The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Hotel · Kyoto-shi ·
Elegant rooms with river views offer marble bathrooms and 24/7 room service
Elegant rooms with river views offer marble bathrooms and 24/7 room service
"When you arrive at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, you leave behind the chaotic energy of a tourist-filled city and enter a luxe sanctuary. The landmark hotel was the first big international luxury brand to open in the ancient city, in 2014, and its star power shines as bright today. Situated in a peaceful site overlooking the Kamogawa River, the hotel is a layered contemporary expression of ancient Kyoto. Here high luxury harmonizes with low-key Kyoto discretion. It’s a place where off-duty Hollywood celebs sip tea or cocktails alongside generations-old Kyoto families. In the guest rooms, you’ll find cherry blossom carpets, intricate woodwork, calligraphic artworks, and large bathrooms. Dining options span the globe: Japanese fare at Mizuki, dishes inspired by the country’s 72 micro-seasons at Chef’s Table by Katsuhito Inoue, and Italian specialties at laid-back La Locanda. And for those suffering from Kyoto-temple fatigue? Recovery is nonnegotiable in the moodily lit wellness spaces—whether swimming laps in the basement pool or drifting off with a green tea massage in the spa." - CNT Editors
"When you arrive at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, you leave behind the chaotic energy of a tourist-filled city and enter a luxe sanctuary. The landmark hotel was the first big international luxury brand to open in the ancient city, in 2014, and its star power shines as bright today. Situated in a peaceful site overlooking the Kamogawa River, the hotel is a layered contemporary expression of ancient Kyoto. Here high luxury harmonizes with low-key Kyoto discretion. It’s a place where off-duty Hollywood celebs sip tea or cocktails alongside generations-old Kyoto families. In the guest rooms, you’ll find cherry blossom carpets, intricate woodwork, calligraphic artworks, and large bathrooms. Dining options span the globe: Japanese fare at Mizuki, dishes inspired by the country’s 72 micro-seasons at Chef’s Table by Katsuhito Inoue, and Italian specialties at laid-back La Locanda. And for those suffering from Kyoto-temple fatigue? Recovery is nonnegotiable in the moodily lit wellness spaces—whether swimming laps in the basement pool or drifting off with a green tea massage in the spa. From $1,116. —Danielle Demetriou" - CNT Editors
"I enjoyed a scenic, traditional kaiseki setting at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, where Tempura Mizuki — the hotel's restaurant — earned its Michelin star in 2018." - AFAR
"Set on the banks of the Kamogawa River, this 134-room hotel embodies quiet Japanese elegance through simple lines and natural materials, and I find its impeccable service and strong sense of place make it one of the best hotels in Japan. It also houses the unmissable Chef's Table By Katsuhito Inoue, a zero-waste, communal kaiseki dinner crafted around Kyoto’s 72 microseasons." - Jessica Kozuka Jessica Kozuka Jessica Kozuka is a Japan-based freelance writer with nearly 20 years of experience. Her work has appeared in publications such as Wine Spectator, Travel + Leisure, CNN Travel, and The Japan Times. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"I also stayed at the Ritz‑Carlton in Kyoto during an eight‑day incentive itinerary that paired high‑end accommodations with uniquely local activities—making prayer beads at an ancient Buddhist temple and taking a private samurai sword lesson from the Kill Bill choreographer." - Anna Silman
