京都
KYOTO
Once the former imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto is often referred to as the 'soul of Japan'. The historical legacy of its past is well expressed by numbers: 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more than 2000 Buddhist Temples and Shinto shrines. It's not difficult to walk around the Gion area and come across few geishas walking in the streets while shopping at the traditional craft shops. Some things you must see: Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji and Kiyomizu Temples. Another famous spot not to be missed is one of the most photographed Shinto shrines, Fushimi-Inari Taisha, with more than 10,000 vermilion torii gates forming a path that leads you up the mountain.
NEARBY: NARA
The first permanent capital of Japan, Nara is a city that cannot be beaten when it comes to Japanese cultural and historical heritage. This very picturesque city is home to 8 UNESCO world heritage sites and is considered by many to be where the Japanese civilization was born. If you are looking for Japan's biggest Great Buddha, you will find him in the largest wooden building in the world, the outstanding Todai-ji Temple.
KYOTO ACCOMMODATION
HOSHINOYA KYOTO
DELUXE
Upon arrival at Hoshinoya Kyoto, guests are picked up by boat from a landing located near Togetsukyo bridge. The journey is a leisurely ten minutes up the Oi River, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful scenery all the way to the serene hills of Arashiyama.
The guest rooms are located in a renovated ryokan inn that was built 100 years ago on the former premises of Kyoto business tycoon Suminokura Ryoi's private residence. It was modernized just enough to ensure a pleasant stay without sacrificing the heart of traditional Japanese architecture.
Every guest room features paper furnishings known as karakami decorated by skilled Kyoto artisans using historical woodblock print patterns. Sliding doors and other traditional furnishings feature modern embellishments that enhance their functional and aesthetic elegance.
Hoshinoya offers Head Chef Ichiro Kubota's unique brand of Kyoto banquet cuisine that pays respect to Kyoto's traditions yet defies classification. It is playful, yet precise and artistic–always abundant with flavour, and has earned him fame in France and London. Guests can dine at their leisure surrounded by the deep serenity of the hills at night, either at an open counter or in private rooms under the hotel's soft, warm lighting.
HYATT REGENCY
DELUXE
Hyatt Regency Kyoto, located in the beautifully verdant Higashiyama Shichijo, is an example of how Japan's ancient history and tradition can be combined with the present. Contemporary Japanese style based on traditional Japanese beauty comes together to form a cosmopolitan and modern look, offering you Kyoto's warm and signature hospitality. Each day at 6:15 pm, a Maiko (an apprenticed geisha), from Kyoto's Miyagawa-cho district, will offer a magical and elegant traditional dance.
Rooms in this hotel blend traditional Japanese taste with modern practicality using ample plain wood to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The rooms are arranged with a beautiful kimono tapestry (from the Edo to Taisho period), a gorgeous lantern and more, to make for a traditional Japanese environment while also implementing the latest technology such as flat-screen TVs and a Blu-ray player, as well as a work desk for practicality. The restroom has granite flooring and a large bath for better relaxation.
Dining at this Hyatt Regency is world-class, and proudly offers a wide variety of restaurants for you to choose from. From prime cuts of meat cooked in a wood-burning oven at 'The Grill', to the timeless tradition at 'Touzan, with the restaurant’s interior resembling an old Japanese-style house, complemented by views of the hotel's rock garden.
KYOTO HOTEL OKURA
DELUXE
A wonderful, deluxe modern hotel, superbly located in the heart of Japan's cultural capital. On one side lie the Kamo river and the Higashi mountains, and on the other, the ordered streets of this ancient metropolis – all of which provide stunning views from the hotel's excellent high-floor restaurants. With the geisha district of Pontocho just a few minutes' walk away, and eating and shopping opportunities abound, you will want for nothing at this exceptional property.
The rooms here are generously proportioned, with large en-suite bathrooms and comfortable furnishings. Of course, all luxury amenities are provided as standard.
Among the 6 restaurants in the hotel, possibly Pittoresque Sky Restaurant stands out the most, offering delicious French cuisine and an excellent wine selection, complete with stunning views. Relax in one of the hotel's tasteful bars or cafes, or go for a swim in its indoor pool.
THE RITZ CARLTON
DELUXE
Set along the shores of the Kamogawa River and featuring panoramic views of the Higashiyama Mountain, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto redefines luxury in a city that transcends expectations. The hotel offers beautifully refined rooms and suites, as well as four restaurants and a peaceful spa.
The immaculately designed hotel rooms and suites at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto feature spacious layouts and gorgeously realized details, tempting guests to forgo exploration in favor of relaxed seclusion. Suite amenities include handmade soaps, 600-count linens, and complimentary Internet access.
Showcasing both Japanese and Western cuisine, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto transports the art of fine dining to unprecedented new heights. Sample four classic styles of Japanese cooking, including sushi, teppanyaki, and multi-course kaiseki dinners, at Mizuki. La Locanda, the enchanting Italian restaurant, offers classic yet contemporary dining in a historic setting.
