The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, Exclusive Review

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

PlusPicksIndagare Index

Riverside, contemporary, sophisticated

Kamogawa Nijo-Ohashi Hotori Kyoto, Japan +81 75-746-5555 www.ritzcarlton.com

Show Map What's Nearby: Hotels Restaurants Shops Sights

Photo by Christopher Joe Cypert Photography, courtesy Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Photo by Christopher Joe Cypert Photography, courtesy Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Photo by Christopher Joe Cypert Photography, courtesy Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Photo by Christopher Joe Cypert Photography, courtesy Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

At a Glance

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto’s centrally located riverside property manages to meld contemporary design with traditional Japanese elements. The hotel’s architecture was inspired by traditional Meiji homes and its textiles are from a 12th-generation atelier known for creating Japan’s finest kimonos. The hotel’s 134 rooms, though sleek, are designed with a distinct Japanese aesthetic. A handful have tatami mats instead of traditional beds, for guests interested in sampling the ryokan tradition without forgoing plush comforts. With an incredibly gracious and attentive staff, four on-property restaurants and original private dining spaces—some of which have been exquisitely restored to offer an enchanting and traditional Japanese setting—visitors can enjoy an authentic experience with modern accoutrements. Teatime goes into the evening, as guests and locals in kimonos fill the residential-style space with energy. The comfortable lobby lounge is popular all day, but never feels imposing, achieving the distinctly Japanese balance of calm Zen and lively buzz.

The Standout: The specialty suites that come with serene private Japanese gardens
Don’t Miss: A day exploring the historic and charming Gion district, where visitors may catch a glimpse of the elaborately dressed geishas or maikos, many of whom live in this neighborhood

Indagare Loves

The riverside location near Gion and some great shopping
The commitment to local artisans, including the 409 works of art from Japanese artisans throughout the hotel
Tempura Mizuki, the Michelin-starred restaurant, where diners are seated at a large granite counter and served tempura Kappo-style

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, Review

The Ritz-Carlton in central Kyoto, set along the banks of the Kamogawa River in the shadows of the Higashiyama Mountains, was intended to encompass the feel of a Japanese ryokan within a traditional hotel setting with modern accoutrements. Architectural elements were borrowed from traditional Meiji homes, demonstrated in both the courtyards built into the footprint, and the engawa-like corridors built within every room to frame the view. Over 400 works of art are on display throughout common areas and rooms, all from artists with a connection to Kyoto. Textiles throughout the hotel are from a 12th-generation atelier known for creating Japan’s finest kimonos.

The hotel has achieved the delicate balance of feeling buzzy and alive within a calming, zen retreat. The lobby dining area overlooking the river feels sleek, contemporary and richly Japanese, with heavy velvet fabrics paired with clean modern lines. Tea time goes into the evening as mothers and daughters, chic teens and elderly women in traditional kimonos fill the warm, residentially designed space with energy.

The 134 rooms have either a view of the river, mountains or old clapboard row homes. They are designed with a distinct Japanese aesthetic and feel like spacious cocoons, with light wood and natural elements. River-view rooms provide a vantage point for sunrise-viewing and people-watching—including schoolchildren skipping along the riverbanks and cyclists traversing the banks. The garden terrace suites are best for those who prefer privacy, as the river view is traded for a sublime private garden. Corner suites are also a favorite, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. A handful of rooms have tatami mats instead of traditional beds, for guests interested in sampling the ryokan tradition without straying from the plush comforts of a modern five-star hotel.

The two main restaurants are perhaps the most flashy and contemporary options in town: Tempura Mizuki, a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant serving sushi, tempura, kaiseki cuisine and teppanyaki, and La Locanda, an Italian restaurant with an extensive wine cellar that is only matched by the impressive cheese selections. For a special occasion, book one of the exquisite private dining rooms at Locanda, such as Ebisugawa-tei Goten-no-ma, which is an early 20th-century construction that has been restored and refurbished so guests can enjoy Italian fare in an enchanting and traditional Japanese setting. The comfortable lobby lounge is popular all day, but never feels imposing. Guests attempting to cure jet lag find many solutions at the fitness center, which has a 65-foot indoor pool and ESPA spa.

Who Should Stay

Discerning travelers seeking luxe accommodations in the center of Kyoto
Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer for assistance reserving this hotel.

Author

Indagare

Indagare Plus Amenities

USD100 hotel credit
Complimentary Breakfast
Upgraded Room Category on Availability at Check-In
Late Check-Out on Availability
Complimentary WiFi Internet Access

Kyoto