The onetime capital of Japan, Kyoto in on Honshu Island. It’s known Buddhist temples, palaces, gardens, Shinto shrines, and wooden houses. It is also home to kaiseki dining. Kyoto’s top suites are also the focus of this weeks feature.
1. Aman Kyoto
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
3. Four Seasons Kyoto
4. Six Senses Kyoto
5. Suiran
6. Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
7. Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu
8. Dusit Thani Kyoto
9. Hotel Okura Kyoto
10. Park Hyatt Kyoto
11. Roku Kyoto
1. Aman Kyoto
Conde Nast Traveler says, “As fresh as the first cherry blossom, Aman Kyoto feels as if it could have existed for centuries, which sets it apart among the flurry of new hotel openings in the city. This delightfully out-of-time quality has much to do with its setting: 80 serene acres of woodland, dense with maples, crosshatched by stone paths and fast-flowing streams. It’s a city hotel enfolded in nature. The aura also comes from the late architect Kerry Hill’s knack for merging traditional and contemporary. Containing just 28 bedrooms, Aman Kyoto’s six pavilions have latticed walls and pitched roofs that echo the forms of machiya houses; every bathroom has its own wooden ofuro tub. Another factor in Aman Kyoto’s curious magic is its slow genesis. Between its conception and completion, Vladislav Doronin acquired Aman, owner Adrian Zecha stepped down, and Hill passed away. Thus, Aman Kyoto bridges old Aman and new Aman, embodying all that has made the brand so exciting and influential.”
Washigamine Pavilion
The 2,594 sq. ft suite is the largest accommodation and features a living room, a traditional Japanese Tatami room, a Western dining room and a kitchen area. Two en suite bedrooms feature natural woods, floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami flooring and tokonoma alcoves, and are connected to the living-dining area.
More suites at Aman Kyoto.
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Forbes Travel Guide adds, “The exterior design draws its inspiration from five Japanese words and feelings: utage (festive), seido (serenity and movement), miyabi (elegance), hana (splendid) and nagomi (harmony). The interior common area, which peacefully features a three-story waterfall and a variety of gardens, is highlighted by an art theme modeled after the classic 11th-century novel, The Tale of Genji. The 17 high-level suites are the most stunning. Most have Zen gardens, terraces and the best views the hotel has to offer.”
The Ritz-Carlton Suite
The 2,281 sq. ft. suite is the biggest and includes living room, dining room, private office and large master bedroom.
More suites at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto.
3. Four Seasons Kyoto
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “A traditional and elegant design aesthetic permeates the hotel for a Zen vibe. The spacious guest rooms and suites are some of the largest and most comfortable around — especially with double-height windows flooding the spaces with natural light. The stylish Japanese hotel is centered around an 800-year-old ikeniwa, or pond garden. The impeccably manicured grounds are visible throughout the light-filled building, and a charming garden terrace offers a scenic setting for breakfast or a champagne toast after dusk.
Presidential Suite
The 2,631 sq. ft. Presidential Suite features two bedrooms with a contemporary Japanese design.
More suites at Four Seasons Kyoto.
4. Six Senses Kyoto
Conde Nast Traveler says, “Right in the heart of Higashiyama, a scenic (and busy) downtown area famed for its constellation of temples, shrines, and cultural landmarks, sits the serene haven of Six Senses. From its contemporary design and wellness rituals to its sustainability efforts and locally sourced ingredients, the property is perfectly steeped in the surrounding ancient former capital. In typical Six Senses fashion, the spa is also quite impressive. Here guests can enjoy four treatment rooms inspired by the senses, an Alchemy Bar, an Herbal Tea Lounge, a Watsu pool, a larger pool, a Biohack recovery lounge, and a studio for meditation and yoga. After a long day of relaxing, head to one of the 81 spacious rooms and suites overlooking either Toyokuni Shrine or the plant-filled inner courtyard. Finish off your night with a delicious meal at Sekki—the Japanese word for season—with their ever-changing menu tapping into Japan’s calendar of 24 subtly shifting micro-seasons.”
Penthouse Suite
The 2,561 sq. ft. Penthouse Suite offers three bedrooms with views of the Kyoto’s Higashiyama District and mountains beyond.
More suites at Six Senses Kyoto.
5. Suiran
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Set in the Arashiyama district on the western side of Kyoto (an area frequented by Japanese nobles of years gone by), Suiran sits seamlessly on the jade waters of the Katsura river. The original buildings, which now house the restaurants and lobby, are constructed around beautifully manicured Japanese gardens, and sunlight-dappled pebble-stone pathways lead the way to the more modern low-rise buildings that house the rooms. Yukata-clad staff welcome you warmly with a hot towel and tea whilst discretely whisking your luggage off to your room, leaving you to enjoy the serene surroundings, bathed in light and soothed by the sounds of flowing water. Here, chaotic city life is a distant memory, and the deliberate and un-rushed pace is the catalyst for achieving a state of repose.”
Presidential Suite
The 1,011 sq. ft. Presidential Suite features views of the Hozu River and mountains.
