Design-forward property with historic gate, onsen, fine dining
Aburano-Koji St. Nijo-Sagaru, Nakagyo-Ku, 284 Nijoaburanokojicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0051, Japan Get directions
"Staying here felt like entering history: Michelin awarded the property the Three Key Michelin hotel distinction, and the hotel is built on a 250-year-old Mitsui estate with a 300-year-old gate, a 14,000-square-foot garden, private onsens, and dishes curated by chef Tetsuya Asano." - AFAR
"Set on historic grounds once belonging to the Mitsui family, this former residence adjacent to Nijo Castle retains architectural features dating to the family’s 17th‑century stewardship. At the same time, it delivers modern comfort and sophistication that rivals any new build in Japan, highlighted by a thermal spring spa, a MICHELIN restaurant, and gorgeous Japanese‑inspired suites. As Kyoto’s only Three MICHELIN Key hotel, it’s a destination worthy of a trip on its own." - The MICHELIN Guide
"On the historic site of the Mitsui family estate, sleek André Fu–designed spaces weave a contemporary narrative through the past: a preserved 300-year-old gate, a corridor of blond arches nodding to Fushimi Inari’s torii, and a ceiling installation inspired by kimono fabric. Practical indulgences shape the experience—neatly folded pajamas at turndown and a sprawling underground onsen—setting a confident new chapter in the Mitsui legacy." - Danielle Demetriou, Adam H. Graham
"Sited across from the 17th-century Nijo Castle on historic Mitsui family grounds, the hotel’s 160 rooms by André Fu are arranged around a curated courtyard garden. Highlights include a thermal onsen pool that allows swimsuits, two private onsen baths, and refined dining led by chefs such as Tetsuya Asano (contemporary Franco-Japanese) and Fumio Yonezawa (Italian), with select rooms offering direct views of Nijo Castle." - Yukari Sakamoto, Adam H. Graham
"Included as a five-star Kyoto hotel recommendation for travelers visiting in April to see cherry blossoms, temples, and traditional kaiseki cuisine, offering upscale accommodations near cultural sites." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines