“…Aman Kyoto introduces Tea House Senkutsu, a meticulously crafted new tea house nestled within the resort’s secret forest garden. Conceived as a sanctuary of Japanese culture and spirituality, this exquisitely built structure showcases the refined artistry of sukiya architecture through two purpose-designed tea rooms. Here, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a range of cultural experiences, from the sacred ritual of chanoyu to various artistic practices…”
Surrounded by the estate’s serene gardens, the tea house sits harmoniously among Aman Kyoto’s pavilions and guest residences. A moss-covered stone pathway guides visitors towards a tranquil pondside setting, where the architecture blends seamlessly with the natural landscape and the resort’s distinctive design language.
The extraordinary craftsmanship behind Tea House Senkutsu has been brought to life by SEN ART STUDIO, a specialist in sukiya architecture with roots tracing back to the 16th century. With a profound commitment to authenticity, the studio has designed the tea house to reflect the pure aesthetic and philosophy of the Urasenke school, one of Japan’s most influential tea ceremony lineages established by the revered tea master, Sen no Rikyū.
Adding to its cultural integrity, the construction has been undertaken by Nakamura Sotoji Komuten, one of Japan’s foremost collectives of sukiya carpenters. Locally sourced Kitayama cedar and soil from Takagamine, the very land on which Aman Kyoto stands, have been used to shape the earthen walls. Every detail embodies the enduring beauty of Japanese tea house architecture: simple yet deliberate lines, harmony with the surrounding nature, and the poetic dance of light and shadow.
Inside, the building comprises two distinctive tea rooms: the traditional koma room, a compact tatami space, and the ryu-rei area designed for chair-seated tea ceremonies. The ryu-rei room offers a more accessible entry into the world of chanoyu, particularly for those new to the practice. This space connects directly to the mizuya, the preparation room, which also serves as a venue for cultural workshops including seasonal wagashi making, painting sessions with local artists, calligraphy and ikebana. These experiences complement the broader array of cultural offerings available at Aman Kyoto.
The koma room, reserved for more traditional and ceremonial tea practices, is accessed through a low nijiriguchi entrance, requiring guests to stoop or crawl, a symbolic gesture of humility. Inside, four tatami mats, a masu-doko alcove adorned with seasonal flowers and scrolls, the gentle fragrance of new tatami, and the soft hiss of a simmering kettle collectively evoke a serene atmosphere. Light filters delicately through shoji screens, creating a meditative interplay of shadows that draws guests deep into the contemplative world of chanoyu.
Tea House Senkutsu is therefore far more than an architectural addition to the resort. It is a gateway into the Japanese spirit, a space where culture, craftsmanship, and nature converge with quiet elegance, offering an experience that resonates with Aman Kyoto’s timeless sense of tranquillity and refinement.
