Koyo Cafe, Kyoto

Koyo Café, situated on the ground floor of the Pedal Hotel near Toji Temple in Kyoto, Japan, is a fusion of nature and Japanese traditions encapsulated within a modern setting. The café, offering all-day dining for hotel guests and locals, celebrates the beauty of autumn, known as "koyo" in Japanese, when leaves transform from green to stunning shades of gold and red, particularly notable in Kyoto's renowned maple trees.
Each space within Koyo Café symbolizes a distinct stage of this metamorphosis, creating a unique experience for visitors. The design concept incorporates sintered marble stone by Ceramika Paradyz from Poland, blending Western influences with Japanese aesthetics.
The journey begins at the entryway, symbolizing the moment when green leaves transition to gold. The first room features striking green marble with gold veins, mirroring the onset of autumn. The marble extends seamlessly from the walls to the floor, naturally shaping banquette seating, while light green upholstery evokes the freshness of early autumn.
Inspired by traditional Japanese temples, a glass-roofed structure serves as an extension to the hotel building, infusing historical Japanese elements into the modern architecture. Natural elements such as wood, beige tiles, and gold marble, coupled with architectural details, create a serene atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese tea room, representing the mid-autumn phase of the leaf transformation.
The lounge area represents the culmination of autumn, where leaves turn red, resembling ripe maples. Deep orange-red suede leather adorns the arch ceiling, embracing the vibrant energy of the season. The marble arch wall and ceiling, reminiscent of maple trees in autumn, invite guests to relax and savor the harvest of the season.
Overall, Koyo Café seamlessly blends nature, tradition, and modernity, offering a sensory journey through the enchanting beauty of autumn in Kyoto.