Step inside one of Japan’s most exclusive luxury hotels and be enthralled by the resort’s exceptional service, high-end facilities, Michelin-star dining, and ancient cultural activities. A decadent city hideaway that flaunts the best of both worlds, Ritz Carlton Kyoto is an extraordinary stay.
Why you'll love it here
- Indulge in the finest Japanese cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Mizuki
- Stay in sleek and modern suites overlooking the Kamogawa River
- Unwind in the hotel’s tranquil spa, featuring a 20m lap pool, sauna, and steam room
- Be greeted by staff in kimonos and enjoy a cup of freshly-brewed green tea
- Experience the rejuvenating power of the hotel’s zen garden, dotted with waterfalls
Best For
- Family,
Greig
Travel Specialist
Your holiday always includes
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Full accommodation information
Hotel information
Enthroned on the banks above Kyoto’s Kamogawa River, this five-star hotel starts with an enviable location that puts it within touching distance of the ancient city’s best highlights, but with views of the Higashiyama Mountains too. Its own zen gardens and waterfalls create a soul-soothing ambience, which extends throughout the property thanks to a décor scheme that takes design cues from the Kyoto of yesteryear: shippo motifs, bonsai trees, lampshades mimicking paper parasols and lattice walls.
Staff dressed in kimonos welcome you inside and carry out the check-in process while you relax with a cup of freshly brewed green tea, a reflection of the high service standards you can expect throughout your time here.
Moving through the hotel then, its shared spaces are notably sleek and stylish, ranging from a lobby lounge drenched in light to a more mood-lit bar that specialises in unique cocktails. There’s Michelin-starred Japanese cuisine to devour in Mizuki restaurant, while La Locanda offers more western fare in the form of innovative Italian dishes. Those with a weakness for all things sweet will find themselves in heaven at the Pierre Hermé Boutique, an outpost of the Parisian patisserie where you can purchase some of the finest cakes in Japan.
Why not pick up a sweet delicacy from here and enjoy it with a Nespresso or herbal tea back in your guestroom? The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto’s spacious abodes come with wide windows, a seating area and dreamy king-size bed to match. Work it all off in the gym at any time of day (or night), and join one of the hotel’s complimentary walking or cycling tours to sightsee while enjoying some gentle exercise at the same time.
There are also cultural experiences, classes in anything from origami to sushi-making, plus distractions for the kids to keep them happy too. So if the little ones left to play, you can grab a little alone time in the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto spa, go for a swim in the large indoor pool, or drift between their sauna and steam room. Just be sure to book in plenty of days here and experience it all while on holiday in Kyoto!
Room Options
There are 134 rooms and suites at the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto which, although contemporary through and through, nod to their surrounds with Japanese teapots, shippo motifs and yukata robes. Some guestrooms go a step further with their tatami floors and futon beds, though there’s a range of options to choose from whatever suit your tastes. In addition, common threads throughout each and every abode include Asprey toiletries, Shabon-ya bath salts, minibars, Nespresso machines, TVs (in the bedrooms and bathrooms), bathtubs and showers, plus large windows for fine city, garden or mountain views.
Deluxe Room
Sleeps: 2 Adults
The 45sq m entry-level room at Ritz-Carlton Kyoto feels spacious and luxurious, with a seating area, king-size or twin beds, views of the city or courtyard, minibar, Nespresso machine and bathtub with rain shower.
Deluxe Garden Room
Sleeps: 2 Adults
The same size and amenities feature in this guestroom as the Deluxe option, though views of Ritz-Carlton’s beautiful Japanese garden make it even more stunning.
Luxury Room
Sleeps: 2 Adults
The highest category of guestroom comes with a 52sq m floorplan, as well as generous views of the Kamogawa River and Higashiyama Mountains.
Garden Suite
Sleeps: 2 Adults
The entry Garden Suite possesses a floorplan of 65sq m, encompassing views of the Japanese garden through floor-to-ceiling windows, a king bedroom and separate living area, plus LCD TVs in the en suite, living room and bedroom.
Garden Terrace Suite
Sleeps: 2 Adults
This 62sq m suite looks out over a Japanese garden across to the Higashiyama Mountains, coming with its own outdoor terrace, as well as all the mod-cons of the previous suite category.
Garden Terrace Suite Tatami
Sleeps: 2 Adults
Emulating the typical Japanese ryokan with tatami floors, futon bedding plus views of the Japanese garden and Higashiyama Mountains. This 62sq m suite also possesses a private balcony and contemporary amenities.
Corner Suite Kita
Sleeps: 2 Adults
A spacious 100sq m suite with huge windows on two sides, affording fabulous views of the Kamogawa River and Higashiyama Mountains. This suite also features a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Bose speakers and LCD TVs in each room.
Corner Suite Tatami
Sleeps: 2 Adults
Relish the perfect blend of Japanese tradition and contemporary luxury in this Corner Suite Tatami, which comes with futon bedding, daybeds, a wooden bathtub, dining room and panoramic views of the Kamogawa River and Kyoto city lights. Sleek mod-cons include a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Bose speakers and LCD TVs in each room.
Corner Suite Minami
Sleeps: 2 Adults
This larger Corner Suite Minami is 115sq m in size, boasting oversized windows overlooking the Kamogawa River and city, a living room, dining room and king bedroom. Guests can also enjoy the Bang & Olufsen sound system, Bose speakers and LCD TVs in each room.
