The Hotel Guru
Kyoto
The 9 Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto

The 9 Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto

Kyoto is a remarkable city, famed for its temples, palaces, gourmet cuisine and ancient traditions. Once Japan’s capital, it’s now a beautifully preserved cultural hub, perfect for romantic couples, or heritage-focused friends and families. Kyoto’s hotels have a well-deserved reputation for luxury; this list outlines our hotel experts’ top picks for an indulgent stay in the city and surrounding area. From minimalist contemporary style to old-school glamour, the nine best luxury hotels in Kyoto have it all.

For Intimate Charm

Nanzenji Sando Kikusui is a recently restored heritage hotel with just five suites. Interiors feature slate and wooden accents, there are gorgeous views of the hotel gardens, and flavoursome cuisine is served in a restaurant headed by a Michelin-starred chef. Romantic luxury.
The Junei has seven luxurious suites, fusing Japanese design with contemporary comforts. Rooms are decorated in earthy tones, and low tables with garden views are ideal for quiet, in-room dinners of delectable kaiseki cuisine. Huge bathtubs complete the romantic picture.
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho offers seven sleek suites with sliding screens revealing private terraces and bathrooms with big freestanding tubs. Expect a soothing palette of natural materials — wood, wicker and tatami — and a timeless aesthetic. Close to the Imperial Palace, this is a beautiful boutique choice for couples.
The Shinmonzen’s traditional façade hides chic, minimalist interiors. Inspired by Japanese ryokans of old, the nine suites have paper screens, light wood-panelled walls and white-on-white interiors. Cosy seating areas, private balconies, modern artwork and smart bathrooms complete the picture. Enjoy yoga classes, exploring the Gion district and tasting Chef Jean-Georges Vongreichten’s French fusion fare. Magical.

For a Five-Star Spa Hotel

The Ritz Carlton overlooks the Kamo River. Swish, spacious rooms frame verdant views, the walls are bedecked with traditional art and the rejuvenating spa awaits. The signature Ryokucha Serenity Ritual is not to be missed. A luxurious base for exploring nearby Gion, before feasting at the hotel's atmospheric bars and restaurants — including Michelin-starred Tempura Mizuki.
The Mitsui Kyoto offers understated elegance just moments from the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle. Contemporary elements are complemented by tatami mat flooring, washi lights, and kimono textiles. Dine in two superb restaurants and kick back in the Thermal Spring Spa. Traditional treatments reflect Japanese beliefs in Ying/Yang Balance and the Five Elements, creating wonderfully restorative massages.
The Four Seasons Kyoto promises a five-star stay in the heart of the historic city. Highlights include the sumptuous spa, sophisticated guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Michelin-starred Sushi Wakon Restaurant. Pure luxury for guests of all ages.

For a Tranquil Hideaway

Aman Kyoto is amongst the city's most luxurious hotels. Set to the north of Kyoto, in a forested area which has long inspired artists, the hotel reimagines classic ryokan design to create immensely indulgent, reflective spaces. Sink into Japanese cypress baths, take part in an ancient tea ceremony and unwind in minimalist bliss.
Suiran Hotel sits on the banks of the Katsura River on the outskirts of Kyoto. Expect swish interiors with forest views, private terraces with hot tubs and delectable cuisine in the waterside restaurant. A restful, indulgent hideaway within easy reach of this fascinating city.

STILL NOT SURE?

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- Nanzenji Sando Kikusui Kyoto (Sakyo-ku) 5 rooms from $1113
  
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  Romantic Break  -  At just five guestrooms, this boutique hotel is ideal for a tranquil romantic break close to beautiful nature spots
  Local exploring  -  The hotel is located in a mountainous area great for hiking, with a temple and native monkeys to explore nearby
  Foodies  -  Foodies can enjoy exceptional Japanese and Japanese-styled French cuisine at the hotel restaurant
  Great walks  -  Take a long walk through Kyoto city centre and discover sights like the Kyoto Imperial Palace on the way
  
  This heritage hotel is located in Kyoto. After a complete renovation, the property now offers warm, inviting guestrooms with slate and wood accents plus views onto the beautiful Japanese garden from a cosy terrace. Dine at the acclaimed restaurant, run by a Michelin-starred chef. See More
  
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- The Junei Kyoto 8 rooms from $335
  
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  Honeymoons  -  A romantic honeymoon choice, complete with big cosy beds and impressive bathtubs for long soaks
  Families  -  The rooms can easily accommodate four adults and two children, so ideal for family groups
  Cycling  -  Hop aboard one of the hotel's bicycles to explore historic Kyoto at your own pace
  Other Activities  -  Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a beautiful setting
  
  Comprising of just seven suites, this boutique property offers a luxurious and intimate stay in the heart of the city. The spacious modern rooms' design is inspired by traditional Japanese style. Regional dishes are served in the customary way (in-room) and each suite has a large spa bath. See More
  
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- Nazuna Kyoto Gosho Kyoto (Nakagyo ku) 7 rooms from $598
  
