31 Mar 2025
The Iemoto Oversees Bamboo Art at "KIWA," a Tea Room of Light in Kyoto Station's New Landmark, "NIWA"
The JR Kyoto Station East Plaza is being reborn as a new "garden" where visitors can experience the essence of Kyoto.
Bringing together Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Japan Tourism Agency, traditional cultural houses, Kyoto’s producers, and the creative company NAKED, INC., this space aims to become a cultural crossroads for all who visit.
In “NIWA,” the art tea room “KIWA” features an elegant bamboo installation, overseen by Iemoto Akane Teshigahara of the Sogetsu School, based on the “East” theme of Kyoto’s Shijin Sōō (Four Gods Correspondence) principle.
If you visit Kyoto, be sure to stop by and experience this unique space.
(※ Shijin Sōō: A geomantic principle from Feng Shui that defines ideal land conditions for prosperity. Kyoto was designed based on this concept when it became the capital in the Heian period.)
Art Terrace Lounge "NIWA"
NIWA is a dining space offering a selection of food and drinks made with carefully chosen Kyoto-grown ingredients and brands. Visitors can enjoy Kyoto’s matcha, coffee, Japanese tea, sake, and craft beer, with a menu that constantly offers new ways to discover Kyoto’s charm.
One of the highlights is a set of Kyoto-inspired appetizers paired with different drinks:
- Gold – Best with beer
- Silver – Best with sake
- Zen – A vegan-friendly option
Each set provides a distinct Kyoto taste experience.
Tea Room of Light "KIWA"
A one-of-a-kind art tea room inspired by the changing seasons.
At its heart is a hanging scroll inscribed with the word “KIWA”, a gift from Iemoto Sen Sōshitsu of the Urasenke School of Tea. This space embodies the harmony between tradition and innovation, blending multiple art forms:
- Bamboo art by Akane Teshigahara, Iemoto of the Sogetsu School
- Garden design by Katsunori Ogawa, the next-generation master of the renowned Ogawa Jihei family, a pioneer of modern Japanese gardens
- Art technology by NAKED, INC., evoking Kyoto’s pure Kamo River and natural scenery
This fusion of art and tradition creates a serene, immersive space.
Facility Information
Name: NIWA
Address: 8th Floor, East Plaza, Kyoto Station Building (901 Higashi-Shiokoji-cho, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto)
Phone: +81-50-1743-2507
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Last Order: 10:30 PM)
Closed: Irregular holidays (Check the official Instagram for updates)
Inquiries: info@niwa.naked.works
Official Instagram: @niwa_kyoto
Access
From JR Kyoto Station Central Exit: Approx. 3-minute walk
- Exit the central gate of Kyoto Station.
- Take the rightmost escalator up three levels to Karasuma-Koji Plaza.
- From Karasuma-Koji Plaza, take the short escalator ahead.
- Then, take the rightmost escalator up to reach East Plaza.
(Follow station signs for “East Plaza” for guidance.)
