vary by location. Local authorities and weather services are monitoring the situation closely, and residents and travelers are encouraged to stay informed and plan accordingly. Already this season, mountain regions have seen substantial snow. In late December, Nozawa Onsen in Nagano recorded about 45 cm of snow during a cold event that brought strong snowfall to the northern part of the prefecture.
What’s Ahead: Intense Snow & Harsh Cold
Snowy Nozawa
Meteorologists watching the evolving atmosphere have identified a powerful cold air mass from Siberia colliding with moist air over the Sea of Japan. From January 11 through about the 14th, this combination will intensify the winter monsoon and drive exceptionally heavy snow inland toward Nagano and Niigata. The Japan Meteorological Agency and Japan Weather Association have issued early alerts for unusually high snowfall, indicating that this winter storm could surpass the intensity of typical seasonal snow events.
The cold air affecting Japan has already produced heavy snow in other areas along the Sea of Japan earlier in January, and recent observations show large accumulations over mountainous and coastal regions. The trend of repeated cold air outbreaks into next week sets up conditions for another surge of intense snowfall starting around January 11.
As this rare snow event develops, some disruption is possible across the region. Snow accumulation may make driving conditions more difficult on certain roads, and transport services such as trains and flights could experience delays if snowfall intensifies. Conditions will vary by area, particularly between lowland cities and higher elevations. Residents and travelers are encouraged to keep an eye on local weather and transport updates, allow extra time for travel, and take basic winter precautions. With sensible planning and up-to-date information, most people should be able to navigate the conditions safely.
Where to get information about snow warnings?
Be aware like this cat!
If you’re coming by the Hokuriku Shinkansen , be sure to visit their website to know about the status of their trains. Information is provided in both English & Japanese. If you’re taking conventional lines check out JR East’s status section. For the Nozawa Onsen Liner, you can check the schedule and information on their main website. For those driving, be sure to check the status of expressways. You can find information about various expressways in Japan using Nexco (note: their system is in Japanese). Google Maps may also be able to give you insights in English.
Nozawa Onsen Status
Nozawa Onsen
At present, Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort has issued no special warnings regarding ski facilities or conditions in the surrounding region. Their last update on the 26th of December was that night skiing will operate from January 10th. To see if there are any changes , we recommend you access their Japanese site (their notices are not on the English version).
Nozawa Fire Festival
The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival (Dosojin Matsuri) takes place every year on January 15 and is one of Japan’s most iconic winter traditions. Villagers construct a large wooden shrine and, as night falls, the festival comes alive with flaming torches, chanting, and the dramatic lighting of the structure, a centuries-old ritual to pray for good health, harmony, and good fortune in the year ahead.
The festival goes ahead even in heavy snow, making it a true winter experience and a powerful display of local spirit. Our Nagano-based staff member, Ben, highly recommends it, describing it as one of the most memorable cultural events in the region, especially when fire and snowfall meet under the winter night sky.
Where to stay in Nozawa Onsen
Kogawa House,Nagano
Shiki Properties has recently opened a new listing in Nozawa Onsen: Kogawa House, a spacious 95㎡, two-bedroom home designed for families or small groups seeking a relaxed and comfortable ski escape. The house blends modern convenience with traditional touches, featuring a Western-style bedroom alongside a tatami room, a private kitchen and dining area, and a full bathroom with laundry facilities. Underfloor and roof heating keep the space warm throughout winter, while a Google Smart TV with Netflix and English channels, plus free Wi-Fi, make it easy to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Ideally located just 400 meters from Hikage Slope and 200 meters from the Nozawa Onsen Bus Stop, Kogawa House offers both comfort and convenience in the heart of the village, perfect for returning home, relaxing, and recharging for another day in the snow. To book, or for more information, check our live listing today!
Kyoto woke to a fleeting winter gift on the morning of January 3rd, after light snow fell quietly across the city on the night of the 2nd. By dawn, temple paths, stone steps, and tiled rooftops were softly dusted in white, offering a rare and serene sight for early risers. Locals paused to take in the hushed atmosphere as familiar streets momentarily felt transformed.
As of 7:00 a.m. on the 3rd, snowfall varied across Kyoto Prefecture. Mineshiyama in Kyotango City recorded around 11 cm, while Miyama in Nantan City saw approximately 7 cm. Within Kyoto City, light accumulation of 1–2 cm was observed in northern areas such as Kita Ward and Sakyo Ward, particularly in the Rakuhoku district, while no measurable snowfall was recorded in the city center.
As is often the case in Kyoto, the snowfall was brief, by noon, the sun had gently erased most traces of snow, leaving behind only memories and photographs of a calm, wintry morning.
It’s hard to say exactly when it will snow next in Kyoto in 2026, as short-term weather can change day to day and isn’t certain that far ahead. Over the next week or so, there isn’t a strong prediction for significant snowfall in the city itself. However, based on Kyoto’s winter climate patterns, heavier snow typically arrives at least once in mid-January and again in early to mid-February in many years. Because Kyoto sits in a basin, snowfall in the city is often light and short-lived, but these periods offer the best chances for visible accumulation.
If you’re hoping to see snow during your visit, we recommend heading north to Kibune and Mt. Kurama, where higher elevations mean snow tends to fall more frequently and linger longer. These areas often transform into serene winter landscapes, even when central Kyoto remains clear.
Where can I learn more about when it may snow in Kyoto?
For the latest insights on when it may snow in Kyoto, Shiki Properties shares regular weather updates and seasonal observations across our social media channels. We post timely updates on changing conditions, including snowfall, so you can stay informed in real time.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get up-to-date information on Kyoto’s weather, winter scenery, and the best moments to experience the city at its most atmospheric.
Kyoto welcomed its first snow of the season in the early hours of the morning on the 4th of December 2025, bringing a quiet, fleeting hint of winter to the historic city. Delicate snowflakes drifted down over temple gardens, tiled rooftops, and traditional machiya townhouses, appearing and disappearing almost as quickly as they fell. Rather than a full blanket of white, the snowfall remained light and gentle, creating a soft, atmospheric moment that felt almost dreamlike. For both locals and visitors, it was a subtle but undeniable sign that winter had begun in one of Japan’s most iconic cities.
According to the Osaka Regional Meteorological Observatory, snowfall was officially observed at 1:33 a.m. at the Kyoto Meteorological Observatory in Nakagyo Ward. This year’s first snow arrived seven days earlier than the seasonal average and a full fifteen days sooner than last year. While Kyoto City itself experienced only light flurries with no measurable accumulation, heavier snowfall was recorded in northern areas of the prefecture. By 6:00 a.m., snow depth had reached one centimeter in Miyama-cho in Nantan City and in the Mineyama area of Kyotango City, highlighting the contrast between central and northern Kyoto.
Snowfall in Kyoto City is a rare event, which is part of what makes it feel so special when it occurs. Unlike northern Japan, where winter storms can bring heavy and persistent snow, Kyoto City usually experiences only brief flurries. Typically, just once or twice a year, snow accumulates lightly on the ground, and even then, it often disappears by noon. This fleeting quality gives Kyoto’s winter moments a unique beauty, easily missed if you are not looking for them. Adding to the sense of seasonal change, this week also marked the final opportunity to enjoy the autumn leaves. The last pockets of red and gold across the city now give way to bare branches, signaling a graceful transition from autumn’s warmth to the quiet of winter.
KYOTO, JAPAN — September 2026 — Hanamiya, an intimate six-suite luxury boutique hotel, is scheduled to open in Kyoto’s Tennocho area in Autumn 2026, offering a private and highly considered base from which to discover Kyoto’s cultural and artistic heart and the enduring traditions of one of Japan’s most richly layered cities. Set overlooking the Kamo and Takase Rivers, Hanamiya Hotel brings together Kyoto craftsmanship, contemporary Japanese design, exceptional sushi, and views toward some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including Yasaka Pagoda and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Approximately a five-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station in the lively center of Kyoto, Hanamiya offers an atmosphere of privacy and seclusion. With only six guestrooms, the hotel is particularly suited to discerning travelers, families, and larger groups seeking an exclusive stay in the city. Each floor comprises two suites, which can be reserved together as a private floor, creating the feeling of an exclusive residence in the heart of Kyoto. 
