The second Hoshinoya, opened in 2009,^[2] is the former home of wealthy merchant Ryoi Suminokura (1554–1614). Suminokura is remembered mostly for creating the Takase River canal that runs through Kyoto, completed in 1611 and allowing goods to be transported to the then capital. His secluded home was constructed^[22] on the banks of the Ōi River in the forests of Arashiyama, famed for its bamboo.

The “riverside sanctuary”^[23] is reached by a small private wooden boat ride of ten minutes and retains its 19th-century wood-framed buildings, with 25 tatami-mat rooms, a library, and two gardens.^[24] Temple bells ring upon the arrival of each guest,^[25] and its moss-traced stone walkways are lit by iron lanterns.^[26]

The rooms have been noted for both their natural location, visited by wild monkeys,^[25] surrounded by cherry trees, and bathed in natural light, but also for their traditional style, with hinoki cypress wood bathtubs,^[23] heated chestnut-wood floors,^[27] and wallpaper made by Kyoto craftsmen from hand-printed woodblocks (karakami).^[28]

Wikipedia