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Kyoto has everything we love most about Japan all in one city – culture, atmosphere, arts & delicious food. With a slower & more deliberate pace than Tokyo, Kyoto is an atmospheric city that makes you feel like you’re experiencing a different time in Japan. From luxury to budget, the remote to a culture hit, our shortlist of stays brings something for everyone.
Why we love it?
A recent opening following covid, brings this hipster hotel brand’s first venture in Asia. Located in central Kyoto, The Ace Hotel offers a vision of local craftmanship with western modern accents. Ocean-blue curved seating compliments pink terrazzo tables. A bar made from Californian redwood, creates an artistic blend of Japan and America, whilst maximalist artwork from local artisans splash the walls. The blend with LA continues throughout from turntables to retro touches of nostalgia in the orange gingko leaf curtains and patterned cushions by designer Akira Minagawa.
Food is a critical ingredient in the Ace group’s formula, with top Philadelphia chef Marc Vetri running the Mr Maurice’s Italian restaurant. An Italian-America osteria and rooftop bar. Here you can experience the likes of swordfish meatballs, to pink beets-filled ravioli. Alternatively, try contemporary Kyoto tacos at Piopiko on the 2nd floor. Home to another Michelin ranked chef, Wes Avila, who brings flavour and cocktails to this mezzanine dining area.
Pricing: Doubles from 40,000 yen (£293)
Why we love it?
In an exquisite hidden garden surrounded by 32 hectares of dense forests you'll find Aman Kyoto, tucked away just 30 minutes from Kyoto by car. You’ll uncover minimalist pavilion rooms scattered beneath the forested canopy, a serene spa with hot spring onsen bathing, and two high-quality restaurants.
26 suites are located amongst the gardens, each with a natural and minimal concept, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows to showcase the bursts of green from the forest. Sit back in the large Japanese-style baths in aromatic hinoki cypress wood – a Japanese highlight – and feel the heartbeat of the nature world.
Chef Kentaro Torii can be found foraging for fresh chestnuts and Japanese sansho pepper leaves ready to be served during dinner at The Living Pavilion. The local, seasonal cuisine blends traditional Kyoto home-cooking with playful Western dishes.
A second restaurant is Taka-an, where chefs silently serve up the subtle flavours of traditional Japanese washoku cuisine.
After an afternoon exploring by electric bike or experiencing forest meditations in the secret garden, make your way to the spa to soak in warming mineral-rich hot spring onsen waters. Treatments are deeply restorative – experience a traditional beauty regime used by Kyoto geisha or a Japanese gold leaf facial, using 24-karat gold from Kanazawa!
Children are welcome, where they can experience the culture and take part in letter drawing, flower arranging and origami workshops.
Pricing: Double rooms from 110,000 yen (£784),
Why we love it?
For those looking for an unforgettable experience, check into the Shunkoin Temple where you’ll be drawn into Zen and Japan culture in the silence of a historic Zen temple founded in 1590. Shunkoin Temple offers one-day and three-day retreat programs to deepen your understanding of Zen and well-being. Accommodation is basic on tatami mat floors which offers a taste of temple life.
The hotel features 8 private Japanese style guest rooms with shower and toilet (each room can accommodate 1 to 3 people), from around £87 for two sharing, complete with meditation sessions.
Shunkoin retreats are the place of reflection, teaching Zen meditation & mindfulness. Each retreat consists of slightly different content which is announced when they release the schedule dates on the website. Shunkoin is open to all who are curious and wish to know themselves more deeply. Expect to practice artistic programs and important cultural properties related to Zen Buddhism to give a deep connection with Shinto and Christianity.
There is no restaurant located at the temple, but each room has a shared kitchen and dining room is equipped with a microwave, toaster, and basic appliances. Complimentary coffee, tea and Japanese green tea are available.
Why we love it?
Nestled deep within a remote forest on the fringes of Kyoto, in the middle of the Arashiyama area, this luxury ryokan-hotel is only accessed by private boat.
Designed by architect Rie Azuma, the renovated buildings dating back a century, optimise atmospheric Japanese architecture with a romantic modern take on traditional ryokan inn style.
25 secluded rooms are scattered across a string of stone pathways. Each uniquely designed with windows overlooking the river. Interiors are a perfect balance of the traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design with clean-lined wood, low beds raised off of tatami mat flooring, sliding screens and woodblock printed Kyoto wallpaper. Latticed lanterns and the cloud-like white duvets make this more sanctuary than a room.
Come night, seasonal herbs are provided to infuse your bath waters. Then dinner is a kaiseki Japanese banquet-style occasion, showing off the culinary flair of head chef Ichiro Kubota. Seasonal Japanese flavours are served across more than half a dozen courses, including the must-try charcoal grilled kingfish topped with rape flower seed sauce. For an after dinner retreat, games are provided alongside tea, sweets and cocktails in the Salon & Bar Kura.
Relaxation takes centre stage here, with welcoming introductory incense ceremonies. Enjoy morning stretching classes on yoga mats beneath the trees in the Hidden Garden.
The best way to arrive is on the quick train from central Kyoto to Arashiyama (famed for its bamboo forests) A private wooden Hoshinoya river boat will peacefully transport guests through the forest to the riverside hotel. Ideal for those looking to recharge after a few days of busy temple touring.
Pricing: Double rooms from 81,000 yen (£554).