More suites at Suiran.
6. Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
Forbes Travel Guide inspectors report, “This is a hotel filled with attention to detail. Specific colors are used to recall their meaning in traditional Japanese culture, while scenes found depicted on walls and ceramics offer captivating glimpses of the past. For example, the large ceramic sculpture by artist Yukiya Izumita, which rests on carefully raked polished rocks in the lobby, evokes a stroll through the temple gardens of previous eras. Soak in one of the onsens, which get water from a natural hot spring beneath the property. The spa onsen offers privacy for quiet contemplation and respite. But for the utmost privacy, reserve the Onsen Suite, which provides approximately 1,100 square feet for your own outdoor Japanese tub, expansive living room and bedroom areas, and handcrafted and exquisitely produced artworks and furniture made of sakura cherry wood. Spend time in the verdant garden with a tranquil water feature. Spanning nearly 14,000 square feet, the green space is dotted with red and black pines, Japanese blue oak, bamboo-leaved oak, moso bamboo and moss. It also blooms with seasonal blossoms, including camellia sasanquas and toad lilies in the fall and Japanese sapphireberries and camellia wabisukes in the spring.”
Presidential Suite
The 2,500 sq. ft. Presidential Suite has a dining room that can seat up to 10 people. Enjoy views of the Nijo-jo Castle World Heritage Site
More suites at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto.
7. Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Built close to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple that dates to the eighth century, the hotel is only an eight- to 10-minute walk for guests who want to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boutique hotel provides 48 guest rooms. The first to fourth floors retain the school’s outward appearance, though they have been fully modernized with bespoke additions.The rooftop bar is a can’t-miss spot for lounging, giving you a sky-high view over Kyoto.”
Panoramic Suite
The 1,550 sq. ft Panoramic Suite offers guests views of Kyoto, the mountains and Yasaka Pagoda.
More suites at Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu.
8. Dusit Thani Kyoto
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “For the best views, book a room on Dusit Thani Kyoto’s ground floor. Tranquil garden views and a privacy wall invoke an even deeper sense of serenity when paired with soothing gray tones and light wood accents. Appropriately named sixth sense in Thai, Ayatana is a multi-course, multi-sensory experience from the minds of acclaimed Bo.lan chefs Bo Songvisava and Dylan Jones. The exquisite meal follows a progressive dinner roadmap, beginning with a burst of Thai incense in the garden, a hand-washing ritual in the adjacent lounge Kati and an amuse-bouche in the small buffet room before culminating in the main event in the dining room.”
Imperial Suite
The 1,953 sq. ft Imperial Suites offers a tranquil space with spacious bedroom, and a stylish living room with touches of Japanese and Thai designs.
More suites at Dusit Thani Kyoto.
9. Hotel Okura Kyoto
Forbes Travel Guide says, “As the tallest building in the city, all rooms offer fantastic views of the nearby mountains, historical temple districts or nighttime cityscapes, meaning you don’t even have to leave the hotel to get a real sense of this famous city. Hotel Okura Kyoto’s fitness club offers just about everything you could need for relaxing or building up a sweat. The well-equipped gym is stocked with modern equipment and free weights, and personal trainers are on hand to offer tips and expert advice. For a little downtime, enjoy the swimming pool and adjoining Jacuzzi, along with the sauna, male and female baths and relaxation area. Building on the city’s reputation as a center for refined cuisine, the hotel is home to a variety of high-end restaurants where food is not just a meal, but an experience.”
Imperial Suite
The Imperial Suite spans 2,500 sq. ft and located on the top 16th floor.
More suites at Hotel Okura Kyoto.
10. Park Hyatt Kyoto
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “Park Hyatt Kyoto’s style seamlessly blends classic Japanese architecture with the luxury hotel brand’s signature modern minimalist aesthetic. The result is a sleek, contemporary stay with an authentic, oasis-like feel. Thanks to its position along the Higashiyama hillside, Park Hyatt Kyoto offers some of the best room views in the city. All accommodations offer vistas over the neighborhood’s historic, black-tiled roofs, but the best sights include framed views of the famed Yasaka Pagoda through large picture windows.”
Pagoda Suite
The 1,550 sq. ft Pagoda House sits atop the property, embedded in the gentle slopes of Higashiyama Hills. As Park Hyatt Kyoto’s signature suite, it is reminiscent of a luxury villa and offers views of famed Yasaka Pagoda, Kyoto’s expanse and daily sunsets.
More suites at Park Hyatt Kyoto.
11. Roku Kyoto
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Roku Kyoto boasts an enviable location, tucked away from busy city streets among lush greenery and fresh mountain air. Make the most of your surroundings with a staff-led meditation walk through the nearby Japanese gardens. Explore the 114-room Kyoto hotel to discover more than 500 pieces of unique Japanese art. For a bit more context, join the concierge’s daily art tour.”
Roku Suite
The 1,150 sq. ft Roku Suite features twin beds and corner location views.
More suites at Roku Kyoto.
