Looking to go to Kyoto but not sure which luxury hotel you want to stay at? We’ve got you covered! Each one of these hotels offers a little something different. In this blog we will give you the inside scoop to the Ritz Carlton, Aman, Four Seasons, and the Park Hyatt.

Aman

The Aman, recently opened in October 2019, with 26 rooms. In true Aman fashion, this hotel is nestled in the foothills of the Hidari Daimonji mountain and about a 30 min taxi ride from Kyoto train station. If you’re looking to be close to the hustle and bustle of Kyoto, this is not the property for you. If you’re looking to get away and relax in a Japanese oasis, this is it. The windy entry is secluded, serene, and absolutely breathtaking when we visited in autumn. Each room/suite has been thoughtfully designed with light tones and natural wood that exudes a sense of place. This simple design paired with the floor to ceiling windows allows the natural setting take front and center stage throughout the seasons. We should note that all rooms and suites are disconnected from other amenities such as the spa, restaurant, etc. and beautiful moss paths lead you throughout the property. There is a sense of discovery when navigating this property. Key highlights for us were the meditation gardens and the outdoor and indoor onsen hot springs available through the spa. If you enjoy nature and the outdoors, we suggest experiencing Kyoto from this beautiful location.

Ritz Carlton

Arriving to the Ritz Carlton Kyoto is done in true Kyoto style, quiet and secretive. The windy entry makes you feel like you’re entering a secret garden. While this hotel has 134 guest rooms and suites, it feels very intimate. Our favorite room type is the beautiful Kamo River. Perfectly located on the Kamo River, this hotel is only 15 minutes car ride from Kyoto train station, 15 minute walk to the Gion district, and a 20 minute walk to Nishiki Market. This hotel is a walkers paradise - we never needed a car to get to many of the places on a first timer’s sightseeing list. If you need to go further, they provide complimentary e-bikes and even complimentary e-bike tours. We took one to Inari Shrine which was a lot of fun.

Four Seasons

Four Seasons Kyoto is only a quick 10 minute car ride from Kyoto train station. Positioned on an 800-year-old Shakusui-en pond garden you feel fully submerged in Japanese culture. This hotel offers 123 guest rooms and suites, and residences that can be reached through a separate entrance. The entry is grand upon arrival and you know you have arrived at a Four Seasons. The modern Japanese style rooms are a beautiful place to enjoy the views of the pond and garden. This is a great hotel for kids and families and very action packed on the weekends.

Park Hyatt

Like to be where the (day-time) action is? Then Park Hyatt Kyoto is the hotel for you! This newly open hotel (also opened in October 2019) is located in the historical Higashiyama District. During the day you can just leave your front door (of the hotel that is) and you’re right in the middle of everything- food, shops, and just minutes from the famous Kodaji Temple. You’re also just steps away from Kiyomizu-dera Temple - which is beautifully lit up at night and the one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. We should warn you though, other than the nighttime temples, the town is quiet as everything closes after sundown. The Park Hyatt offers 70 guest rooms with a variety of room types. The garden terrace ones are one of our favorites which offers privacy with beautiful interior garden views but they also offer rooms with beautiful city views - warning, less privacy. The Park Hyatt Kyoto offers guests several dining options from a cafe with easy street access to Higashiyama, to more refined dining at Yasaka with breathtaking views of the Kodaji temple. This hotel is only a 15 minute car ride from the Kyoto train station.

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