Kyoto, Japan
Hosoo Masataka is the twelfth generation at the helm of Hosoo, the bespoke textile and kimono firm of his family. His home is Japan's traditional craft capital, Kyoto, and as a local whose family has lived in the city for hundreds of years, he knows it perhaps better than anyone on the ground.
This interview is part of "The World Made Local" , a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions, which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to find out why her own territory should be your next destination.
Hosoo Masataka
How would you describe Kyoto in your own words? What makes this place unique?
Kyoto is a city for the five senses. Surrounded by mountains and nature, here you can visit numerous temples and sanctuaries where the atmosphere is filled with calm and tranquility. In contrast, the city center is vibrant and showcases many aspects of Japanese culture. you can experiment the textures and aesthetics of local crafts and traditions, from boxes of tea caddies to textiles. You can enjoy Japanese seasonal products with a variety of flavors ranging from the simplest to the most sophisticated.
Where to eat?
A great place to start the day is Tan, located on the bank of a stream in the Higashiyama district serving seasonal Japanese cuisine with the comforts of home.
For lunch, the restaurant Itsutsu serves soba and other Japanese dishes. Located near Daitokuji Temple, you can get a taste of the craftsmanship with the decorations and tableware while enjoying a delicious soba.
before going to dinner, why not visit K36, the rooftop bar of the Seiryu Hotel, located near the Kiyomizu Shrine? Enjoy a pre-dinner snack along with 360-degree views of Kyoto at twilight.
Dinner is a culinary experience in Tempura Matsu, located in the Arashiyama district in western Kyoto. It serves traditional Japanese cuisine with the latest in tempura.
Kyoto
What to see (other than the usual tourist sites)?
Opened in 2019, Hosoo Gallery conceives the concepts of "dyeing and weaving" as a means to create diversity across future generations, cultures, and societies, this space also hopes to address fundamental questions such as, "what is beauty?" and "what is it to be human?" Through collaborations with a variety of experts, Hosoo Gallery hosts exhibitions that approach dyeing and weaving from diverse perspectives including art, design, craft, and science.
Where to sleep?
In Love Kyoto and in Park Hyatt Kyoto , where attention to detail and luxury speak for themselves.
Love Kyoto
Why should we travel to Kyoto?
Kyoto is like a bow and arrow. The arch represents the heritage of the city and its traditions of the past. The arrow represents innovations that will add value to people's lives. Without heritage (the bow), innovation (the arrow) cannot be propelled toward its goals. Working in unison, Kyoto is a great place to experience the past while looking towards a better future.