Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is steeped in history and cultural richness. For foreign visitors seeking an authentic, luxurious Japanese experience, staying at a high-end ryokan offers an unforgettable way to immerse oneself in the city’s unique charm. These luxury hotels provide exceptional accommodations, service, and a deep connection to local culture. In this page, we’ll explore the top reasons to choose a luxury ryokan in Kyoto and introduce 13 Best Luxury hotels available.
Luxury Hotels in Kyoto: What Makes Them So Special?
There are many reasons to stay at a luxury hotel in Kyoto, which may vary from person to person, but the three most significant ones are as follows:
Authentic Japanese Cultural Experience
Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan and the center of traditional culture. Luxury hotels in Kyoto incorporate traditional architectural styles, Japanese-style interiors, and beautiful Japanese gardens, providing an immersive atmosphere for guests to experience authentic Japanese culture.
Unparalleled Service and Luxurious Amenities
Luxury hotels in Kyoto offer top-notch facilities, attentive service, and luxurious experiences such as traditional Kyoto cuisine, spa and massage services, and private onsen baths, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
Convenience and Peace of Mind
Luxury hotels in Kyoto are well-located with easy access to tourist attractions, provide concierge services to support travel arrangements, and offer a high level of safety and language support, giving foreign tourists peace of mind during their stay in Kyoto.
12 Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto:
We will now introduce the best luxury hotels in Kyoto that exemplify these benefits, categorized into Japanese-owned hotels and international brand hotels.
Japanese-owned Luxury hotels
Immerse in Authentic Japanese Luxury Near Nijo Castle
Situated on the historic grounds of the Mitsui family’s residence, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto offers an unparalleled luxury experience. The hotel boasts 160 exquisite rooms crafted with carefully selected natural materials and traditional artisanship, providing a serene ambiance befitting its prestigious heritage.
Indulge in the hotel’s natural hot spring spa, savor exceptional cuisine at four restaurants & bars, and unwind in the tranquil Japanese garden. With its refined service and attention to detail, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto ensures an unforgettable stay in the heart of Kyoto.
Serene Retreat in the Heart of Historic Higashiyama
Nestled on a hillside in Higashiyama, this renovated historic elementary school offers a tranquil escape with only 48 rooms across a sprawling 7,000 m2 (75,347 sqft) property. The hotel’s interior seamlessly blends classic and modern elements, creating picturesque spots throughout.
Guests can indulge in light snacks and beverages at the guest lounge while admiring views of Yasaka Pagoda and the changing seasons. The hotel’s prime location allows for early morning walks to nearby temples and historic streets, immersing guests in Kyoto’s timeless charm.
Riverside Sanctuary: Timeless Elegance in Arashiyama
Nestled along the picturesque Ōi River in Arashiyama, Ryotei Rangetsu offers a serene retreat amidst the bustling tourist district. The ryokan’s tranquil atmosphere allows guests to immerse themselves in the ever-changing beauty of Arashiyama’s seasons, cherished by nobles and poets for over a millennium.
Indulge in exquisite kaiseki cuisine crafted with seasonal delicacies, and unwind in the private in-room onsen overlooking the river. With attentive service and luxurious amenities, Ryotei Rangetsu provides a quintessential Kyoto experience, offering a haven of peace and refinement in the heart of Arashiyama.
Imperial Heritage: A Majestic Retreat on Mount Yoshida
Built in 1932 as a villa for the Higashifushimi royal family, Yoshida Sanso is a designated Registered Tangible Cultural Property. The majestic modern Japanese architecture, featuring solid cypress construction and delicate “reverse chrysanthemum crest” roof tiles, offers guests an immersive experience in Kyoto’s rich history and culture.
Indulge in exquisite Kyoto cuisine, unwind in the tranquil garden-view rooms or traditional sukiya-style detached houses, and partake in seasonal events and cultural activities. With its refined atmosphere and attentive service, Yoshida Sanso provides a truly luxurious and unforgettable stay in the heart of Kyoto.
International Luxury Brand hotels
Due to high tourism demand, Kyoto has a large number of international luxury hotels, with many more scheduled to open in the future. The newest one is Six Senses Kyoto, known for its rare locations surrounded by nature, which opened in April 2024. They chose Kyoto for their first opening in Japan. This year, Banyan Tree Kyoto is set to open in July, followed by Hilton Kyoto in September. With so many incredible accommodations to choose from, Kyoto will keep calling you back for more!🤩
800 Years of Enchantment: A Harmony of Tradition and Luxury
Nestled at the foot of the temple-studded Higashiyama mountains, this luxurious retreat is built around the historic 800-year-old pond garden, Shakusuien. The hotel seamlessly blends traditional Kyoto aesthetics with modern elegance, creating a resort-like atmosphere that promises an unforgettable stay in the ancient capital.
Recognized as the sole Japanese hotel in “Travel + Leisure’s” Top 100 Hotels in the World 2022, the hotel offers unparalleled hospitality, serene garden views from its modern brasserie, and a spacious 10,000 m2 (107,639 sqft) strolling garden for guests to explore.
Where Timeless Beauty Meets Unrivaled Hospitality
Situated along the picturesque Kamogawa River, this sanctuary embodies the enduring beauty of Kyoto. While enveloped in tranquility, the hotel’s unparalleled location allows guests to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, such as Gion, Kawaramachi, and Pontocho, just steps away.
Indulge in exquisite dining experiences, from artistic kaiseki cuisine showcasing traditional craftsmanship to modern Italian dishes overlooking a zen garden. Unwind at the ultimate relaxation spa & fitness center, and partake in activities that engrave Kyoto’s rich culture into your heart.
