The 10 Best Kyoto Luxury Hotels. Discover elegance and opulence with our guide to the top 10 luxury hotels in Kyoto. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of this ancient city while indulging in refined accommodations, world-class amenities, and breathtaking vistas that redefine the concept of luxury travel. From tranquil riverside retreats to historic architectural gems, explore the finest offerings Kyoto offers for an unforgettable stay.
1. Aman Kyoto
Discover Aman Kyoto, one of luxury hotels in Kyoto nestled within a secluded forest’s heart and a short distance from the revered Kinkaku-ji Temple. The suites and pavilions exude an air of tranquility as they dot the landscape, providing a sense of openness that harmonizes with the surroundings. Furthermore. the resort’s private onsen, emanating restorative warmth at the Aman Spa, adds to the serene experience.
Surrounded by the Tenjin River’s woods, this upscale hot spring hotel is conveniently located 2 km from the serene Kinkaku-ji Temple. In addition, just 5 km away lies the historic Kyoto Imperial Palace. In comparison, the Kitanohakubaicho train station is a mere 3 km away, facilitating seamless exploration.
Aman Kyoto’s contemporary Rooms and Pavilions pay homage to the traditional Japanese Ryokan inn with minimalist geometry that perfectly frames their natural settings. These minimalist rooms with tatami floors offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and lush forest views. For more space, the 2-bedroom suites feature kitchenettes, living rooms, and dining areas. Moreover, the resort boasts two stylish restaurants, a spa, and communal indoor/outdoor bathhouses with natural hot spring water, complemented by breakfast options and yoga classes.
Top Sights:
Kinkaku-ji (15 minutes by walking)
Ryōan-ji (9 minutes by car)
Nijō Castle (15 minutes by car)
Address: Japan, 〒603-8481 Kyoto, Kita Ward, Okitayamawashiminecho, 1 1 Okitayama Washimine-Cho1
2. Hoshinoya Kyoto
Nestled along the tranquil Katsura River, this luxury hotels in Kyoto offers an unparalleled sense of serenity, reachable exclusively by boat. The enchanting property is just a brief 5-minute stroll from the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and conveniently situated 2 km away from Arashiyama train station. Thus, facilitating effortless exploration.
Stepping into the bedrooms, guests are greeted by the intricate Karakami wallpaper, adorned with delicate gold patterns that gracefully shift hues throughout the day. The play of light and shadow is a spectacle to behold, choreographed by the shoji paper sliding doors and subtle lighting. Floor-level sofas invite relaxation while framing the natural beauty outside the windows, which change with the seasons. Furthermore, every element of the room is designed to amplify the serene ambiance of the surroundings, showcasing the understated elegance of traditional Kyoto design.
The accommodations feature traditional tatami floors, futon bedding, and Chabudai dining tables. In addition, upgraded options provide lounges boasting woodland or river views. Meanwhile, selected rooms include balconies or split-level layouts. Room service ensures convenience and comfort. Indulge in the delights of the elegant on-site restaurant, offering haute cuisine, or experience the unique floating tearoom. For those seeking rejuvenation, spa treatments are available for an additional fee. Moreover, the hotel welcomes children aged 12 and over, fostering an atmosphere of grown-up tranquility.
Top Sights:
Arashiyama (7 minutes by walking)
Tenryu-ji (3 minutes by train)
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (11 minutes by train)
Address: 60 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004, Japan
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Gracing the banks of the Kamogawa River, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, offers an unparalleled vantage point with expansive views of the iconic Higashiyama mountains. Just a short 6-minute stroll from a nearby subway station and a mere 2 km from the vibrant Gion district. Thus, strikes a perfect balance between peaceful seclusion and easy accessibility.
Inside, elegant rooms adorned with traditional Japanese motifs blend heritage and modernity. The rooms have modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and luxurious marble bathrooms. Garden, river, or mountain views provide a picturesque backdrop, while suites elevate the experience with additional living spaces. In addition, some rooms even boast furnished decks. With 24/7 room service, personalized comfort is always at hand.
This luxury hotels in Kyoto goes beyond luxurious accommodations, offering a range of complimentary activities like hiking, cycling, and art tours, engaging craft workshops, and a delightful kids’ treasure hunt. Culinary excellence takes center stage with four refined restaurants, each with a unique offering, an Italian fare option, and a polished bar. Furthermore, the hotel caters to well-being with a 24-hour gym, an indoor pool, and a spa, promising a holistic escape for all who enter.
Top Sights:
Kiuomizu-dera (14 minutes by car)
Fushimi Inari Taisha (19 minutes by car)
Kinkaku-ji (19 minutes by car)
Address: Kamogawa Nijo-Ohashi Hotori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan, 604-0902
4. Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Nestled amidst the tranquil foothills of rolling mountains, Roku Kyoto, part of LXR Hotels & Resorts, offers an intimate and naturally secluded retreat in the heart of Kyoto. Gracing the base of the Takagamine Mountains, this upscale hotel enjoys a prime location alongside the Tenjin River. A mere 13 minutes walk from the renowned Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and an 18-minute stroll from the Daitoku-ji temple complex. Thus, offering both historical exploration and natural beauty.
