A Luxury Hotel Where You Can Feel the Beauty of Japan

I've had the privilege of staying in many hotels around the world, but I truly believe that accommodations where you can feel the essence of the place are far superior. Even if a hotel is part of a global chain, it's hard to call it luxurious if it doesn't incorporate the local culture. Unless it's a business trip, travel is about immersing yourself in the destination from the heart.



The "Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto," where I stayed this time, perfectly blends Four Seasons' renowned hospitality and luxury with Kyoto's traditional beauty. Located at the foot of Higashiyama, an area dotted with shrines and temples, the moment you step through the entrance, you're enveloped in a Japanese atmosphere, offering a sense of exclusivity and Kyoto's luxury. It's a hotel where Japanese beauty converges, making me grateful to be Japanese... Foreign guests are sure to fall in love with it too!

A Special View of the Ancient Capital, Kyoto

I visited the hotel just as December began. It was the last burst of autumn color, and I was lucky enough to witness the vibrant foliage. The hotel is low-rise, only four or five stories, and with 123 rooms, it doesn't feel overwhelmingly large—just the right size, in my impression. I stayed on the first floor. Right in front of my room was the "Sekisui-en" garden pond, boasting about 800 years of history, and the autumn leaves were breathtakingly beautiful, making me fall in love with Japanese aesthetics... While the rooms feature Nishijin-ori cushion covers and wallpapers depicting the seasons, the beds offer a different kind of comfort than a traditional ryokan.

My personal favorite is the view from the restaurant terrace! You can overlook Sekisui-en from here as well, and the wooden deck terrace is perfect for relaxing in luxury. It was a bit chilly when I visited, but of course, heaters were provided. During lunchtime, enjoying champagne on the terrace while basking in the sun would be pure bliss. It's also highly recommended in early spring or autumn! It feels like you're leisurely spending time in a Kyoto garden.

Late Nights Exploring the Hotel ♥︎

For dinner during my stay, I naturally chose the hotel's restaurant, "Brasserie." While you could dine in the neighborhood, I wanted to fully enjoy the hotel experience with a leisurely hotel dinner. Chef Ii's dishes were casual yet artistic, offering a lineup that was as visually appealing as it was delicious. The menu also incorporated Kyoto ingredients, such as Burgundy-style braised beef tongue with Kyoto turnip, which was a highlight. For breakfast, I enjoyed a Japanese breakfast at "Brasserie." A Japanese breakfast on the terrace overlooking the garden at a Kyoto hotel! A truly luxurious moment. Besides "Brasserie," there's also a sushi restaurant called "Sushi Wakon."



My nights never end with just one stop, especially Reiko's nights. After filling up at Brasserie, I headed to the hotel bar, "THE LOUNGE." This bar, which lives up to its name as a comfortable lounge, is a stylish cafe during the day serving coffee and sweets, but transforms into an atmospheric, tranquil bar at night. Opening a large door, reminiscent of a travel trunk, reveals rows of whiskies. The whisky cocktails, paired with seasonal fruits, were also delicious. By the way, there's also a tea house, "Sekisui-tei," in the garden, where you can enjoy champagne and sake while admiring the garden on weekend evenings.

The hotel also has a large fitness pool, so you can eat, drink, exercise, and even sightsee in Kyoto – one night is definitely not enough!

What is an Experience Creator?

Kyoto, with its many attractions, always leaves you wondering where to start. To help resolve such dilemmas, the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto has a team of members known as "Experience Creators," who are intimately familiar with Kyoto. From Kiyomizu-yaki pottery classes and lantern making to ninja experiences!! Entrusting these activities to professionals will allow you to enjoy Kyoto even more.



Reiko
An editor and writer in her late twenties. She loves champagne and travel, which fuels her dreams and hopes, though it seems to delay her marriage. Her hobbies include nighttime patrols and leisurely trips. For men, she values chivalry.

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