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
-
The world’s best swimwear brands, according to Wallpaper*From architectural precision to a sense of ease and luxury, our comprehensive guide to the world’s best swimwear brands – for both men and women – will help you find the perfect beach attire this summer
-
Aesop’s Queer Library bookmarks brilliant literature, no purchase requiredReturning to London’s Soho, 3-6 July 2025, the Queer Library pop-up offers complimentary books by LGBTQIA+ authors and allies
-
Wangechi Mutu's powerful sculptures take over the palatial interiors of Rome's Galleria BorgheseThe Kenyan-born artist is the first living woman to have a solo exhibition at the villa
-
Tune into the rhythm of Tokyo’s most ambitious record shopVinyl Delivery Service in east Tokyo’s Skwat Kameari Art Centre is spinning a new narrative for the traditional record store model
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Waldorf Astoria Osaka‘It’s rare to work on a brand new hotel of this scale in Japan in today’s landscape,’ says designer Andre Fu about Osaka’s newest luxury hotel. Wallpaper* paid it an early visit
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Rosewood Miyakojima: ‘Japan, but not as most people know it’Rosewood Miyakojima offers a smooth balance of intuitive Japanese ‘omotenashi’ fused with Rosewood’s luxury edge
-
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
