Right in front of busy Kyoto Station, far from the natural world, we were able to create a small stream reminiscent of the nearby Kamogawa River. Here, in the small courtyard at the entrance to the hotel, we enlivened the stream with a variety of deciduous trees representing Kyoto’s four seasons, and further evoked the city beyond with a selection of the stone structures, including lanterns, that make Kyoto so unique. Because this courtyard is in the middle of the hotel’s entrance, lobby and dining room, we designed it to be beautiful when seen from any angle.