The DNA: node hotel in Kyoto is an industrial chic boutique design hotel with an impressive art collection of over 60 pieces, including work by the likes of Gerhard Richter, Barry McGee, Bernard Frize, Tomoo Gokita, Shinro Ohtake, Nobuyoshi Araki and Yukimasa Ida. A variety of room types and configurations, lends an individual and distinct air to each space in the five storey reinforced concrete and glass construction. Rooms come with diagonal metal-coated ceilings matched with dark textures, aged white oak flooring and Takeuchi-designed furniture honed from marble and iron for a mood that is at once sultry, eclectic and contemporary. The lobby, which embodies the atmosphere of a gallery-like living area and library, thanks to the presence of both bespoke and antique furnishings features a verdant floral ceiling centrepiece and a deluge of books, sculptures and tchotchkes that encourage guests to linger and idle. The in-house restaurant rivals the glut of eateries in the surrounding area and has an international bistro-styled, farm-to-table concept. A double height bar, overlooked by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and a six-metre living wall, specializes in organic wines and spirits.

Seen: design anthology

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 25 rooms, including 3 suites (11-56m2) (118-603 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2020 • architecture: Seiichiro Takeuchi • interior design: Indian Creek Fete ❌ no parking available • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk