Kyoto
Contemporary Japanese luxury with strong artisanal and cultural underpinnings. Resort-like calm inside the city. More serene than flashy.
The Fuju lounge sits inside the pond garden across a glass bridge — it's the most atmospheric spot on the property for evening drinks
Why It Matters
The Shakusui-en pond garden — one of the few surviving Heian-period gardens in Japan — is the anchor of the entire property. Sushi Ginza Onodera on-site holds Michelin recognition. The residential suites come with private kitchens, washers, and a dedicated Guest Experience Ambassador. Weekly maiko performances happen in the lobby on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Four Seasons Kyoto sits in Higashiyama, one of the city's most intact historic neighborhoods, and its trump card is the Shakusui-en — an 800-year-old, 10,000-square-metre pond garden that dates to the end of the Heian Period. The hotel is built around it, not next to it. Most rooms have garden views, the Michelin-starred sushi counter faces it through glass, and the on-site tea house is literally in the middle of it. Opened in 2016, the property has 123 rooms and suites plus 57 residential units. It's contemporary in design, heavy on Japanese artisanal details like washi-paper lamps, fusuma screens, and urushi lacquerware — but it's still very much a global Four Seasons in feel. Ranked #6 hotel in Japan in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards.
Where You'll Stay
15 room types available
Deluxe Room
The entry-level room, and notably the hotel bills these as the largest standard guest rooms in Kyoto. Modern Japanese aesthetic with seasonal scenes painted on the headboard, washi-paper lamps, fusuma screens, and urushi lacquerware. Windows can be opened. Views over the courtyard, garden, or city.
One king bed or two double beds · 51 sqmFour Seasons Heritage Garden Room
Similar to the Premier Heritage Garden Room but adds a private balcony (6 sq.m.) overlooking the pond garden. Good option for those who want outdoor space without stepping up to a full suite.
One king bed or two double beds · 53 sqm
One-Bedroom Heritage Garden Residence
The gateway to the residential experience. Fully equipped kitchen, in-room washer/dryer, private balcony with garden views. Dedicated Guest Experience Ambassador, welcome champagne, and complimentary overnight valet parking included. Zazen self-meditation kit by a Zen monk from Kennin-ji Temple available on request.
One king bed or two double beds · 105 sqmOne-Bedroom Heritage Garden Suite
Separate living and sleeping spaces with a Zen-like marble bathroom, garden or courtyard views. Comfortable for families — sofabed included. Connecting rooms available.
One king bed · 73 sqmOne-Bedroom Premier Heritage Garden Suite
A large suite with distinct living and sleeping spaces, private balcony with garden views, and a Zen-inspired bathroom. The customizable Four Seasons Bed — temperature regulation plus three topper options — is a highlight. Natural light throughout.
One king bed or two double beds · 100 sqmOne-Bedroom Premier Suite
Same footprint as the Premier Heritage Garden Suite, with distinct living and sleeping areas. Configured with twin beds rather than king — suited to solo travelers or friends sharing.
Two twin beds · 100 sqmOne-Bedroom Residence
Compact residential suite with full kitchen and in-room washer. City or courtyard views. All residential suite benefits apply.
One king bed or two double beds · 83 sqmOne-Bedroom Suite
Spacious suite with distinct living and sleeping areas, Zen-like marble bathroom, and views of the courtyard or city. Sofabed included for third guest.
One king bed · 73 sqmOne-Bedroom Tatami Dining Residence
A 130 sq.m. residential suite incorporating a tatami dining room — the most traditional Japanese-flavored option in the lineup. Full kitchen, washer, and all residential suite benefits. The tatami layout offers less separation between sleeping and social areas than the standard residences.
Two double beds · 130 sqmPremier Heritage Garden Room
Direct views of the Shakusui-en pond garden. Same minimalist contemporary design as the Deluxe category but positioned for the garden view — which shifts dramatically by season. Popular room type for first-timers wanting the signature experience.
One king bed or two double beds · 52 sqmPremier Room
Slightly larger than the Deluxe, with courtyard, garden, or city views. Same refined Japanese design with contemporary luxury finishes. Pet-friendly. Connecting rooms available.
One king bed or two double beds · 57 sqmTwo-Bedroom Heritage Garden Residence
150 sq.m. two-bedroom residence with pond garden views. Full kitchen, washer, and living room with sofabed option. Sleeps up to 6. Good for families or two couples traveling together.
