Ritzwell Brings Timeless Japanese Aesthetics to the Exclusive BAR KUN in Kyoto

In the very heart of Kyoto’s historic Maruyama Park, BAR KUN has opened—an intimate retreat available strictly by invitation and reservation only.

The space was designed by Yoshihara-gumi studio, while behind the bar stands legendary Japanese bartender Minoru Nishida. BAR KUN is directly connected to the KOCHI gallery and opens onto a courtyard shaped to resemble the flow of water, where seasonal trees and a monumental stone slab from Fukushima create perfect harmony between nature and architecture.

To further emphasize the atmosphere of meditative calm and subtle elegance, furniture pieces from Ritzwell, the renowned Japanese manufacturer led by President and Creative Director Shinsaku Miyamoto, were carefully selected. The chosen model—Claude | Armchair—is distinguished by its sculptural armrests and minimalist legs, blending aesthetics with comfort. Its discreet yet powerful design infuses the space with serenity and contemplation, seamlessly merging the interior with the landscape.

With only 14 seats and a minimalist menu, BAR KUN offers an experience that goes far beyond the traditional notion of a bar. Here, every detail—from lighting to material selection to carefully chosen furniture—contributes to a ritual of introspection and silence.

Founded in 1992 in Fukuoka, Ritzwell has grown into one of Japan’s most important contemporary furniture manufacturers, with a clear mission: to create objects that embody warmth, harmony, and timeless beauty. Their pieces are not mere functional elements of interior design, but parts of family intimacy and daily life, acquiring patina and depth over time.

In 2019, the company inaugurated the Itoshima Seaside Factory, an architectural gem designed by Shigemii Imoto, where workshops are nestled between the sea and lush vegetation. Nature, light, and the ocean directly influence the work of artisans, who channel their inner balance into every creation.

Ritzwell is internationally recognized through its presence at Salone del Mobile.Milano, as well as multiple international awards—from the Red Dot Award to the German Design Award. Their philosophy is both simple and profound: every piece of furniture must convey a sense of peace and embody the harmony of the hands that crafted it.

BAR KUN in Kyoto perfectly reflects this Ritzwell philosophy—a space where nature and design breathe as one, where chairs are not just seating but part of a scenography inviting guests on an introspective journey. In this minimalist environment, Ritzwell Claude armchairs serve not only as comfort but as integral parts of the ritual, balancing between architecture and nature, luxury and serenity.