Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
A luxury hotel in southern Higashiyama built around Shakusui-en, a pond garden of about 800 years old, with a spa, pool and several restaurants.
Park Hyatt Kyoto
A low-rise luxury hotel of 70 rooms and nine suites on the slopes of Higashiyama beside Ninenzaka, with the long-established Kyoyamato kaiseki restaurant in its grounds.
At a glance
- Type
- Luxury hotel
- Area
- Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- hyatt.com
Good to know
- Kaiseki restaurant
- Bistro
- Bar
- Valet parking
- Concierge
Why we recommend it
Park Hyatt Kyoto sits on the hillside in the heart of the Higashiyama historic district, beside the stepped lane of Ninenzaka, between Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji. Instead of a tower, the hotel is a low-rise building that follows the slope, so it blends into the wooden townscape around it, and from the upper levels guests look out over the tiled roofs of the old city and Yasaka Pagoda.
With 70 guest rooms and nine suites, it is a relatively small hotel, and the atmosphere is calm and residential. Rooms are designed in a contemporary Japanese style with natural materials, and many have views across the city or towards the gardens. Service includes a concierge team who can help with restaurant reservations and temple visits, and valet parking is available for those arriving by car.
Dining is a highlight. Kyoyamato, a long-established kaiseki restaurant within the hotel grounds that holds two Michelin stars, serves Kyoto haute cuisine and also hosts tea ceremonies. Kyoto Bistro offers more casual dining throughout the day, and the hotel's signature restaurant and bar provides a place for a drink with a view over the rooftops in the evening.
The location is the main reason to stay. You can walk out of the hotel and be among the old lanes before the day visitors arrive, reaching Kiyomizu-dera at opening time or wandering Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka in the quiet of early evening. The hotel suits couples and travellers who want a peaceful, high-end base in old Kyoto. Note that the surrounding lanes are steep and stepped in places, and cars cannot reach every entrance, so ask the hotel about the best arrival point; the main entrance is by Ichinenzaka.
Nearby sights include Kiyomizu-dera, Kodai-ji, Sennyu-ji and the Ryozen Gokoku Shrine, as well as Yasaka Shrine and Gion a short downhill walk to the north. There is no station close by, so taxis are the easiest way to reach the hotel from Kyoto Station, and city buses run along Higashiyama-dori at the bottom of the hill. Book well ahead for the spring and autumn seasons, when demand in Higashiyama is at its peak.
Park Hyatt Kyoto FAQs
Where is Park Hyatt Kyoto?
In Higashiyama, beside Ninenzaka between Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji.
How many rooms does it have?
70 guest rooms and nine suites.
What restaurants are there?
Kyoyamato, a two-Michelin-star kaiseki restaurant, Kyoto Bistro and the hotel's signature restaurant and bar.
Is it within walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera?
Yes. The temple is a short uphill walk away.
How do you get there from Kyoto Station?
A taxi is the easiest option, as there is no station nearby.
Is there parking?
Yes. Valet parking is available.
Is the area hilly?
Yes. The surrounding lanes are steep and stepped in places.
When should you book?
Well ahead for the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.