Best Design Hotels in Kyoto

Situated in the heart of Kyoto, Six Senses Kyoto is surrounded by historic shrines and palaces, the hotel combines holistic wellness, sustainability, and luxurious experiences. Drawing inspiration from the Heian period, the design merges traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts, featuring a 504-piece Rakuyaki tile screen and reinterpretations of historical art. The hotel offers 81 serene rooms and suites, designed for relaxation and equipped with organic bedding and personalised sleep consultations. The Six Senses Spa integrates Zen traditions with modern wellness, offering tailored treatments and advanced rejuvenation therapies. The Sekki restaurant serves seasonal Japanese cuisine, supporting sustainability and local collaborations. With sustainability deeply ingrained, the hotel engages guests in local culture and conservation efforts, promising a rejuvenating experience that connects them with the essence of Kyoto.

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, is a refined 39-room hot spring hotel on the banks of the Hozu River in Arashiyama, where emperors once held boating parties and poets came to write about the passing seasons. This exquisite estate dates back to a 13th-century imperial palace, and two of the hotel’s restaurants occupy century-old villas built for a baron. Today’s guests can enjoy a private open-air onsen fed by natural springs, and gardens carpeted in moss beneath maple and pine trees. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel is a destination for all seasons, from the first cherry blossoms, when the evening cicadas sing to when the maple leaves turn yellow.

This secluded retreat was opened by The Banyan Tree Group in 2020, accommodating 25 balconied bedrooms. It faces Nijo-Jo Castle and features interior architecture in a flying geese formation, taking its cue from the castle and Katsura Imperial Villa. The interior design is by the world-renowned Yukio Hashimoto; here the outside is drawn in, with picture windows emphasising its lush garden surroundings; greenery, planting and a calming water feature akin to a serene mini lake with a tree island at its centre. Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto also accommodates the Singular restaurant serving French cuisine, a kitchen and a well-being lounge.

Within walking distance of attractions, this boutique hotel is ideally located close to the Kamo River. Antique and old-world pieces are woven among contemporary furnishings to tell the story of the area’s heritage and showcase traditional Japanese crafts. Grill 54th is the all-day dining venue with an open kitchen cooking up rare Wagyu beef, seafood and local specialities. While 1867 is the lounge bar offering afternoon tea, modern cocktails and pre-dinner drinks. Dhawa Yura also has a 24-hour gym and bedrooms ranging from doubles through to king or twin suites with C.O. Bigelow amenities.

AUCHON L’Hotel Kyoto brings French charm to Japan’s ancient capital as well as culinary delight thanks to Paris’ expert curators. This 5-star escape is a member of the leading hotels of the world and boasts gastronomic excellence in a chic, contemporary setting. Each of the hotel’s spectacular guestrooms and suites have been expertly designed using a blend of Western and Japanese textiles and craftsmanship, featuring elements of FAUCHON hotel’s signature pink and complete with FAUCHON’s Gourmet Bar. The Grand Café FAUCHON presents pristine French dishes and a panoramic view of Higashiyama. Guests can also enjoy delightful beverages in the Salon de Thé FAUCHON and Le Bar FAUCHON while Pâtisserie & Boutique FAUCHON offers only the finest sweet and savoury delicacies including macarons imported from Paris. Le Spa FAUCHON is home to a host of indulgent treatments and facilities for guests to enjoy. FAUCHON L’Hotel Kyoto also features stunning event and function space to make for the perfect wedding venue.

Guests from all over the world are invited to embrace a unique luxury getaway at Ace Hotel Kyoto where a range of deluxe guest rooms and spacious suites are waiting to offer peace and quiet in the ancient capital of Japan. The hotel’s rooms are designed to blend classic and contemporary as well as incorporate Eastern and Western charm. This functional hotel boasts a unique selection of eateries which offer delicious international dishes made specially from local produce – guests are welcome to choose from Kosa, Piopiko, and Mr. Maurice’s Italian. There is also a  chic rooftop bar, afternoon tea room and Japan’s first Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Ace Hotel Kyoto features stylish event spaces for you to choose from which are suitable for any event and make for the perfect wedding venue. This hotel frequently offers packages and special offers so be sure not to miss out!

THE THOUSAND KYOTO is ideally located just two minutes from the city’s JR Kyoto Station Central Gate and makes sightseeing a breeze thanks to numerous convenient transport links. There are a range of guestroom options, including seven suite types, which all offer a minimalist haven for guests to unwind in contemporary comfort. THE THOUSAND KYOTO restaurant serveslocal and international dishes while there are a range of beverages waiting to be tasted at café TEA & BAR. There is also an extensive in-room dining menu which allows guests to indulge in Japanese and Italian cuisine from the comfort of their own room or suite. Authentic, traditional Japanese spa treatments are featured in THE THOUSAND SPA where ancient practices based on the principles of Buddhism and incorporating tea can be enjoyed. This hotel is an idyllic and modern venue for hosting a fairy tale wedding thanks to stunning event and banquet spaces and sensational catering options.