Six Senses Kyoto perfectly captures the ancient city’s soul

Six Senses Kyoto, the Japan debut of the hotel brand, fuses a medley of inspirations. Playful, organic, biophilic and sustainable design informed the development of the airy new-build property, home to 81 rooms and suites with thoughtfully layered interiors by Singapore’s Blink Design Group. Kyoto, of course, is the protagonist – from the contemporary craftsmanship and playful references to its ancient heritage, through to a wellness programme that draws on the wisdom of the city’s long-standing cultural rituals.

Wallpaper* checks in at Six Senses Kyoto

What’s on your doorstep?

Set within Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, this modern wellness retreat places guests among UNESCO World Heritage temples, atmospheric lanes and some of the city’s most enduring craft traditions. Next door, Maana Living curates a soulful mix of art, antiques and everyday objects by Japanese makers, while nearby Oud. pairs contemporary art and interiors with a greenhouse-like setting. Also worth a visit is the former home of celebrated potter Kawai Kanjiro, who not only designed the house but crafted much of its furniture and artwork, lending the museum its singular character.

Who is behind the design?

The design offers a modern riff on the Heian era of Kyoto, a richly fertile creative period from the late 8th century to the early 12th century when countless traditional arts flourished in the former capital city. ‘Taking a deep dive into the heyday of the Heian era, which celebrates the concept of miyabi (a heightened refinement and appreciation of nature which flows through the design), we sought to align with our concept of ‘place-making’, something very near and dear to our hearts. It means showcasing the culture of a location in its instinctive way that connects the hotel magically with its environs,’ Clint Nagata, founder and creative partner at Blink Design Group, tells Wallpaper*.

Upon crossing the hotel’s temple-like wooden threshold, the mood shifts with panels of intricately woven hikihaku foil reflecting shades of the sun, crafted by century-old Kyoto artisans Nishimura Shoten, alongside the naturally hewn edges of a horse chestnut table. Natural light floods the main lobby space overlooking a large courtyard garden. Meanwhile, a long white ash front desk sees a scene-stealing wall depicting 504 raku tiles, crafted over two years by ceramic artisan Yoshimura Rakunyu.

The work captures an abstract shift of oranges and greens, evoking nearby Mount Kurama, the birthplace of Reiki and one of the settings in Tale of Genji – set in Heian-era Kyoto and thought to be the world’s earliest novel. High ceilings reflect organic undulations hinting at early folded books known as orihon, and a metal wall sculpture depicts a cast of animals emerging from a scroll in reference to Japan’s first manga comic, a playful 12th-century work known as Choju-giga. The playful tone continues in the elevator, where organically shaped mirrors showcase animal etchings.

And threading all these elements together is the spirit of playfulness, known as asobi gokoro, according to Nakata: ‘It’s a playfulness that references elements of Japanese culture, reflected in various fittings and furnishings. We hope that this perspective allows our guests to take away very special memories of an extraordinary hotel experience long after their stay.’

The room to book

Lining the upper-floor corridors are fox heads crafted from recycled washi paper, which act as occupancy indicators. At the touch of a button, guests can illuminate either the fox's whiskers or eyes. The guest rooms, overlooking either the central courtyard or Toyokuni Shrine at the rear, balance crafted serenity with playfulness. Wooden walls divide bathrooms and bedrooms with flippable panels of natural and red-painted wood; woven copper lighting is by Kyoto makers Kanaamitsuji; a large abstract white painting of the moon hides a large TV; and Japanese-style sudare window screens filter sunlight.

For non-conformists, the Premier Suite Garden King is the room to book. One of just two accommodations with direct access to the private Japanese garden, it sits apart from the main guestroom wings and feels more akin to a secluded residence, complete with a separate living room. Thoughtful details continue at turndown, where guests can choose from a selection of sleep aromas designed to encourage deeper rest, or cosy up in circulation-enhancing sleepwear.

Staying for drinks and dinner?

Food is served in the all-day dining Sekki and Café Sekki: warm open spaces with organic materials and biophilic abstractions, where dishes are crafted from mindfully sourced seasonal ingredients, such as Kyoto vegetables grown by seventh-generation Yamada Farm. The signature five-course Sekki Dinner traces a path through mountain, field and sea, with dishes such as Toyama white shrimp soup enriched with house-made chickpea miso and herb-crusted Japanese beef sirloin served with a sherry jus.

For something more intimate, Sushi Oga Higashiyama offers a counter-only experience where chef Sakai works with seasonal seafood, pairing it with the restaurant’s distinctive red-vinegar rice. After dark, Nine Tails is an intimate cocktail bar with the atmosphere of a modern apothecary and design details, including a forest-green tiled counter and yakisugi burnt cedar flooring. The back bar is a treasure trove of Japanese spirits, with hundreds of bottles ranging from household names to elusive rarities. If you’re undecided, ask for a tasting and let the bartenders guide the way.

Where to switch off

The lower levels, wrapping around the sunken courtyard garden, are home to hubs such as an Earth Lab – as in all Six Senses – an intimate space with a sculptural wood ceiling, where workshops unfold, making beeswax wraps and mosquito repellent. Wellness also steals the show. The expansive spa is home to a serene network of spaces: a swimming pool with a designated area for Watsu therapy, an Alchemy Bar, a Biohack Recovery Lounge and a Tea Lounge.

Water sounds, ikebana flower arrangements and Zen-inspired rocks complement expanses of natural materials and soft biophilic curves, while each of the treatment rooms is inspired by the five senses and complete with wind chimes, rock gardens, incense and moss walls. Look out for the daily wellness programme, where guests can start the day with mat pilates or wind down with sound healing and hammock serenity yoga.

The verdict

Like all Six Senses properties, the Kyoto outpost possesses a palpable sense of calm. Here, however, it is paired with the attentiveness and excellence of Japanese hospitality. Despite its urban setting, the hotel often feels worlds away from the city beyond its walls. Daily wellness activities, thoughtful rituals and a highly engaged team foster a sense of connection throughout the stay. Staff are quick to share favourite neighbourhood spots or tailor recommendations to individual interests. Meanwhile, a warm blend of Japanese woods and citrus, created by Tomoko Saito Aromatique Studio, drifts through the property, becoming one of those subtle details that linger long after departure.

Six Senses Kyoto is located at 431 Myohoin Maekawacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0932, Japan