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INTRODUCTION
STORY emerge from HISTORY.
Monogatari forms the past and future—
Kyoto has a long tradition of rich cultural heritage, beginning with the New
Anthology of Manyōshū and extending through the works of renowned figures such
as the writer Murasaki Shikibu, tea ceremony master Sen no Rikyū, illustrator
Ogata Kōrin, and the multi-talented artist Rosanjin. It is considered the spiritual
backbone that has shaped Japan’s current cultural framework, a testament to its
enduring legacy of creative endeavors.
As our surroundings evolve, it’s crucial that we learn from and protect this history of
creativity so that it can be passed down for generations to come.But it is also
crucial to create anew—to pave the way for our future legacies.
HISTORY is the origin of STORY. STORY originates from HISTORY.
New monogatari will create new history. In collaboration with luminaries of the
art world, the architecture community and beyond, we have composed the opening
line to a brand-new monogatari here in Gion, Kyoto. We hope to write the rest
of our story together with you.
—Gion The Monogatari Team
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JO( Beginning )
Tucked away in a quiet alley just behind the bustling streets of Kyoto’s Gion district, a monogatari awaits. It is an exclusive hideaway where select ladies and gentlemen convene to engage in conversation. As the lantern at the entrance of the machiya townhouse is lit, the curtain opens to tonight’s new chapter in the monogatari.
Beyond the lattice door on the ground floor lies a courtyard, through which the outside world gives life to our monogatari. Time unfolds here much like a story unfolding on the theater stage, allowing you to behold both shinrabansho—all of the universe in totality—as well as kachofugetsu—the marvel of Japan’s four seasons. -
HA( Middle )
You make your way up the stairs to find yourself being greeted by a secluded bar counter.
Behind it, one of owner stands, her kimono as vibrant as a bouquet of flowers.
“Oideyasu (welcome back).”
The owner gracefully pours Kyoto’s most renowned sake for the patrons at the counter as she offers them a warm welcome. Alongside Kyoto’s tea connoisseurs and pottery artisans, Tokyo’s writers, filmmakers, and business leaders gather for exquisite drinks and good company. As the night progresses, actors and artists from overseas join in. The company engages in lively conversation, losing track of time while gazing out at the beautiful courtyard garden. -
KYU( End )
The night deepens, and the maiko make their entrance. Guided by the music created by the shamisen instrument, each guest looks on with reverence as the night unfolds like a dream. Stories come into being through history and time. Here, in our monogatari, the past and the present, the oriental and the occidental, blend seamlessly to create a new narrative. By dawn, our guests go their separate ways. Like with all great stories, the experience will make you see the world in a whole new light by its closing.
ARTISTS
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The world-renowned architect behind this reinterpretation of the traditional Kyoto townhouse. He, together with his firm, creates a space that is intimate and snug space—in other words quintessentially Japanese—yet simultaneously open and borderless.
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1973, Shohei Shigematsu graduated from the Department of Architecture at Kyushu University. Afterward, he ventured to the Netherlands, joining the internationally acclaimed architectural design firm OMA in 1998. Currently, he serves as a partner at OMA and heads its New York office. Some of his notable works include the new building for the Cornell University College of Architecture, the new pavilion for the National Gallery of Canada, exhibition designs for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the headquarters of Sotheby’s in New York, the new building for the New Museum, the headquarters of Tiffany & Co., the Tenjin Business Center in Fukuoka, and the Toranomon Hills Station Tower in Tokyo.
Buffalo AKG Art Museum, 2023
Buffalo, NY, USA
Photo : Marco Cappelletti
Christian Dior : Designer of Dreams, 2022
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, Japan
Photo : Daici Ano, Courtesy Dior -
An internationally celebrated artist and the creator of our very own bespoke tsuboniwa courtyard.
Olafur Eliasson, born 1967, is an Icelandic-Danish artist whose work explores the relevance of art on a global scale. Since 1997, he has held a wide range of solo exhibitions in major art museums worldwide, featuring installations, paintings, sculptures, photographs, and videos. In 2003, he represented Denmark at the 50th Venice Biennale and exhibited “The Weather Project” at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall in London. Eliasson’s public art installations include “The New York City Waterfalls” (2008), “Fjordenhus” in Vejle (2018), and “Ice Watch” (2014). In 2012, Eliasson co-founded the nonprofit organization Little Sun, and in 2014, he established Studio Other Spaces, an office for art and architecture, together with Sebastian Behmann. In 2019, Eliasson was appointed as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador for climate action. His studio, Studio Olafur Eliasson in Berlin, comprises a large team of craftspeople, architects, archivists, researchers, operational staff, chefs, art historians, and technical specialists.
The weather project, 2003
Tate Modern, London
Photo : Olafur Eliasson
The exploration of the centre of the sun, 2017
The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Photo : Kazuo Fukunaga
Commissioned by Gion Monogatari Inc.; © 2024 Olafur Eliasson
HOUSE RULES
Exclusive to members.
Membership is by invitation only.
To ensure an enjoyable experience for all members, photography and filming within the premises, whether for social media or otherwise, are prohibited. We thank you in advance for your understanding.
Each member may bring up to three guests. Guests must come to the monogatari with a member. Corporations may register up to three participants. Registration is limited to the same company as the member (affiliated companies are not accepted). Corporate registrants will be offered a bottle of alcohol (approximately 200,000 yen) when they visit Monogatari. Both individuals and corporations can reserve the facility for their own use. Please contact the facility for reservations. Registration will close once capacity is reached.
For more information regarding our house rules, please click here.
Street Name : West side of Nishihanamikoji-dori second street, south side of Gion-cho