Minimalist suites, forest views, natural hot springs, and serene gardens

















1 Okitayama Washimine-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8458, Japan Get directions

"Surrounded by 80 acres of forest and gardens, this minimalist retreat prioritizes harmony with its spectacular natural setting in a quiet corner of the city. Authentic Japanese elements are elevated into pure luxury, from cypressâwood soaking tubs to spa treatments that incorporate green tea, embodying the allâencompassing luxury hotel experience." - The MICHELIN Guide

"Serenity reigns in a âsecret gardenâ edged by mountainside forest, where black-timber pavilions by Kerry Hill hold 24 suites with tatami floors, hinoki baths, ceramic abstractions, and haiku-ready views. Luxury lies in simplicity: a boulder-strewn onsen in place of a pool, spa rituals imbued with a sense of the sacred, and intuitive omotenashi. Dining receives equal reverence, from meticulous kaiseki at Taka-an to land-to-table cooking in the Living Pavilionâthe perfect antidote to temple fatigue and a gentle call back to the present moment." - Danielle Demetriou, Adam H. Graham

"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 oaksâideal 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