“Azure Dragon” whispers through the ages as we approach the Seiryu-en Stele. This stele stands as a silent witness to Kyoto’s ever-evolving story.
Let’s delve into the history of this place. The Seiryu-en Stele is linked to the transformation of the Kiyomizu Elementary School into The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu. The hotel was established on March 22, 2020. It blends the building’s past with the present. “Seiryu” is also known as the “Azure Dragon” or “Qinglong”. It has been worshiped as a guardian of the eastern mountains of Kyoto City. Kiyomizu is located there.
Imagine this: Kiyomizu Elementary School closed in 2011 because of a merger of local elementary schools. Locals wanted to preserve this valuable building. Many former pupils and local residents had memories of it. They wanted it to survive into future generations. In 2016, NTT Urban Development started a project. They converted the building into a hotel. It also functioned as a venue for events. It was planned as a gathering place for local residents. It could even serve as a shelter in case of disaster. The aim was to make a hotel. It would inherit the role of Kiyomizu Elementary School. It would contribute to the learning and communal activities of the local residents.
Ryu Kosaka supervised the overall design of the new hotel. He commented on converting the closed school into a hotel. The school had almost ninety years of history. Kosaka attempted the fusion of nostalgia with novelty. He added new functions to the historical Western architecture. He paid the utmost respect to its interior space. He worked closely with the creators. He created a place that is both new and distinctively of its own origins.
The former lecture hall became Restaurant Library The Hotel Seiryu. It seats forty-four people. It makes use of the high ceiling. Many books decorate the restaurant. They symbolize the building’s school days. The “Kyoto breakfast” served in the morning is wholesome. It includes salads, porridges, and soups. Non-hotel guests can dine here too. The restaurant can be used as a multipurpose space for events or meetings.
K36 bar is on the hotel’s rooftop. It overlooks the city. Minoru Nishida participated in its establishment. K36 offers rare whiskeys and wines. It has an ample food menu. It is a suitable place for various occasions.
As you stand before the Seiryu-en Stele remember that the elementary school once embodied the local residents’ bright outlook. Now it brings the local community and the rest of the world together. The Seiryu-en Stele and its surrounding area offer a unique experience. It blends history, culture, and luxury. It creates a memorable journey through time.