Aman Kyoto
Hotel · Kyoto-shi
1 Okitayama Washimine-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8458, Japan
Highlights
Forest sanctuary with tranquil gardens, serene spa, and natural hot springs
Forest sanctuary with tranquil gardens, serene spa, and natural hot springs
"Set across 80 acres of serene forest in the foothills of Mount Daimonji, the 26 modern suites are sited along a shaded riverbed amid maples, cedars, and blue oaks—ideal for forest-bathing. Much of the property uses local timber: cypress soaking tubs, heated stone bathroom floors, and bamboo dividers combine with clean, minimalist lines and varied textures to create a restorative, meditative atmosphere." - Yukari Sakamoto, Adam H. Graham
"A tranquil forest retreat steps from Kinkaku-ji Temple and numerous UNESCO sites, the resort pairs minimalist Japanese design with seasonal dining and traditional onsen bathing facilities, offering a private, restorative experience focused on serenity and the healing qualities of Japanese spa traditions." - Jessica Vadillo Jessica Vadillo Jessica Vadillo is the editorial assistant at Travel + Leisure. She joined the team in 2022 and often works on packages and front-of-book items, as well as writes, edits, and assists with other editorial operations. She is a graduate of Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism and currently resides in New York City. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Set in a calm garden setting, this three-night stay on the 12-night Cities to Tropics itinerary emphasizes tranquility and traditional culture; on the agenda are Zen meditation practices, an evening of geisha performance and a traditional tea ceremony, and the property serves as the departure point for the Dec. 7, 2025 leg of the anniversary jet expedition." - Rachel Chang Rachel Chang Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Set on 80 acres of serene forest in the foothills of Mount Daimonji and minutes from Kyoto’s famous Kinkaku-ji, this sanctuary’s 26 modern suites sit across an old river bed framed by native maples, cedars, and blue oaks—an ideal setting for forest-bathing. Much of the property was built with local timber and natural materials, so rooms feature details like cypress soaking tubs, heated stone bathroom floors, and bamboo dividers whose minimalist lines and varied textures create a restorative atmosphere." - Jennifer Flowers
"Serene. Timeless. Escapist. And deliciously crowd-free. Nature and its subtlest micro-shifts are the main protagonists at Aman Kyoto. At its heart lies an otherworldly “secret garden” that wavers between wild and cultured, the hotel is set against tumbling mountainside forests in a quiet northeastern corner of the ancient capital. Mindfulness is nonnegotiable while navigating the moss-covered stone pathways or relaxing within the peaceful minimalism of the 24 suites. Housed in clean-lined black timber pavilions designed by Kerry Hill, the accommodations feature tatami floors, hinoki bathtubs, ceramic abstractions, and haiku-inspiring views through walls of windows. Luxury lies in the property’s simplicity: Instead of a swimming pool, picture a small boulder-strewn onsen alongside spa treatments imbued with a sense of the sacred and the intuitive omotenashi warmth of the staff. Food is treated with no less reverence, from meticulous kaiseki craftsmanship at Taka-an to contemporary land-to-table cuisine in the Living Pavilion. All in all? The perfect place to recover from Kyoto temple fatigue—and reconnect with the present moment. From $2,675. —Danielle Demetriou" - CNT Editors
