After Osaka, in the third part of our guide to luxury hotels in Japan, we will be covering luxury hotels in Kyoto.
Formerly the capital of Japan, Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan due to its rich cultural heritage. Numerous temples, shrines, and some of the country’s most famous cultural sites, such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kamigamo Shrine, Shugakuin Imperial Villa, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, can all be found in Kyoto.
In addition to its cultural sites, Kyoto is known for Japanese specialities such as Kaiseki, and Matcha, and would certainly not disappoint visitors looking for a gastronomic adventure.
If you have plans to drop by Kyoto, here are our top picks for luxury hotels in the city (in no particular order):
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Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Located in Kyoto’s temple district of Higashiyama, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto offers a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Just 10 minutes from the bustling centre of Kyoto, the hotel is a short walk from many of the city’s beautiful attractions. Sanjusangendo Temple, Chishaku-in, and Kyoto National Museum are some of the nearby attractions.
The hotel is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Kansai International Airport (KIX) and approximately 50 minutes by car from Osaka International Airport (ITM). The nearest metro station is Shichijo Station.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto has 180 rooms, including 110 standard rooms, 13 suites, and 57 residences. Rooms have modern design while encompassing Japanese design elements.
There are four restaurants and bars on the property. Brasserie is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. Sushi Wakon serves sushi with guests seated at the 8-meter long Hinoki counter or in one of two private rooms. Fuju offers local desserts and matcha, while The Lounge & Bar has hand-dripped coffee and cocktails on its menu.
The hotel has a 20-meter indoor pool with underwater lounge chairs, a large whirlpool, a spa, and a 24-hour fitness center.
Address:
445-3 Myohoin Maekawa-Cho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0932 Kyoto Prefecture
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Situated by the river on a site favoured by Japanese aristocrats since the 17th century, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto offers great views of the Kamo river as well as the Higashiyama mountains.
The property is close to famous attractions like the Kyoto International Manga Museum, Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Heian Shrine, and several other iconic destinations, which makes it a good base to explore the city.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes drive from Kansai International Airport (KIX) and approximately 55 minutes drive from Osaka International Airport (ITM). The nearest metro station is Kyoto Shiyakusho-Mae Hall.
There are 134 guest rooms and suites at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto with lead-in category rooms starting from a generous 50 sqm (538 sqft).
The hotel has several restaurants and bars and these include Japanese restaurant Mizuki, and La Locanda, an Italian restaurant. The Lobby Lounge offers afternoon tea, brunch, sandwiches, and French pastries while The Bar serves a fine selection of spirits and signature cocktails.
The hotel has a spa, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour gym.
Address:
Kamogawa Nijo-Ohashi Hotori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-0902 Japan
Aman Kyoto
Spread over six pavilions, Aman Kyoto is a boutique property with only 26 rooms that pay homage to the traditional ryokan with contemporary design. All rooms feature tatami-mat flooring, with Western-style seating areas with sofas, tables, chairs, and Japanese-style seating areas.
Aman Kyoto is located in northern Kyoto, in a secret garden at the heart of a forest, not far from Kinkaku-Ji Temple and 16 other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The hotel is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from Kansai International Airport (KIX) and approximately 65 minutes drive from Osaka International Airport (ITM). The nearest station is Kitanohakubaicho, but at 3 km from the hotel is not exactly within walking distance.
Aman Kyoto has two restaurants within its premises. Taka-An, helmed by the owner of the two Michelin star Zeniya, Executive Chef Shinichirō Takagi, offers an Omakase (set menu) dining experience. The Living Pavilion, on the other hand, serves traditional Kyoto home-cooked dishes as well as Western dishes.
The hotel has a spa and indoor and outdoor onsen hot spring bathing facilities.
Address:
1 Okitayama Washimine-Cho,603-8458 Kyoto,Japan
Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts
The first LXR Hotels and Resorts in Asia as well as Hilton’s first property in Japan, Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts is a secluded retreat in the mountain foothills that only opened about a year ago
Roku Kyoto is located on the northern outskirts of Kyoto, at the foot of the green foothills of the Three Kaolin Mountains, and a short walk from Kinkaku-Ji Temple.
The resort is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from Kansai International Airport (KIX) and approximately 65 minutes drive from Osaka International Airport (ITM). The nearest station is Kitanohakubaicho, and at 3 km can be a distance by walking.
Roku Kyoto offers 254 rooms and 28 specialty suites. Guests can relax in the resort, surrounded by stunning views of the Tenjin River and rolling Takagamine foothills.
Despite having only one restaurant, Roku Kyoto’s only restaurant, Tenjin is divided into three different dining spaces, each offering a unique experience. Guests can either choose to dine at the Chef’s table or enjoy French-inspired food at all-day dining. The restaurant also has a bar that serves afternoon tea and cocktails.
The resort has a spa, a 24-hour gym, and Kyoto’s only outdoor natural onsen pool.
Address:
44-1 Kinugasa Kagamiishi, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8451 Kyoto Prefecture
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Located along the tranquil Hozu River, Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, faces the Hozu River in Arashiyama, Kyoto, where guests can enjoy the beautiful nature of Arashiyama.
There are many ancient temples within walking distance from the hotel, and these include Kodaji Temple, Tenryuji Temple, and Hogonin Temple.
The hotel is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from Kansai International Airport (KIX) and approximately 60 minutes drive from Osaka International Airport (ITM). The nearest station is Arashiyama station.
The hotel has 39 private rooms, including 6 signature rooms, designed with traditional Japanese flair and culture.
The property has three dining venues. Kyo-Suriran features Japanese cuisine done in French style while Cafe Hassui offers Japanese afternoon tea and sumptuous snacks. Teppanyaki Kansan serves beef and seafood.
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto has a spa in a secluded Japanese garden.
