STEP INTO THE VIBRANT world of Shiho Ikeuchi, the dynamic normal supervisor of Ace Lodge Kyoto, and also you’ll instantly sense an air of playful insurrection. With a streak of pink in her hair and a colourful classic jacket paired with polka-dotted trousers, she embodies the ethos of the worldwide Ace Lodge model – a fearless fusion of latest aptitude and conventional Japanese allure.

Nestled within the coronary heart of Kyoto, Ace Lodge affords extra than simply lodging; it’s an immersive expertise curated to please the senses. Housed inside a meticulously restored constructing that when served as town’s Central Phone Workplace, the resort is adorned with popular culture references and trendy artwork.

However it’s not nearly aesthetics. Beneath Shiho’s management, Ace Lodge Kyoto has grow to be a cultural nexus, fostering inventive expression and social engagement. Every visitor room is provided with a file participant and a collection of vinyl data, together with one from a Japanese artist, inviting visitors to immerse themselves inside Japan’s vibrant music scene.

Culinarily talking, it’s additionally a hub. After all they showcase Kyoto’s wealthy gastronomic heritage, however Ace additionally serves a few of my favourite Mexican meals on the town. The craft cocktails have fun the various tastes of Japan and common occasions encourage not simply visitors but additionally locals to satisfy and mingle.

And one other factor: Shiho Ikeuchi is a trailblazer within the LGBTQ neighborhood. Since 2013, she has been a driving pressure in elevating consciousness and inclusivity, providing particular marriage ceremony ceremony packages for same-sex {couples} and championing equality with unwavering dedication.

Intriguing, inspiring, and endlessly passionate, Shiho Ikeuchi isn’t just main a resort; she’s crafting an unforgettable expertise and paving the best way for a extra inclusive world, one visitor at a time. You’ll be able to inform I discovered it an unimaginable pleasure chatting together with her and discovering her favourite locations in Kyoto — she’s an amazing tour information, and I dwell right here, too!

T+L SEA: To begin with, congratulations in your new function as GM at Ace Lodge Kyoto!

Shiho Ikeuchi: Thanks! I’m very thrilled to be part of the Ace household, as Ace Lodge Kyoto exalts the spirit of friendship, discovery, and cultural trade as a gathering place for locals and guests alike, it’s actually the right place to be, each as visitors and as workers. We’ve a tremendous crew to work with in a pleasant ambiance!

T+L SEA: What has been your journey throughout the hospitality trade?

Shiho Ikeuchi: I’ve over 30 years {of professional} expertise within the hospitality trade at worldwide and home accommodations, with a various administration background in operations, gross sales, and advertising. 

Simply earlier than taking up this thrilling new alternative I served as a Common Supervisor for a city-resort resort in Western Tokyo.

T+L SEA: The place does your ardour for hospitality come from?

Shiho Ikeuchi: I actually love what I do. It at all times makes me smile after I see visitors having fun with their stick with us, and sometimes visitors who initially had a criticism find yourself coming again and turning into loyal clients.

One among our core rules at Ace is, ‘Being your self.’ This refers to each folks staying on the resort, but additionally our workers. We worth creativity and a technique we let our employees specific themself is by letting them customise their uniform and provides them the liberty to point out who they’re as people. That’s the key to many industries however particularly essential to hospitality, and Ace is the place the place it comes true.

T+L SEA: What’s your imaginative and prescient for the resort or what are you hoping to attain?

Shiho Ikeuchi: For the reason that border opened in Could 2023, we now have had many inbound vacationers come again to Japan, and to Kyoto. Being probably the most well-liked cities to go to, I want to transcend our visitor’s excessive expectations with my crew members. We proceed to offer alternatives for cultural/artwork/music occasions within the resort to grow to be a bridge to our area people and guests whereas we take pleasure in taking part in them.

T+L SEA: And naturally simply as essential what are your private objectives?

Shiho Ikeuchi: I’ve been deeply concerned within the growth of LGBTQ+ tourism in Japan for the previous 10+ years, together with serving as an IGLTA (Worldwide LGBTQ+ Journey Affiliation) Board of Administrators for 7 years and coming years. One among my objectives is to help LGBTQ+ vacationers for secure and pleasing journey and create a spot of ‘Being yourselves’ similar to everybody else. 

Japan continues to be behind on this problem, however I sincerely imagine that we will enhance collectively, and Ace Lodge Kyoto can take the initiative.

T+L SEA: We’re thrilled so that you can share your favourite spots in Kyoto with us! What impressed your collection of these specific locations?

Shiho Ikeuchi: Kyoto can be a distinctive metropolis and we name it the cultural capital of Japan for a purpose. Guests can take pleasure in each side of town and it’s actually lovely throughout any season. I selected these locations as a result of they allow you to peek into an genuine and native Kyoto, however additionally they supply a mixture of combined cultures.

Shiho Ikeuchi’s Information to Kyoto

1. Ace Lodge Kyoto – Kōsa
〒604-8185, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kurumayacho 245-2 

At Kōsa, Chef Katy Cole presents her “Californian Kyoto delicacies”, a culinary ode to regionally sourced, seasonal components, thoughtfully paired with pure wines. The gorgeous restaurant affords lunch, dinner and particular seasonal afternoon tea and may be booked for occasions.

2. Ace Lodge Kyoto – PIOPIKO
〒604-8185, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kurumayacho 245-2 

Located within the coronary heart of Ace Lodge Kyoto, PioPiko invitations diners on a culinary journey, seamlessly melding Mexican delicacies with native flavors and components created by Michelin-ranked Chef Wes Avila. With a cocktail menu to match it has rapidly grow to be a well-liked after-work vacation spot amidst the colourful ambiance of Kyoto.

3. Kamesuehiro
〒604-8185, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 姉小路通烏丸東入車屋町

Kamesuehiro (亀すえひろ) is a famend conventional Japanese candy store with 200 years of historical past. Specializing in high quality and craftsmanship the store is understood for its broad number of wagashi and affords seasonality Japanese confectionery produced from solely the best native components.

4. Yoshida Sanso 
〒606-8314, Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Yoshidashimoojicho 59-1 

Previously a part of Prince Higashi-Fushimi’s imperial villa, this historic property is widely known for its luxurious retreat and famend Café Shinkokan. The elegant café affords beautiful views of the Japanese gardens. Espresso or tea is served with a aspect of Japanese poetry and common calligraphy lessons can be found.

5. Ando Ningyoten
〒602-8034, Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Komeyacho, 273-2

This famend doll store with over a century of historical past makes a speciality of conventional custom-made Japanese Hina dolls. These beautiful creations have garnered quite a few awards and accolades for his or her contribution to Japanese doll artistry. Showcased in prestigious exhibitions worldwide, they’ve even been offered to royalty across the globe as esteemed items from Japan.

6. Shunkoin Temple 
〒616-8035, Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Hanazonomyoshinjicho 42

Shunkoin Temple, located throughout the Myoshinji Temple advanced, supplies a spread of experiences together with Zen meditation, Kissako periods, and retreats. Moreover, Rev. Takafumi Zenryu Kawakami, a distinguished lecturer with a notable presence at establishments akin to MIT, Brown College, and Eton Faculty, stands out as one of many pioneers in conducting marriage ceremony ceremonies for same-sex {couples} in Japan.

acehotel.com/kyoto; doubles from ¥46,613