# Minimalist Japanese Guesthouses The Maana Kamo Guesthouse is a Luxury Retreat in Kyoto By Elena Rahman | Published 2021-04-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maana-kamo-guesthouse References: [ignant](https://www.ignant.com/2021/04/12/uoya-shigenori-transforms-100-year-old-space-into-the-serene-maana-kamo-guesthouse/) & [maanahomes](https://maanahomes.com/) Maana Kamo Guesthouse, designed by architect Uoya Shigenori, is a 100-year-old [minimalist luxury retreat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenhouse), tucked away in the [spiritual city of Kyoto](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/element-house), Japan. The townhouse now known as Maana Kamo Guesthouse, uses minimalist design to showcase its ancient beauty. Uoya Shigenori, the lead architect on the Maana Kamo Guesthouse project, aimed to showcase and preserve the original structure of the Maana Kamo Guesthouse, while incorporating minimalist features to create a calming retreat. The new Maana Kamo Guesthouse design includes restrained furnishings and [new timber](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yawn-yard), set in dimly lit spaces, as traditional Japanese architecture calls for. Sliding screen doors add to the Maana Kamo Guesthouse's commitment to retaining Japanese features. Maana Kamo Guesthouse is part of a series of Maano Homes in the area. Image Credit: ignant.com ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 98% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Home](https://www.trendhunter.com/home) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Minimalist Hospitality Design:** Opportunity for architecture and interior design to incorporate minimalistic features into hospitality spaces, showcasing a combination of modern and traditional design. - **Preserving Ancient Architecture:** Utilizing modern design to showcase and preserve original historical structures, such as townhouses or mansions, while incorporating calming and minimalist features. - **Sliding Screen Doors:** Use of sliding screen doors in modern spaces as an ode to traditional Japanese architecture and design while providing a division between spaces for privacy or aesthetics. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Hospitality Industry:** Incorporating minimalist and traditional features in unique ways can provide guests with a calming and luxurious experience, while preserving historical structures. - **Architecture Industry:** Opportunity for the architecture industry to showcase their skills by incorporating modern and traditional design elements while preserving historical structures. - **Interior Design Industry:** By utilizing restrained furnishings and dimly lit spaces, interior designers can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere for clients while preserving traditional architecture. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Renewed Kyoto Townhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-aluc.md) - [Modern Traditional Japanese Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shinmozen.md) - [Temple-Inspired Idyllic Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/k-residence-1.md) - [Harmonious Traditional Home Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kyoto-house.md) - [Refined Japanese Serene Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/six-senses-kyoto.md) - [Minimal Japanese Home Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-kyobate.md) - [Traditional Japanese-Inspired Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doma-house.md) - [Updated Traditional Machiya House](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-marutamachi.md) - [Local Timber Japanese Guesthouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yawn-yard.md)