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  Romantic Break  -  With a romantic Kura bath available for guest reservation, choose this hotel for your next couples' city break
  Local exploring  -  Set just steps away from Kyoto's top attractions, this hotel is the perfect base for local sightseeing
  City Style  -  With stylish, contemporary interiors and an unbeatable location, book this hotel for sleek city charm
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the historic temple complex at Nishi-Honganji, now listed as a UNESCO world heritage site
  
  This chic ryokan is nestled close to the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. The hotel is themed around 'Wagashi', traditional Japanese confectionary. The stylish guestrooms feature sliding screens and a blend of wood, wicker and tatami accents. Unwind in the secret Japanese garden after sightseeing. See More
  
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- The Shinmonzen Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku) 9 rooms from $1138
  
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  Designer  -  Offering the simplicity of a Ryokan with renowned art works and chic European touches — making this anything but traditional
  Local exploring  -  Gion district is famous for its geisha teahouses, atmospheric narrow lanes, hidden temples and traditional wooden architecture
  Foodies  -  Famed French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten runs the show here offering Kyoto cuisine with a distinctly modern French touch
  Artworks  -  The property has some big hitters including Damien Hirst, Louise Bourgeois and Hiroshi Sugimoto
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Behind its traditional machiya-style façade, lies a contemporary ryokan made for design-lovers. Interiors are styled on a traditional ryokan with chic minimalism, tatami mat flooring, and sharp lines but there are also renowned artworks (think Damien Hirst) and plenty of modern touches. Very chic. See More
  
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- Ritz Carlton Kyoto 117 rooms from $641
  
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  City Style  -  A luxury property boasting a glorious spa, atmospheric bar and top-notch restaurants
  Honeymoons  -  A sumptuous choice for well-heeled couples dreaming of a honeymoon in the city
  Views  -  Set alongside the Kamogawa River, offering superb city views
  Sights nearby  -  Make a trip to see the 15th century Ginkaku-ji temple.
  
  A chic property perfectly mixing traditional Japanese style with contemporary luxuries. Boasting a central location overlooking the river. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with windows framing the lush views, bonsai plants, modern bathrooms and traditional art. Ideal for exploring the city. See More
  
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- The Mitsui Kyoto Kyoto (Aburano-koji St. Nijo-sagaru,) 161 rooms from $1268
  
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  Romantic Break  -  For a romantic stay book one of the two Onsen Suites which come complete with private outdoor onsens
  Designer  -  An elegant hotel whose sleek contemporary design is rooted in Kyoto heritage
  Historic  -  Well positioned on a historic site just opposite Nijo Castle
  Sights nearby  -  Visit Nijo Castle, the 17th-century Unesco World Heritage site located just across wide Horikawa-dori street
  
  An elegant luxury hotel with a fabulous location set by the UNESCO heritage site, Nijo Castle. While the design is undeniably contemporary there is a traditional feel from tatami mat flooring, washi lights, and kimono textiles. With a thermal spa and two good restaurants, this is an indulgent stay. See More
  
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- Four Seasons Kyoto Kyoto (HIGASHIYAMA-KU) 123 rooms from $1808
  
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  City Style  -  With service as good as its facilities plus some very chic design this is a city spot that's hard to beat
  Spa breaks  -  Experience Japanese wellness treatments at their best in the utterly spoiling spa
  Foodies  -  The Michelin starred Sushi Wakon Restaurant should not be missed.
  Sights nearby  -  Walk to popular attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera, Kodaiji and the Chion-in temple
  
  A five-star luxury experience right in the heart of historic Kyoto. Set in tranquil gardens the interiors perfectly mix the old and the new. Spacious rooms benefit from floor to ceiling windows offering plenty of light. The spa is a destination in its own right and mustn't be missed! See More
  
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- Aman Kyoto Kyoto (Kita-ku) 26 rooms from $1603
  
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  Romantic Break  -  With luxurious suites, romantic restaurants and a sleek wellness centre, book this hotel for an unforgettable couples' getaway
  Spa breaks  -  Book this hotel for a unique spa break and bathe in the naturally occurring hot springs in the forest, enriched in minerals
  Back to Nature  -  Nestled in a native forest in the north of Kyoto, this hotel feels like a peaceful retreat to nature
  Sailing  -  Travel along with the rapids of the Hozugawa river by boat from Tanba-Kameoka to Arashiyama
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  This luxury Kyoto hotel is nestled within a mythical forest with natural hot springs. Suites offer guests proximity to the natural environment, located in pavilions with floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden screens and tatami mats. Book a private dinner in the forest for a romantic evening. See More
  
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- Suiran Hotel Kyoto (Saga-Tenryuji) 39 rooms from $701
  
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  Great walks  -  Wander through the beautoful Saganoo Bamboo forest or take a leisurely stroll around the city's streets
  Foodies  -  Enjoy a fusion of traditional Japanese kaiseki and French cuisine at the wonderful restaurant
  Learning  -  Delve into old Japanese court life at the Shigureden Museum
  Back to Nature  -  Suiran Hotel boasts a stunningly tranquil location
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  The luxurious Suiran Hotel is situated along the banks of the Katsura River in the outskirts of Kyoto. The property offers chic designer accommodation and boasts its own lush garden: perfect for relaxing with a drink. Exquisite cuisine served at the restaurant! An indulgent stay in a stunning spot. See More
  
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