One of the most beautiful cities in the country, best-known for its architecture, history, ancient temples and peaceful zen gardens, Kyoto is top of the list for anyone visiting Japan. So, considering its significance as a major destination, it is a little surprising that luxury hotel offerings are so thin on the ground. All the more reason then, to welcome the new Ritz Carlton with open arms.
Located on the banks of the Kamogawa River in downtown Kyoto, a quick stride away from a string of attractions including Nishiki food market and the atmospheric geisha district, Gion, the hotel - assembled to resemble a traditional Meiji house and courtyard - slots so discreetly into its surroundings, that most passersby wouldn’t think to take a second glance.
Dressed by US-based Peter Remedios Design Studio, interior details such as bonsai trees, patterned motifs, zen gardens or peaceful water features - including a three-storey waterfall that takes centre stage - are a nod to the traditions of Japan, while blond woods and subtle, indirect lighting create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This continues to the 134 guest rooms and suites, which either overlook the tranquil inner courtyard, or frame views of the river and the Higashiyama mountains beyond.
In the basement is a sexy 20-metre indoor lap pool tiled with deep aquamarine mosaic, while the spa offers treatments such as the ‘Ryokucha Serenity Ritual’, which uses the anti-oxidant properties from green tea.
Upstairs, the dining spaces have been designed by Tokyo-based outfit Spin Studio. These include traditional Japanese options from multi-course Kaiseiki dinners to La Locanda, an elegant wood-panelled fine-dining Italian restaurant that occupies a former townhouse dating from 1908.
The biggest temptation though, is the Pier Hermé boutique with its exquisitely displayed treats, located right at the entrance of the hotel.
ADDRESS
Kamogawa Nijo-Ohashi Hotori
Nakagyo-ku
Kyoto
-
Ten low-pro sneakers that capture footwear’s new streamlined moodSuper-flat soles, narrowed silhouettes: the low-profile sneaker is this season’s defining footwear style. Here, the Wallpaper* style team selects its favourites
-
Living light: can the Light Phone III help you reclaim precious time without losing out on life?Light hope their new Phone III contains just the right amount of tech to live a life free from digital distraction. We put their minimal handset to the test
-
Mika Cars wants to build the Mino, a sporty, ultra-compact electric two-seater for the open roadAn evolution of Mika’s Meon electric beach buggy, the little Mino is an ultra-light EV with big-car aspirations
-
A new book captures the kitschy allure of Japanese ‘love hotels’For his latest project, French photographer François Prost documents the whimsical façades that characterise these erotic roadside venues.
-
All aboard the world’s most luxurious train journeysStay on track with our pick of the most luxurious train journeys around the world, whether in 1920s-style opulence or contemporary chic
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu: a soothing onsen hotelIn Japan’s bucolic northeast, Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu breathes new life into a sleepy hot spring village without betraying its ancient roots
-
Shake off the winter chill at these design-led onsen hotels in JapanWhether you’re heading to the mountains of Hokkaido or the alleys of Kyoto’s Gion district, these immaculately designed onsen hotels will keep the shivers at bay
-
The new hotels you’ll want to stay at in 2025Where to stay in 2025? Let six of the most-read-about hotel openings of the past 12 months inspire your escape – from a tiny Tokyo bolthole to a Tanzanian safari retreat
-
2025 getaways: where Wallpaper* editors will be travelling to this yearFrom the Japanese art islands of Naoshima and Teshima to the Malaysian tropical paradise of Langkawi, here’s where Wallpaper* editors plan to travel to in 2025
-
The most whimsical hotel Christmas trees around the worldWe round up the best hotel Christmas tree collaborations of the year, from an abstract take in Madrid to a heritage-rooted installation in Amsterdam
-
Six brilliant bars for your 2025 celebrations, hot off the Wallpaper* travel deskWallpaper’s most-read bar reviews of the year can't be wrong: here’s inspiration for your festive and new year plans, from a swanky Las Vegas lounge to a minimalist London drinking den