Step into sophisticated rooms that seamlessly blend comfort with modernity, boasting Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and well-stocked minibars. Daybeds add an extra touch of relaxation. In addition, for a heightened experience, upgraded rooms feature private gardens or sitting areas. Meanwhile suites present living rooms and whirlpool tubs. Around-the-clock room service ensures your needs are met with ease.
You can also indulge in the airy ambiance of the on-site restaurant and unwind at the cafe/bar, complete with a riverside terrace. This luxury hotels in Kyoto offers an array of amenities, including a 24-hour gym, outdoor pools, and an Ayurvedic spa that boasts a geothermal pool. Enjoy a delightful breakfast and explore the hotel’s distinct dining spaces. French culinary techniques, fresh seafood dishes, afternoon tea service, and signature cocktails await at Tenjin’s three different dining spaces.
Top Sights:
Kinkaku-ji (14 minutes by walking)
Ryōan-ji (9 minutes by car)
Nijō Castle (15 minutes by car)
Address: 44-1 Kinugasa Kagamiishicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8451, Japan
5. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto, graces the tranquil banks of the Hozu River amidst the picturesque Arashiyama Hills. This upscale hotel stands a mere 8-minute walk from the iconic Tenryū-ji Zen temple, positioning you within arm’s reach of cultural landmarks. Here, you’re invited to partake in an authentic Japanese-style experience. At the same time, harmoniously blending a serene refuge with the modern conveniences of a bustling city.
Inside, the streamlined, nonsmoking rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea/coffee-making facilities. Some rooms boast balconies with enchanting gardens or mountain views. Meanwhile, others showcase traditional elements like tatami mats, chabudai dining tables, and futons. Upgraded accommodations offer wooden soaking tubs, and suites present spacious living areas; specific suites even provide serene river views. With 24/7 room service, personalized comfort is always close.
Indulge in an understated yet satisfying dining experience at the restaurant of this luxury hotels in Kyoto. You can also enjoy the refined café boasting a terrace with scenic river views. A serene garden houses an open-air spa featuring hot spring baths, providing a blissful retreat. Additionally, for those seeking a more extensive bathing experience, a Private Spa Room equipped with an open-air bath is available, catering to those who desire extra relaxation. Moreover, breakfast and parking services are thoughtfully provided.
Top Sights:
Tenryu-ji (3 minutes by walking)
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (16 minutes by train)
Ryōan-ji (17 minutes by car)
Address: 12 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
6. Park Hyatt Kyoto
Unveil the narratives of a luxurious hillside guesthouse in the heart of Higashiyama, Kyoto, as you embark on a journey at this luxury hotels in Kyoto. In harmony with iconic temples, spiritual gardens, and the ever-changing seasons, the architectural masterpiece on a hillside is a testament to the harmonious blend of modernity and heritage that defines Kyoto. Furthermore, this captivating fusion offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich cultural heritage
Each room is meticulously designed to offer both tranquility and thoughtfulness, serving as a serene refuge from the lively streets of Higashiyama. The hotel’s culinary experiences are equally captivating, allowing guests to take panoramic views of the Yasaka Pagoda while dining in the Signature Restaurant and Bar. Alternatively, indulge in the flavors of authentic traditional Japanese Kaiseki cuisine within the historic teahouses of the family-run Kyoyamato.
Moreover, for a holistic wellness journey, the Spa and Fitness at Park Hyatt Kyoto offers an exclusive and refined oasis inspired by the profound spiritual aura of the city. This expertly curated space pays homage to Kyoto’s spiritual history, offering guests a sanctuary for rejuvenation and contemplation.
Top Sights:
Yasaka-jinja Shrine (8 minutes by walking)
Kiyomizu-Dera (10 minutes by walking)
Fushimi Inari Taisha (19 minutes by car)
Address: Japan, 360 Kodaiji Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Masuyacho, JP 605-0826 360 Kodaiji Masuyacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
7. Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & and Spa
The meticulous attention to architecture, craftsmanship, cuisine, and service ensures authentic and inviting hospitality in the hotel. Located a stone’s throw away from the Nijō Castle complex, this upscale hotel stands just a 10-minute walk from a subway station. Moreover, it is conveniently positioned 2 km from Nishiki Market, a culinary haven.
Rooms of this luxury hotels in Kyoto offer modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, kettles, and minibars. Certain rooms boast captivating castle or garden views. The 1-bedroom suites provide added comfort with shoji room dividers and natural spring waters of the private onsen thermal spa. Furthermore, with 24/7 room service, personalized convenience is guaranteed.
Indulge in culinary delights at the hotel’s two restaurants, one serving Italian cuisine alongside a bar. In addition, amenities encompass an inviting spa featuring an indoor hot spring bath, a 24-hour fitness center, a tranquil garden, and a library. Complete your experience with parking and breakfast services, all coming together to create a memorable stay that encapsulates the essence of Kyoto.