Where Thai Elegance Meets Kyoto’s Traditional Charm
Located in the historic temple district of Nishi Honganji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this hotel harmoniously blends Thai grace with Kyoto’s traditional beauty. Just a 12-minute walk from Kyoto Station, the hotel offers Thai-designed rooms that perfectly combine Japan’s intricate aesthetics with Thailand’s gentle curves.
Indulge in refined Thai cuisine crafted by a highly acclaimed Bangkok chef, unwind at the secluded bar or the rejuvenating Devarana Wellness spa, and immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich culture through engaging experience programs. This exceptional retreat stimulates the senses and offers a tranquil escape.
Luxurious Tranquility Overlooking the Kamogawa River
This prestigious boutique hotel, located along the Kamogawa River with stunning views of the famous Higashiyama mountains, offers six lavish suites that blend modern Japanese motifs with international minimal Art Deco-inspired aesthetics. Situated in the historic Kamo neighborhood, favored by Japanese nobility since the 17th century.
Perfectly designed suites feature spacious layouts and luxurious details, enticing guests to discover the joys of residential living. Amenities include handmade soaps, 900-thread-count Turkish linens, and high-end smart home comforts. With close proximity to iconic landmarks and districts, immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich cultural tapestry.
Where Kyoto’s Heritage Intertwines with Modern Elegance
Nestled in the heart of Higashiyama, this hotel seamlessly blends Kyoto’s rich history with Park Hyatt’s signature elegance. With the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the adjacent Kodai-ji Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion within walking distance, guests can enjoy unparalleled views of both Kyoto’s cityscape and Yasaka Pagoda.
Savor innovative teppanyaki cuisine crafted with seasonal ingredients, paired with sommelier-selected wines at the signature restaurant. Stay active at the 24-hour fitness facility. With its prime location and impeccable service, this hotel offers a truly immersive and luxurious experience in the ancient capital of Japan.
An Oasis of Serenity: Where Nature Meets Refined Luxury
Overlooking the pristine Hozu River and the timeless mountain ridges, this hotel offers a front-row seat to Japan’s breathtaking seasonal landscapes. From the full bloom of cherry blossoms in spring to the snow-covered vistas in winter, immerse yourself in the ever-changing beauty of Arashiyama.
The hotel’s 39 rooms, including 17 with natural hot spring open-air baths, blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design. Indulge in exquisite dining experiences, unwind at the private spa, and explore the Japanese garden, where the grandeur of tradition meets contemporary essence.
Unveiling Kyoto’s Hidden Gems in Luxurious Tranquility
Nestled in the serene mountains of Rakuhoku, a haven for artists and the birthplace of the Rinpa art movement, this resort offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in Kyoto’s lesser-known charms. With the concept “Dive into Kyoto,” embark on a journey of discovery and relaxation.
Unwind in the thermal pool fed by natural hot springs at the spa, which harmoniously blends with the majestic landscape. Savor local Kyoto gastronomy at the restaurant, and retreat to the tranquil, expertly designed guest rooms. This hotel is the perfect gateway to Rakuhoku’s rich nature and culture.
A Sustainable Oasis: Where Wellness Meets Kyoto’s Timeless Charm
Debuting as the first Six Senses property in Japan, this hotel seamlessly integrates well-being, sustainability, and harmony with local Kyoto culture. Situated in front of Myohoin Temple and Toyokuni Shrine, with Gion just a short walk away, the hotel offers a tranquil garden and inviting spa.
The 81 elegantly designed rooms celebrate Japanese traditions and craftsmanship with simple lines and organic earth tones. Indulge in a unique wellness experience at the multi-faceted spa, savor authentic cuisine at various dining venues, and explore engaging spaces such as the Earth Lab and Grow With Six Senses activity area.
Weaving Together Tradition and Modernity in the Heart of Sanjo-Kawaramachi
Debuting as the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Kyoto, this hotel offers 313 guest rooms and an array of dining options. With the concept “Kyoto SYNAPSE,” it aims to showcase the city’s charms from various perspectives, creating a new hub for tourism.
The hotel’s interior design, inspired by “ORIMONO” (textiles), features Japanese aesthetic elements throughout. Indulge in diverse culinary experiences at four dining venues, unwind at the rooftop bar overlooking the Kamogawa River and Higashiyama, or relax in the well-appointed rooms that blend functionality and comfort.
Immerse in Traditional Japanese Elegance in the Heart of Higashiyama Shichijo
Situated in the lush, historic district of Higashiyama Shichijo, this hotel is adjacent to the Kyoto National Museum, Sanjusangendo Temple, Chishakuin Temple, and Yogenin Temple. Just minutes from JR Kyoto Station and Keihan Shichijo Station, it offers a convenient location for both business and leisure travelers.
The hotel’s 187 guest rooms blend the tranquil beauty of Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts, featuring elegant interiors such as lanterns and Mikage stone bathrooms. Indulge in a variety of dining experiences, from global cuisine to authentic Italian and traditional Kyoto-style Japanese fare.
Summary
Kyoto, with its rich history and cultural heritage, is a must-visit destination for travelers to Japan. Luxury hotels in Kyoto offer an unrivaled experience, combining traditional Japanese elements with modern comforts and exceptional service. Whether you choose a Japanese-owned hotel or an international brand, you can expect an authentic and memorable stay in this captivating city. For families and budget-conscious travelers, Kyoto also offers a range of kid-friendly and affordable accommodations, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of this ancient capital.
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