The lobby of Agora Place Kyoto Nijo, a new 30-room hotel in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, now features a striking white tiger mural by renowned Kyoto-based artist Ki-Yan (Hideki Kimura). The work was created during the hotel's pre-opening period as a signature piece for the space — and represents the first time Ki-Yan has painted a white tiger mural for a hotel interior.
The mural's subject is Byakko (White Tiger), the divine guardian of Kyoto's western direction. Since ancient times, Kyoto has been known as a city protected by the Four Guardian Deities — the Azure Dragon (east), White Tiger (west), Vermilion Bird (south), and Black Tortoise (north) — a concept known in Japanese as "Shijin Soo." As protector of the west, the White Tiger is regarded as a guardian symbol of Kyoto's western areas, including Nijo and Arashiyama, making it a meaningful choice for a hotel located in the Nijo district.
The mural was conceived as a visual journey of the White Tiger descending into the hotel. A depiction of the tiger's tail appears on the entrance wall, drawing the creature's presence inside, while the full figure of the white tiger commands the lobby, watching over guests in quiet dignity. Throughout the entire space, the flow of the tiger's energy and its protective spirit are expressed through a fusion of Kyoto's traditional "Shijin Soo" philosophy and the dynamic vitality of contemporary art.
Agora Place Kyoto Nijo is currently in its pre-opening phase, with interior finishing in progress. The hotel is scheduled to open in March 2026.
About the Artist: Ki-Yan (Hideki Kimura)
Born in 1942 in Izumiotsu City, Osaka, Hideki Kimura graduated from what is now Kyoto City University of Arts. After working as an event producer during the early years of Japan's rock music scene, he began creating murals around the time he turned 60 in 2001. His works span over 200 locations in Japan and abroad, including sliding screen paintings at Shoren-in Temple in Kyoto, as well as works at Kyoto City Zoo, Kansai International Airport, commercial facilities, and restaurants. He is recognized for his distinctive style — bold compositions and vivid colors that transform entire spaces into living works of art.
Hotel Overview
Name: Agora Place Kyoto Nijo
Address: 25 Marutamachi, Marutamachi-dori Aburanokoji Nishi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Floors: 7 floors above ground
Access: Approximately 9-minute walk from Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
Rooms: 30 rooms total (19 Standard Twin, 6 Standard King, 5 Deluxe Triple)