One king bed and two double beds · 150 sqmTwo-Bedroom Kyoto Residence
The largest standard two-bedroom residence at up to 180 sq.m., with floor-to-ceiling city skyline views from two private balconies. Dining room seats six. Full kitchen, washer. Built for families spending real time in Kyoto rather than just passing through.
One king and two double beds or two king beds · 170 sqmTwo-Bedroom Presidential Suite
The biggest suite in the hotel at 245 sq.m. — Kyoto's largest hotel suite, according to the property. On the fourth floor with extra-tall ceilings and a 10 sq.m. balcony. Local artisanal décor throughout, private pantry area for cocktail service, and spectacular views. Call to book.
One king bed and two twin beds · 245 sqmTwo-Bedroom Tatami Residence
130 sq.m. with a tatami room layout incorporating a king-sized futon alongside standard beds. Full kitchen, washer. The most authentically Japanese residential configuration available.
Two double beds and one king-sized futon · 130 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Tour and tasting at the historic sake breweries of Fushimi, one of Japan's premier sake-producing regions.
Hands-on sushi-making class with the chefs of Sushi Ginza Onodera.
Curated tasting of Japanese whiskies and artisanal spirits.
Guided biking tours through Kyoto, plus standalone bicycle rentals for independent exploration.
Guided walk through the preserved historic streets of the Higashiyama district immediately surrounding the hotel.
Exclusive rickshaw tour through Kyoto's historic districts and temples with an English-speaking driver. Available in 90-minute or 120-minute durations.
Exclusive private access to Sennyu-ji Temple after closing hours. Stroll the grounds alone, then relax in a wooden pavilion with matcha and sweets. Just 10 minutes from the hotel.
Complimentary guided tour of the hotel's extensive Japanese art collection — Japanese paintings, Kiyomizu pottery, washi paper art, and more.
In-room kimono dressing session with a specialist who guides you through design selection and the dressing process. Follow with a walk through the garden or out into Kyoto's streets.
Signature private experience: a visit to Hiroshimaya, a historic maiko house in Gion. Afternoon tea with a maiko who entertains with traditional dance, games, and conversation.
Live 10-minute traditional dance performance by a maiko (apprentice geisha) in the hotel lobby every Tuesday and Saturday at 5:15pm. Pop-up bar from 4:50pm. Maiko meet-and-greet at EMBA KYOTO GRILL, SEY, and Fuju after the performance.
Traditional geisha entertainment evening. An authentic ozashiki experience with a geiko (full geisha) in a private setting.
Private tea ceremony in the on-site Tea House (Shakusui-tei), surrounded by the historic Shakusui-en pond garden. Offered exclusively to hotel guests.
Hands-on kintsugi workshop — the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold. One of the hotel's most popular craft experiences.
Complimentary weekly activity for in-house guests — feeding the koi in the historic pond garden from the glass footbridge.
Private meditation session with a monk at Sennyu-ji Temple, closely associated with Japan's Imperial Family.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Private tea ceremony room located within the pond garden. Hosts private tea ceremonies and special maiko or geiko-hosted evenings exclusively for hotel guests.
Extensive Japanese art collection displayed throughout the hotel including paintings, Kiyomizu pottery, and washi paper art. Complimentary guided art tours available weekly.
Sunlit bamboo-framed chapel for wedding ceremonies. Receptions can be held by the Shakusui-en pond garden.
Dedicated kids space with games, books, colouring books, and toys. Indoor camping setup also available.
Dogs and cats welcome in Deluxe Room, Premier Room, and Premier Heritage Garden Room. Notify hotel at time of reservation.
The hotel's 10,000-square-metre historic garden, built approximately 800 years ago at the end of the Heian Period. One of the few surviving ikeniwa (circuit-style pond gardens) from that era. Paths wind past maples, koi ponds, a glass footbridge, and the Fuju lounge. Free to wander for all hotel guests.
65-foot indoor lap pool with underwater lounge chairs and two large whirlpools. Adults-only hours in both morning and evening. Part of the spa and wellness complex on the lower two floors.
Located at The Spa. Carries signature blended essential oils, bath accessories, and local Kyoto crafts. Open daily 8:30am–10:30am.
In-room touchscreen iPad for 24/7 access to hotel services, in-room dining orders, and hotel information.
Valet parking available. Complimentary overnight valet included for residential suite guests.
Japanese-style bathing facility with hot and warm soaking pools, steam room, and sauna with cedar wood stools. Part of the spa complex. Minimum age 16.
State-of-the-art gym with cardio equipment and weights. Part of the spa complex, minimum age 16.
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