Book the Aman Kyoto with VIP Benefits

A gem hidden within a 32-hectare forest is the Aman Kyoto hotel. The secret garden that houses this beautiful resort is at the foot of Mount Hidari Daimonji and is a short walk from the Kinkaku Ji, or the famous Golden Pavilion of Kyoto, as well as 16 other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This hotel feels a world apart, with moss-covered boulders hidden in lush undergrowth along winding footpaths that link tranquil forest glades with stone pathways and maple trees. As you walk along these calming paths, the only thing that breaks the streams' soothing sound is bird songs among the trees.

Location

Aman Kyoto is located in Kita-Ku, approximately one hour from Osaka International Airport and only 30 minutes from Kyoto station. This makes it ideal for exploring the ancient city of Kyoto. Explore the ancient temples and traditional teahouses, or wander the exquisite gardens that set Kyoto apart from any other city in the world.

Enjoy traditional crafts like flower arranging and see the geiko and maiko practicing Japan's traditional hospitality art. Kyoto was Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, and you can see this ancient heritage no matter where you choose to go in the city.

The forested grounds of the property are located to the north of Kyoto in the Takagamine district. Along with the neighboring communities of Nishijin and Musasakino, this district was the center for Asian weavers during the 16th and 17th centuries. The neighborhood is still known for its textiles to this day.

The grounds of what is now the hotel were originally going to be the museum dedicated to traditional Japanese textiles. The owner had a collection of obi, the sash around the waist when wearing a kimono. However, the museum plan never went through.

In this traditional Japanese garden setting, the late architect Kerry Hill, who designed the other two Aman properties in Japan, including Aman Tokyo, designed the current Aman Kyoto. It is a contemporary take on the Japanese ryokan, the ancient style of an inn that has existed since the 8th century. These inns traditionally offer onsen bathing, the traditional hot spring experience that features heavily in Japanese media.

Rooms and Suites

Aman Kyoto features 26 latticed guest rooms and suites with a minimalist style. They have a traditional feel with tatami mat floorings and sliding doors to make you feel like you're staying at a ryokan. These Japanese-style tatami rooms start at 60 square meters, so they are spacious and filled with light.

These spaces foster a sense of peace, tranquility, and contemplation at every turn. The basic rooms are on the ground floor and closer to the Living Pavilion, while the more luxurious rooms are on the upper floors and offer views of the mountains. All rooms feature wi-fi.

Dining

The Living Pavilion restaurant is the star of Aman Kyoto. The beautiful style complements the natural setting and food found here. The menu is classic Kyoto cuisine, reflecting the changing seasons by changing often. If you'd like private dining in your pavilion, you can book in advance to eat at any time of the day you want.

The dining space is in Aman Kyoto's heart, offering gorgeous interiors and a bar surrounding a fireplace. Get a peek through the terrace's floor-to-ceiling windows that provide lovely views of the forests and carefully tended gardens. The restaurant is open throughout the day and into the depths of the night, so you can dine whenever you like.

The menu offered includes both home-cooked Kyoto-style dishes as well as innovative Western cooking. The ingredients are sourced from the finest local purveyors. These ingredients include Kyoto rice grown in the area, Ohara free-range eggs, and miso sourced from just 10 minutes away at the Matsuno Shoyu, founded in 1805.

These local ingredients are used to make dishes inspired by Kyoto's diverse food culture. So whether you pick a Western dish or a simple obanzai ryori, the food showcases the ingredients' natural flavors.

Using the freshest seasonal produce, the chefs create Western dishes inspired by cultures ranging from Italy to Latin America. This means you can select anything from pasta to salads as well as grilled meats and seafood. This range means even the pickiest eaters should be pleased with the food options available without leaving the resort.

Those looking for a more traditional Japanese dining experience can head to Taka-an for dishes from the native washoku cuisine. These include subtle seasonal dishes like matsutake mushroom rice and grilled seabream from Hokkaido.

Breakfast is served either at the Living Pavilion or in rooms, and you can opt for traditional Japanese breakfast food like rolled omelets and miso soup or go for Western fare like pancakes. Food and drinks are also available through room service.

Wellness

Set in the tranquil woodlands that make up its grounds, the Aman Spa offers wellness defined by nature in every way. The traditional hot springs are fed by mineral-rich waters and can be enjoyed outdoors or indoors.

A range of treatments offered taps into traditional Japanese apothecaries. The elegant spa and relaxation lounge reception area looks out over mesmerizing forest views. The forest is part of the spa, with services like guided meditation, yoga, forest bathing experiences, and more typical spa fare.

Those looking to experience more traditional Japanese culture in this ancient capital city can join the bespoke Aman Journeys to seek out the region's finest experiences. You can learn traditional arts like calligraphy or ikebana flower arranging or be welcomed to a traditional teahouse for a tea ceremony.

You can also opt for tours of sacred sites and areas of cultural importance, like the Koetsuji Temple.

Takeaway

No matter what you choose to do, you'll be enveloped in a bubble of tranquility that is uniquely Japanese. While there are still Western comforts like the food and beds, many features are like a traditional ryokan, so you'll have an experience you can get nowhere else on the planet.