“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.”

Hotel review

Serenity reigns supreme at Aman's latest hotel concept in Kyoto. Tucked away in a verdant forest in the north of the city, once home to the artist community which produced the Rinpa school of painting, the design of the hotel foregrounds rest, relaxation and the natural environment. With moss-covered stone steps, ancient trees and naturally occurring hot springs, an air of fantasy surrounds this luxury bolt-hole.

The hotel is spread across a series of standalone pavillions with floor-to-ceiling windows which look directly onto the forest and gardens. Guestrooms are inspired by a modern take on classic ryokan inns, with tatami flooring and tokonoma alcoves. The focus on natural materials in the hotel interiors perfectly complements the setting, blurring the line between inside and outside space. Décor is minimalist and elegant, with scroll paintings by local artist Yuji Sakai and fresh flowers in wabi sabi vases. The Japanese cypress baths are one of the highlights of the experience, with sliding screens which open onto forest views.

The Living Pavillion is the site of the hotel's main restaurant, with glass doors that lead out onto a circular firepit. Take the opportunity to experience Japanese fine dining, although Western dishes are available for those seeking home comforts. Participating in a tea ceremony is a must to get the authentic Kyoto experience. Retreat to the onsens - natural hot springs - for a bathe after dinner, or book a revitalizing treatment at the hotel spa. While the hotel has an excellent location for local sightseeing, you may find it difficult to leave this lap of luxury.

HG Staff
HG Staff Review published: 07/03/2024

Recommended for

  • 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
  • Yoga

    • Maximise the hotel's tranquil setting with a series of yoga classes during your stay; meditation is also available
  • Sailing

    • Travel along with the rapids of the Hozugawa river by boat from Tanba-Kameoka to Arashiyama
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the world-famous Kinkaku-ji Temple, a protected UNESCO world heritage site
  • Onsen

    • Outdoor and indoor Onsen hot spring bathing facilities
  • Views

  • Secluded setting

  • Conference facilities

  • Quiet

  • Family Suites

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Romantic

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Spa

  • Restaurant

  • Boutique

  • Chic

  • Child friendly

  • Wellbeing

  • Contemporary

  • Luxury

  • Intimate

Facilities

  • Rooms

    26 rooms in this hotel
  • Onsen

    Outdoor and indoor Onsen hot spring bathing facilities
  • Conference facilities

  • Safe

  • Parking

  • Family Suites

  • Bar

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Airport transfer

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Meeting Room

  • Massage

  • No pets

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Babysitting

  • Sitting Room

  • Spa

  • Restaurant

  • Swimming Pool

  • Garden

  • Child friendly

  • Views

  • Room service

  • Suites

  • Hot Tub

  • Concierge

  • Wifi

  • Air conditioning

Activities

  • Yoga

    • Maximise the hotel's tranquil setting with a series of yoga classes during your stay; meditation is also available
  • Sailing

    • Travel along with the rapids of the Hozugawa river by boat from Tanba-Kameoka to Arashiyama
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the world-famous Kinkaku-ji Temple, a protected UNESCO world heritage site

Map & Location

Other reviews

Aman Kyoto

Nature steals the show at the new Aman Kyoto – the brand’s third property in Japan – which is located in an exquisite hidden garden and surrounded by more than 32 hectares of dense forests, scattered with minimalist pavilions housing rooms, a serene spa with hot spring onsen bathing, and two high-quality restaurants.

Originally published by The Telegraph

Aman Kyoto Hotel

To fully appreciate the Aman Kyoto, which opened on November 1, it is worth considering what’s around it and what it has become. Formerly the home of the country’s emperors (hence its name: “Kyo” meaning capital and “to” meaning city), the once sacred city, with its moated castles and gold-filled temples, orange-painted shrines and lantern-lit streets, is one of Japan’s most popular destinations.

Originally published by The Times

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