HOTEL GRANVIA KYOTO
SUPERIOR
This excellent 4* hotel is integrated into Kyoto station, providing a quiet haven with superb access to the entire country, let alone the entire city of Kyoto. You also are right above all the excellent shopping facilities, museum and department store within the station complex.
Although we list this property as Superior, it is really at the higher end of the category and in many regards borders on Deluxe. The spacious rooms are furnished in style, capturing the essence of Kyoto with that characteristic combination of delicate minimalism and lavishness. For your relaxation and fitness needs, there is an indoor pool, a gym, a jacuzzi, and a steam room.
There is a fantastic range of restaurants in and around the hotel, with an abundance of Japanese, Oriental, and Western-style options available. For example, the exceptional 'Teppanyaki Gozanbo' serves renowned Oumi Beef and seafood, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients.
MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO HACHIJO
SUPERIOR
This excellent 4* hotel is located at the heart of Kyoto, it's only a few minutes' walk from Kyoto Station, and a wide variety of facilities are offered, from quaint antique watch shops to beauty salons.
The rooms are fantastic and very spacious, with a décor that echoes the ambiance of ancient Kyoto.
The hotel also boats an impressive selection of bars and restaurants, offering Japanese, Chinese as well as Western cuisine and beverages.
TOYOKO INN KYOTO SHIJO KARASUMA
STANDARD
This business class hotel features compact well-equipped rooms with flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and bathroom amenities. All rooms have free wi-fi. Computer terminals are available in the lobby along with 24-hour coin laundry.
Breakfast is a light Japanese breakfast consisting of rice balls, miso soup, some salad items, and also a little bread.
Superbly located on Shijo Street which is the main street for shopping with a number of department stores and fantastic restaurants. Nearby is the fascinating Nishiki food market and the covered markets.
ANA CROWNE PLAZA KYOTO
SUPERIOR
Not only is this superior hotel located right in front of the prominent world heritage site Nijo Castle, but it is also convenient for visiting places like Inari, Uji or Nara very easily. Their renovated rooms are very comfortable and clean, with luxurious bath amenities.
It offers a relaxing spa and pool and has Japanese, Chinese, and international cuisine restaurants.
HOTEL GRACERY SANJO KYOTO
SUPERIOR
This quirky hotel has spacious rooms with some special themes such as Kabuki and Sakura, and all rooms are equipped with air conditioning and free WiFi. As it is located in the centre of Kyoto, you can visit iconic places such as nearby Ponto-cho with beautiful townscape and Gion area with the chance to see a geisha.
KARASUMA KYOTO HOTEL
SUPERIOR
Located a few minutes walk from Shijo Street which is the main street for shopping with a number of department stores and fantastic restaurants.
Single rooms are compact and double more generously sized and recently renovated. All rooms have TV, refrigerator, and tea-making facilities. Free LAN internet is available in the room and free wifi is available in the lobby.
The Karasuma Kyoto Hotel has a large selection of Western and Japanese breakfast items and there is also an onsite Starbucks and bakery. Other facilities include a Chinese and Japanese restaurant and a bar.
DAIWA ROYAL HOTEL GRANDE KYOTO
SUPERIOR
Daiwa Royal Hotel Grande Kyoto is just five minutes on foot from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit.
Daiwa Royal Hotel Grande Kyoto has 272 rooms, all non-smoking.
The rooms are equipped with Simmons beds for a good night's sleep. All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, a fridge, and a private bathroom.
HOTEL MYSTAYS KYOTO SHIJO
STANDARD
HOTEL MYSTAYS Kyoto Shijo is located in central Kyoto, along the vibrant Shijo Street in Shimogyo Ward, close to the must-see Nishiki Market and the historic Teramachi Street. Located within walking distance of three different stations—Shijo, Shijo-Omiya, and Karasuma—the hotel offers convenient access to the Kyoto Municipal Subway and Kyoto Station.
All rooms also feature high-speed Wi-fi for around-the-clock internet connectivity. After enjoying a busy day of sightseeing, relax with a traditional massage at Rakuchin, the hotel's own special relaxation specialty spot that offers massages and other reflexology services.
SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO SHIJOKARASUMA
STANDARD
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma is just a few minutes’ walk from Karasuma Station and connected to Kyoto station via subway.
All rooms at the hotel offer TV and private bathrooms with free toiletries.
Karasuma is one of the most exciting areas in Kyoto and is conveniently located and you will be able to reach the most famous landmark via bus. The area is packed with restaurants and cafes so you have plenty of choice in terms of food.
RIHGA PLACE KYOTO SHIJO KARASUMA
STANDARD
The RIHGA Place Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is conveniently located in the heart of Kyoto's restaurant and shopping district.
The calming wood-grained space of their rooms creates a comfortable atmosphere. The hotel focuses on various fine details such as meals and small accessories during your stay, a Japanese buffet breakfast focusing on "rice" such as rice balls made from freshly cooked rice, rice cake desserts, and sake is offered.
This hotel is located on Muromachi Street, which developed as a wholesale district lined with long-established Kimono stores. Kojima Shoten's Kyoto lanterns, which give you a feel of Kyoto, welcome you.