enso ango, kyoto?s first dispersed hotel, connects travelers with the city?s daily life and authentic culture through its five distinct properties, scattered in five different locations. with a name and core philosophy rooted in zen, the hotel has been spread across several sites in order to adapt to the existing cityscape and coexist harmoniously with the local environment, instead of demolishing buildings to make space for one large premise. following designboom?s initial preview of enso ango (see previous coverage here), we recently traveled to kyoto to experience the hotel and its workshops first hand.the entrance to the hotel?s fuya I property, which has been built on a site that previously housed a kyoto machiya
all exterior images by satoshi asakawa, all interior images by tomooki kengaku, unless stated otherwise  
 
developed under the direction of uchida design inc, enso ango comprises five buildings, each with its own particular style, features, and functions, and all located within walking distance of each other in the central neighborhoods of kyoto. the properties are uniquely designed and feature works of artists from japan and abroad, while guests are encouraged to tour around all buildings to enjoy them and experience the innovative hotel concept to the fullest. besides visiting all the properties of the hotel, guests can also enjoy the various temples, ateliers, shops, and traditional townhouses located around the neighborhood, offering them an opportunit...