Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto
Found on the island of Honshu, Kyoto is often cited as the land’s cultural hub. It served as the Japanese capital and emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868. As a result, it’s packed with fascinating temples, Shinto shrines, museums, palaces and botanical gardens, some of which make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many national traditions – such as formal dining, tea ceremonies and geisha performances – are upheld, keeping tourists enthralled and putting it firmly on the sightseer’s map. It’s also home to artisan makers, artists and writers inspired by the large city’s ambience and rich heritage. And here are some of our favourite luxury hotels in beautiful Kyoto.
Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
(5 stars)Set amongst the Higashiyama Hills the Westin Miyako Kyoto boasts a stunning outlook over the ancient capital. The hotel is ideally located between the two main sight-seeing districts of the city and is one of the oldest Western-style hotels in Kyoto. Popular with visiting famous faces, many of the rooms enjoy stunning vistas as far as the Kitayama Mountains and are decorated simply and functionally. Style may not be at the forefront of this hotel and many aspects of it are still very traditional, but service and facilities are top notch here. The hotel boasts the more casual Aquablu Café restaurant in addition to their Grandview dining room, which from the name you can guess, serves creative continental cuisine whilst enjoying an incredible aspect over the city. At the Westin Miyako you really will be spoilt for choice with facilities. The hotel has multiple boutiques, a tranquil Japanese garden, a business centre, a fitness centre, a hair and beauty salon, plus an in-house florist!