Suite Kamogawa
Sleeps: 2 Adults
A 125sq m grand suite incorporating a living room, dining room, king bedroom, en suite and powder room, with far-reaching views of Kamogawa River and the mountains. A Bang & Olufsen sound system, Bose speakers and LCD TVs in each room complete the picture.
Suite Tsukimi
Sleeps: 2 Adults
A decadent 140sq m abode with its own outdoor terrace and Japanese garden, gazing out over the mountains. A king-size bed, powder room, living room, dining room, Bang & Olufsen sound system, Bose speakers and three LCD TVs also feature.
The Ritz-Carlton Suite
Sleeps: 2 Adults
The top accommodation option by far, there’s 212sq m of space in the Ritz-Carlton Suite, encompassing a large balcony with firepit that overlooks the Kamogawa River and mountains. There’s also a living room with fireplace, dining room, kitchen, study, en suite with heated floors, separate tub and shower, powder room, king-size bed, three LCD TVs, an Apple Mac, Bang & Olufsen sound system and Bose speakers.Facilities/Amenities
Wellness is of utmost importance at the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, which is why you’ll find a heavenly spa, 20m lap pool, sauna and steam room to help you reach that meditative state. Treatments draw on local resources such as bamboo and green tea, along with esteemed ESPA products, and there’s also a gym that’s open 24-hours a day. Children, meanwhile, are well catered for what with the Ritz Kids program, supplying activities including treasure hunts, balloon making and patisserie classes.
Restaurants & Bars
Mizuki
Facing a zen-like Japanese garden, Michelin-starred Mizuki feels every bit the contemporary Kyoto restaurant, with a menu starring everything from kaiseki to teppanyaki, sushi to tempura. This is the ideal place to sample fine Japanese cuisine, and you know you’ll be treated to only the very best dishes what with the proud Michelin-star status that Mizuki (deservedly) flaunts.
- Lunch
- Dinner
La Locanda
Feast on Italian delicacies in a decidedly Japanese setting at La Locanda, which is an intriguing fusion of Mediterranean fare and Far-eastern style; particularly thanks to the Ebisugawa-tei dining room that dates back over a hundred years, when it was a grand manor house for an esteemed businessman.
- Lunch
- Dinner
Pierre Hermé Paris Boutique
The esteemed chocolatier Pierre Hermé finds a home in the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, so you can browse the beautifully presented sweet treats on show and have staff help you pick out the perfect one just for you!
- Breakfast
The Bar
Open from 5pm in the week and 2pm on the weekends, The Bar is a smart drinking den that caters to all tastes, though the cocktails are a must-try with their creative recipes providing something refreshingly different to the usual suspects.
Lobby Lounge
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto’s Lobby Lounge is a delightful, light and airy space that you can’t help but be drawn to, whether for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea or cocktails. Sit by the fire, next to the large windows or on the terrace, and if you love your books, don’t miss the library here to read up on Japanese art and architecture either.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Activities & Entertainment
This is the Ritz-Carlton, which means that any day trip, half-day tour or cultural experience is as exclusive as they come. So, why not begin the day with an early morning chanting session at Myokaku-ji Temple, learning how to play Japanese drums and following it all up with breakfast in the company of the monks themselves?
Otherwise, enjoy an hour-long stretching exercise outdoors to wake you up, then get out into Kyoto’s natural scenery on a complimentary hiking tour, or opt for the tandem bike ride and dip into temples along the way.
Another free activity for hotel guests is an art tour through the Ritz-Carlton, which is like a gallery itself with 400 pieces dotted throughout the building. This is all just the tip of the iceberg, however, as you can also partake in classes such as sushi-making, kenbu samurai moves (followed by an expert performance), playing the Japanese harp, origami, soap-making, and more.
Seriously Special
The Ritz Carlton Kyoto is where ancient Japan meets ultra-high-end hospitality. Make your visit to this fascinating city even more spectacular by staying in one of its sleek and modern suites, complete with traditional Japanese touches.
Boasting incredible views of the Kamogawa River, experience the rejuvenating power of the hotel’s zen gardens and listen to the waterfalls dotted around the grounds. Spend your time here immersing yourself in Japan’s rich culture with sake-tasting sessions, samurai experiences, kimono fittings, and origami crafting.
Celebrating a special occasion? Dine out on Michelin-starred Japanese cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, Mizuki, before whizzing past glowing lanterns on a romantic rickshaw ride through Kyoto.
Japan travel information
When to visit Japan
Jan
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Best time
Good time
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- Time zone: +9 GMT
- Flight time: 17 hours
- Recommended airlines: British Airways, Japan Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines
- Currency: Japanese yen
- Tipping guideline: Not expected
- Health considerations: There is a risk of altitude illness when travelling to destinations of 2,500m or higher. There is a risk of dengue.
- Capital: Tokyo
- Population: 122,631,432
- National languages: Japanese
- Electricity and plugs: Type A & B, 100 V
- Mobile phone coverage: Excellent
- UK passport visa requirements: You don't need a visa for Japan if you have a British passport - for a maximum of 90 days
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our Japan experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Greig
Travel Specialist
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Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
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