HOSHINOYA Kyoto

Opened in December 2009, HOSHINOYA Kyoto is a brand-new private retreat located on the banks of the Oigawa River in the city’s Arashiyama neighborhood. The property’s 25 rooms, all with river views, reflect the heritage and modernity of Kyoto itself, combining traditional ryokan dwelling with contemporary western comfort. The Arashiyama area is a designated scenery protection area, regarded equally for its cherry blossoms in the spring and brilliant foliage in the autumn. With its famous Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama evokes “old Kyoto” at its best, as no new buildings are permitted. The property itself was the private vacation home and library of Suminokura Ryoui, a wealthy Kyoto merchant, until its conversion to an inn about 100 years ago. HOSHINOYA’s Library Lounge and bar, whose shelves hold many books on Kyoto’s history, looks out on the contemplative water garden, while its traditional landscape garden incorporates a view of Arashiyama Mountain using the ancient technique of shakkei, or "borrowed scenery." HOSHINOYA Kyoto has a sister property in Karuizawa.

Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Nestled in pristine forest, Hoshinoya Kyoto is in the perfect environment for de-stressing. The protected forests surrounding the resort are wonderfully revitalizing.

Service: Guests enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality in an authentic ryokan environment.

Comfort: Hoshinoya is a hybrid-ryokan combining the traditional features of a ryokan with contemporary luxury furnishings, including large comfortable beds.

Destination
Kyoto, Japan
Hotel Type
Resort
Location Type
Urban Retreat

Amenities

  • 24hr Room Service
  • Bar/pub
  • Concierge
  • Multilingual Staff
  • Restaurant
  • Safety Deposit Boxes

Some rooms at the Hoshinoya Kyoto are tatami-style – simply furnished rooms with tatami floor mats, sliding paper doors and futons to sleep on that are rolled out only at night. The design takes cues from Zen philosophy – clean lines, minimalist furniture and calm natural colors – yet each room is superlatively modern and comfortable. Other rooms are fitted with Western-style beds. All rooms are airy and light-filled and natural materials are used. Each room features a modern audio/visual set-up and a vast array of amenities.

Hotaru Double Room

Hotaru Double Room

At 46 meters squared this cozy modern room is great for couples. Positioned at a corner, it offers fantastic forest views and privacy, with a large Western-style double bed. Room includes free WiFi, refrigerator, electric coffee/tea maker, safe, stereo, desk, traditional Japanese games, floor heating, hairdryer, leisure wear, tabi socks, and Japanese slippers. The room is floor heated and all bathroom amenities are provided.

Shizuku Double Room

Shizuku Double Room

Measuring 81 square meters, this room is a traditional tatami room with seating and a separate study area. Room includes free WiFi, refrigerator, electric coffee/tea maker, safe, stereo, desk, traditional Japanese games, floor heating, hairdryer, leisure wear, tabi socks, and Japanese slippers. The room is floor heated and all bathroom amenities are provided.

Tani Yukaza

Tani Yukaza

This 62 square metre room features a traditional Japanesesitting area called a yukaza –two futons around a low square table. Room is light and comfortable, with forest views and sliding paper window shutters. Room includes free WiFi, refrigerator, electric coffee/tea maker, safe, stereo, desk, traditional Japanese games, floor heating, hairdryer, leisure wear, tabi socks, and Japanese slippers. The room is floor heated and all bathroom amenities are provided.

Yama Maisonette

Yama Maisonette

This luxurious 122-square-metre duplex offers ample space for travelers requiring more space, with a wrap-around balcony and two floors of living. King-sized futons are available – and extra one is provided upon request for an additional guest. Room features a spacious tatami living room, a separate bedroom and separate study. Room includes free WiFi, refrigerator, electric coffee/tea maker, safe, stereo, desk, traditional Japanese games, floor heating, hairdryer, leisure wear, tabi socks, and Japanese slippers. The room is floor heated and all bathroom amenities are provided.

Guests at Hoshinoya Kyoto have the natural landscape of Arashiyama forest at their disposal for quiet walks, longer treks, or meditation amongst the trees. The property itself has two gardens for contemplation – Water Garden and Hidden Garden. For some intellectualstimulation there's a well-stocked library.

Library Lounge

Read about Kyoto or listen to some music in the Library Lounge. There are books and CDs to borrow (each room is equipped with a stereo) andthere's internet access and laptops on loan. The Library Lounge is open 24/7 and provides free snacks and drinks.

Spa Treatments

Guests can enjoy massage and other therapies in the comfort of their own room. Choose from Shiatsu and Anma massage or try the spa's medicinal tea and medicinal baths. There's also acupuncture and moxibustion – atraditional Chinese technique. For an intense cleanse, there's a 1-night, 2-day program including massage, acupuncture, morning exercise and morning chanting at the temple.

Water Garden

Adorning the front of the Library lounge, the water garden features a scenic pond and terrace. Intimately tucked behind this is the hidden garden. Both are lit up in the evening, providing a romantic setting. The design concept blends Kyoto tradition with modern themes.

Hoshinoya Kyoto was awarded a Michelin star in 2013 for its kaiseki meals created by Chef Ichiro Kubota. Kaiseki is a traditional style of Japanese dining featuring set menus with immaculately-presented dishes served to the individual on their own tray. Ingredients are fresh and inline with the resort's purpose to promote health and balance. Room service is also available for private dining and drinks. All breakfasts are served in-room.

Arashiyama Kitcho

Arashiyama Kitcho

This traditional ryotei-style restaurant has won Hoshinoya Kyoto three Michelin stars and is famous throughout Japan. Set in a serene forest villa, guests are treated to a truly authentic Japanese experience, with 10- and 11-course kaiseki meals served for lunch or dinner. Kaiseki meals follow the freshest ingredients, changing completely from season to season.

Floating Tea Room

Floating Tea Room

This peaceful venue provides stunning views of the Ooi River. Guests may enjoy traditional Japanese tea, or enjoy refreshing cocktails in the open-air terrace. The floating tea room is an ideal lunch spot.

Main Dining

Main Dining

Chef Ichiro Kubota has created a Chef's Special Course Menu and a Seasonal Menu in this fine dining establishment. Inspired by international produce and cooking techniques, Ichiro also incorporates Western ingredients into his cuisine.

The Kawadoko

The Kawadoko

This private dining venue allows parties of up to four to enjoy their meals or some Japanese tea on an open-air deck. Arashiayama's forests are where local Kyoto residents go to escape the summer heat, and The Kawadoko allows foreign guests to enjoy this experience.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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