Top Sights:
Nijō Castle (6 minutes by walking)
Kyoto Imperial Palace (12 minutes by train)
Kinkaku-ji (17 minutes by car)
Address: 284 Nijoaburanokojicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0051, Japan
8. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Located on a picturesque tree-lined street with restaurants and shops, this elevated upscale hotel offers a refined experience. Situated a short 9-minute stroll from Shichijo train station and just 2 km from the hilltop Kiyomizu-Dera Buddhist temple. Thus, you can enjoy a prime location blending convenience and cultural exploration here.
The hotel’s well-appointed rooms exude an airy elegance, complemented by comfortable sitting areas. Modern amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPads, minibars, and tea/coffeemakers. In addition, balconies with enchanting garden views offer a tranquil escape. For a more lavish stay, the 1- and 2-bedroom suites feature separate living spaces and, in some cases, fully-equipped kitchens. With room service available, personalized comfort is always at your fingertips.
Dining takes center stage with two restaurants and a chic bar, each offering a unique culinary experience. This luxury hotels in Kyoto indulgent amenities include an indoor pool, two hot tubs, and a 24-hour gym for wellness-conscious people. Furthermore, unwind at the spa and discover serenity in the tranquil garden featuring a serene pond and an inviting teahouse. While breakfast and valet parking are additional offerings, they ensure a comprehensive and convenient stay.
Top Sights:
Kyoto Tower (9 minutes by car)
Yasaka-jinja Shrine (9 minutes by car)
Fushimi Inari Taisha (12 minutes by car)
Address: 445-3 Myohoin Maekawacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0932, Japan
9. Luxury Hotel Sowaka
Nestled within the enchanting Gion and Yasaka neighborhoods, the hotel effortlessly blends ethereal elegance with modern comforts. The main building showcases the Sukiya architectural style, initially serving as a Japanese-style restaurant during the transition from the Taisho to the Showa Period. Furthermore, you can also embrace the stunning vistas of Higashiyama and Kyoto from the rooftop balcony. Meanwhile, Kyoto’s ancient streets and charming neighborhoods beckon just outside your door, promising exploration and discovery at every turn.
Each room of this luxury hotels in Kyoto is a testament to superb craftsmanship and creativity, with varying design details offering a delightful blend of playfulness and sophistication. In addition, the eleven thoughtfully arranged guestrooms span a range of options, including rooms with private gardens and maisonnette-style layouts.
Indulge in a journey of culinary creativity at La Bombance Gion, where locally sourced ingredients converge to create a monthly changing seasonal menu. This refined reinterpretation of traditional Japanese cuisine adds a touch of elegance and imagination to your dining experience. Moreover, the bar elevates the experience further, highlighting locally distilled ingredients like sake, shochu, and Japanese whiskey.
Top Sights:
Yasaka-jinja Shrine (3 minutes by walking)
Maruyama Park (5 minutes by walking)
Kiyomizu-Dera (11 minutes by train)
Address: 480 Kiyoicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0821, Japan
10. Fufu Kyoto
Nestled across from a charming waterway, Fufu Kyoto is a sophisticated hot spring hotel just a brief 5-minute walk from the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto. This luxury hotels in Kyoto strategic location is within a 9-minute stroll from the historic Nanzen-ji Temple and a mere 5 km from Kyoto train station. Thus, ensuring easy access to the city’s cultural treasures.
Elegance defines the chic rooms, featuring modern amenities like Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and geothermal water-soaking tubs. Each room includes minifridges, comfortable sitting areas, and tea/coffeemakers. Suites boast additional living spaces, with some offering captivating garden views. In addition, every room at Fufu Kyoto has a cypress bath filled with natural hot spring water. At the same time, the soft glow of traditional Japanese paper lanterns sets the stage for a serene and glossy atmosphere during moments of relaxation.
Dine at the hotel’s restaurant offers a taste of Japan’s four seasons. Savor exclusive dishes crafted from fresh local Kyoto vegetables and relish seasonal charcoal-grilled specialties. You can also enjoy the hotel’s array of amenities, comprising a bar and a tranquil landscaped garden, all enhanced by a communal bathhouse featuring natural spring water. Moreover, regular tea ceremonies, yoga workshops, meditation, and flower arranging, enrich the cultural experience. Guests can begin their day with a delightful breakfast.
Top Sights:
National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto (5 minutes by walking)
Nanzen-ji Temple (9 minutes by walking)
Kiyomizu-Dera (14 minutes by car)
Address: 41-41 Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8437, Japan
As you explore the best luxury hotels Kyoto has to offer, why not continue your journey of opulence in the vibrant city of Osaka? Discover the pinnacle of sophistication and service with our guide to the Best 5 Star and Luxury Hotels in Osaka, Japan.
Whether you’re drawn to the bustling cityscape or the serene waterfront, Osaka’s top-tier accommodations offer an equally captivating blend of modernity and culture. Embark on a seamless transition from Kyoto’s elegance to Osaka’s urban charm, and experience the finest luxury travel across Japan.