Address:
12 Susukinobabacho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-Ku Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto 616-8385 Kyoto Prefecture
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto
Managed by Banyan Tree under the Garrya brand, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto, is a new property that has only been open for a couple of months. This luxury boutique hotel is located south of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto is a centrally located hotel with easy access to tourist attractions such as Nijo Castle and Kyoto Shibori Museum.
The hotel is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes drive from Kansai International Airport (KIX) and approximately 55 minutes drive from Osaka International Airport (ITM). The nearest metro station is Nijojo-Mae Station (Exit 3).
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto offers 25 rooms, including one suite, and pays homage to Kyoto’s history.
The hotel has only one restaurant, Singular, which offers dishes made from Japanese ingredients using French culinary methods.
Being a boutique property, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto does not have any on-site facilities.
Address: 180-1 Ichino-Cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8305 Kyoto, Japan
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
Another property that is just across Nijo Castle, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa is situated on the site of the Kyoto home of the Kitake, which is the executive branch of the Mitsui family, and hence the namesake. The hotel has 161 rooms and they are designed to be a modern reimagination of the traditional Japanese tearoom.
Being in downtown Kyoto, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is a stone’s throw from Nijo Castle and Kyoto Shibori Museum.
The hotel is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes drive from Kansai International Airport (KIX) and approximately 25 minutes drive from Osaka International Airport (ITM). The nearest station is Nijojo-Mae Station (Exit 2).
The restaurant and bar of the hotel consist of five different sections. FORNI is an Italian restaurant serving grilled dishes and pizzas, while TOKI focuses on Kyoto French cuisine. THE GARDEN BAR offers views of the hotel’s Japanese garden, and YUI is a Japanese restaurant. SHIKI-NO-MA is a private space that can be used for various purposes, such as exclusive gastronomic events and tea ceremony gatherings.
The hotel has a spa, private and public hot springs, and a gym.
Address:
284 Nijoaburanokoji-cho, Aburano-koji St. Nijo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0051
Hotel Okura Kyoto
Set by the banks of the tranquil Kamogawa River, Hotel Okura Kyoto is one of the tallest buildings in Kyoto and offers a great view of the city and nearby mountains.
The hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto’s historic district, just a few steps from Kamogawa walking plaza, Honno-Ji Temple, and Nishiki Food Market.
Hotel Okura Kyoto is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Kansai International Airport (KIX) and approximately 60 minutes drive from Osaka International Airport (ITM). The nearest station is Kyoto City Hall (Exit 3).
Hotel Okura Kyoto offers 321 rooms with stunning views of Kyoto.
The hotel has seven dining venues and offers various cuisines ranging from French, local, and Chinese cuisine. There is also Teppanyaki, a buffet, a bar, and a cafe.
Hotel Okura Kyoto has a health club, swimming pool, and a Jacuzzi. Guests can take the free shuttle bus to and from Kyoto Station.
Address:
Kawaramachi Oike, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto 604-0924 Kyoto Prefecture
The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu
Converted from the former Kiyomizu Elementary School building which dates back to the 1920s, The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu is housed at a historical site that is close to several of Kyoto’s top sights.
Located in the heart of the southern part of Higashiyama, not far from the hotel, there are many ancient temples to visit, such as Kiyomizu-Dera temple, Yasaka Pagoda at Hokanji, and Kodai-Ji Temple.
The hotel is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes drive from Kansai International Airport (KIX) and approximately 55 minutes drive from Osaka International Airport (ITM). The nearest station is Shimizu-Gojo station.
The hotel has 48 rooms with spacious bathrooms, comfortable beds, and unique views. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, guests can enjoy views of Kyoto, overlooking the Hokanji Temple, which is also known as the “Yasaka Pagoda”, as well as the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and gardens.
The property has a restaurant and a bar. Benoit Kyoto serves Japanese and Western meals, and also a buffet. K36 Rooftop bar offers drinks with a view of the Yasaka Pagoda.
Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu has three private baths and a gym. The hotel offers a guest lounge for all overnight guests, where they can enjoy light meals and drinks, including alcoholic beverages.
Address:
2-204-2 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto-city, Kyoto
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Designed as a luxury guest house, Park Hyatt Kyoto is located in one of Kyoto’s best-preserved historical districts and offers guests an authentic Kyoto cultural experience.
The hotel has easy access to tourist attractions such as the Kodai-Ji Temple and the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design.
The property is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes drive from Kansai International Airport (KIX) and approximately 55 minutes drive from Osaka International Airport (ITM). The nearest subway station is Gion Shijo Station (Exit 1).
Park Hyatt Kyoto has 70 rooms, including 9 suites, and is designed to feature Kyoto’s craftsmanship.
The hotel has five restaurants and bars. On the fourth floor, Yasaka serves a unique teppanyaki concept and is Park Hyatt Kyoto’s signature restaurant. Kyoyamato, a traditional ryotei and culinary establishment, features authentic seasonal kaiseki dishes. A casual street cafe in the bustling centre of Higashiyama, Kyoto Bistro offers international and Japanese comfort food on the hotel’s ground floor. The Living Room has an afternoon tea menu with carefully selected teas and snacks. Cocktail Bar Kohaku is an intimate bar adjacent to Yasaka with views of Yasaka Pagoda.
Park Hyatt Kyoto has a fitness center, a spa, and a library on site.
Address:
360 Kodaiji Masuyacho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0826
Location Map of Luxury Hotels In Kyoto
To give you a better idea of the location of our top picks, we have prepared a metro map of the city with the location of the selected luxury hotels marked out for your reference.
Do let us know if we have missed out on any luxury hotels in Kyoto. If you’ve stayed at any of the luxury hotels listed, we’d love to hear from you too to find out more about your thoughts on these properties.
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