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.
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
A 160-room luxury hotel beside Nijo Castle on the site of the Mitsui family's Kyoto residence, with a hot spring spa fed from its own source.
At a glance
- Type
- Luxury hotel
- Area
- Nijo, Kyoto, Japan
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- hotelthemitsui.com
Good to know
- Natural hot spring spa
- Garden
- Restaurants and bar
Why we recommend it
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto occupies the site of the former Kyoto residence of the Kitake, the senior branch of the Mitsui merchant family, who kept a home here for more than 250 years. The family went on to found one of Japan's largest business groups, and the hotel opened here in 2020. It stands just east of Nijo Castle, and a historic gate known as the Kajiimiya Gate marks the entrance to the grounds.
There are 160 rooms, designed as a contemporary interpretation of the traditional tea room, with natural materials, muted colours and craftsmanship by Japanese artisans. The central garden is the heart of the hotel, and the public spaces are arranged around it. Suites are available for those who want more space. The design throughout is calm and understated, aimed at guests who value quiet and detail rather than display.
The Thermal Spring Spa uses natural hot spring water drawn from a source beneath the property, which is unusual in central Kyoto, and private onsen baths are also available. Dining includes Toki, the main restaurant, Forni and The Garden Bar, along with the Shiki-no-ma lounge. The garden makes a fine setting for an evening drink even if you are not staying.
The hotel suits couples and travellers looking for a luxurious, central base, and its location in the flat heart of the city makes it easy to explore on foot or by subway. Prices are at the top of the range, particularly in the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons, so book early. The Nijo area is also quieter at night than Gion or Kawaramachi, which many guests appreciate after a long day of sightseeing, while still being close to good restaurants.
Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai subway line is about three minutes' walk from the hotel via Exit 2, and Karasuma Oike Station on the Karasuma line is around ten minutes away. Kyoto Station is about fifteen minutes by car. Nijo Castle is on the doorstep, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nishiki Market and the downtown shopping streets are all within a short ride or a pleasant walk.
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto FAQs
Where is Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto?
On Aburanokoji-dori, just east of Nijo Castle in Nakagyo-ku.
How many rooms does it have?
160 guest rooms.
Does the hotel have a hot spring?
Yes. The Thermal Spring Spa uses water from a natural source on the property, and private onsen are available.
What is the history of the site?
It was the Kyoto residence of the Kitake branch of the Mitsui family for more than 250 years.
What restaurants are there?
Toki, Forni, The Garden Bar and the Shiki-no-ma lounge.
What is the nearest station?
Nijojo-mae on the Tozai subway line, about three minutes' walk from Exit 2.
How far is Kyoto Station?
About fifteen minutes by car.
When did the hotel open?
In 2020.