Spiritual Japan: A Sacred Journey Through the Path of Prayer

Just steps away from the popular streets of Gion, Kawaramachi and Pontocho, the Ritz-Carlton hotel is the perfect gateway for seeing Kyoto’s famous sights. Respecting the ancient traditions and culture of Kyoto, the extravagant space is inspired by the natural surroundings and traditional architecture. Famous for Zen Temples, palaces and gardens, Kyoto's atmosphere is incorporated in the Ritz-Carlton’s design. Built in the style of a traditional Meiji House and courtyard, a stay here is truly a cultural experience. A four-story waterfall is featured in the hotel entrance amidst patterned motifs. Luxury Ritz-Carlton touches include high-thread count linens, plush Japanese “IMABARI” robes and towels, Kyoto soap and seasonal bath salts, LED TVs and touch-panel environmental controls for automatic drape closure. Accommodation amenities include a concierge service, swimming pool, banquet room, babysitting service, sophisticated dining and drinking options, as well as an indulgent spa for any pampering needs. 

Inspired by the tranquility and contemplative calm of the region’s many temples and Zen gardens, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto features 110 standard rooms, 12 suites, 57 condos and a Presidential Suite, which at over 2,600 square feet, is the largest hotel suite in Kyoto. The restrained chic of designer Agnes Ng’s modern ideas, allied with traditional design elements such as bamboo groves and shoji paper-walls, create an extraordinary set of contemporary, yet classic, accommodations – with a peaceful vibe, enhanced and completed by the gentle crash of water from the Waterfall Garden. The hotel features two restaurants, bar, lounge and even a tea house where guests can find a range of tantalizing treats and refreshments to expedite their relaxation – set off to perfection by a team of expertly trained, confident and multilingual service staff.

The highly anticipated Aman Kyoto brings an even higher level of luxury to the historic and cultural ancient capital. A blend of authentic, traditional ryokan hospitality and contemporary spaces, the Aman Kyoto offers travelers a respite in the heart of one of Japan's most visited cities. The secluded 80-acre property is situated in a hidden garden close to the Golden Pavilion at the foot of the Mountain of Hidari Daimonji, within easy reach of Kyoto's impressive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Scattered among the grounds is a series of standalone pavilions. The four guest pavilions house 24 guest rooms (choose between garden or stream views) and a pair of two-bedroom villas overlooking the forest canopy. Each room captures a contemporary, minimalistic style with nod to the quintessential ryokan feel; walls of windows bringing the outside in to spacious, light-filled interiors. Facilities include separate Arrival, Living and Spa pavilions. The signature restaurant, Taka-An, showcases Japanese haute cuisine in the form of the kaiseki banquet - a multi-course dining experience made using the season’s finest local produce. The Living Pavilion offers an inviting spaces with a central fireplace for guests to enjoy home-cooked Kyoto obanzai-style cuisine and afternoon tea. The Spa Pavilion’s onsen bathing facilities use water from a local spring and the range of treatments highlight local, natural ingredients such as green tea, black beans, sake and cold-pressed camellia oil.

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is tucked away next to Nijo-jo Castle, at the Kyoto home of the Kitake, a branch of the Mitsui Family. This land has been in the care of the family for more than 250 years. A contemporary twist on the quintessential Japanese tearoom aesthetic, the Mitsui Kyoto is composed of 161 guest rooms and suites, all decorated in earthy tones and furnishings sourced from natural materials. Some room types feature private onsen. There is a thermal spring spa on-site, which offers onsen healing baths (both private and shared), as well as a gym and massage treatments. In terms of dining, guests can enjoy four diverse dining venues: Gastronomy Teppan for a surprising fusion of French cuisine and Japanese teppanyaki, Forni for Italian, The Garden Bar, and SHIKI-NO-MA for private dining and tea ceremony. Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is approximately 15 minutes by car from Kyoto Train Station.

Often found in popular pilgrimage destinations, temple lodging, or shukubo, offer travelers and pilgrims a chance to experience the simple, traditional lifestyle of Buddhist monks. Rooms are private, traditional Japanese rooms with tatami floors, sliding doors and futon bedding. Some temples may offer higher-end accoutrements such as private washrooms and lavish meals, similar to a mid-range ryokan. Dinner and breakfast feature vegetarian monks’ cuisine, shojin ryori, often with tofu skin and bean curds. Other experiences at the temple include hand copying sutras and attending the morning prayers. Guests may also enjoy the temple’s facilities which may include a garden, tea-ceremony room, and library.

Nestled amongst a lush landscape overlooking the Ota River and a short drive from the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Hongu Taisha Shinto shrine, the Fujiya Onsen Hotel is an ideal location to stay while enjoying the local natural splendor and the neighboring Kawayu Hot Spring. The hotel's 31 suites and rooms are furnished with inviting balconies and feature simple Japanese designs with futons, tatami mats, and chabudai dining tables. Guestrooms are also equipped with flat-screen televisions, mini fridges, electric kettles, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The on-site gender-segregated bathhouses have indoor and outdoor pools with natural spring water. Parking is complimentary, as are breakfast and dinner which is served in banquet halls or private dining rooms.

On a rugged island surrounded on all sides by an azure sea rests Hotel Nakanoshima, a modern hot spring hotel complex with opulent rooms that feature breathtaking views of the bay and ample opportunity for relaxation. The spacious rooms are furnished with futons and tatami mats and include modern amenities such as minibars, flat screen televisions, and free Wi-Fi. Fresh, hot spring water invites guests at the hotel’s indoor and outdoor bathhouses, many of which afford spectacular ocean views. Breakfast and dinner are included with one’s stay and are served in-room or at the various on-site dining rooms. There is also a seasonal outdoor pool and beach access available for guests. Additionally, the hotel's location conveniently provides access to such tourist sites as the "Kumano Kodo" world heritage sites of Nachisan and Kumano Sanzan.

On the island of Honshu, the Kii Peninsula in the southwest is home to Ise-Shima National Park, with its rolling hills covered in lush green forests. Amanemu perches atop a hill overlooking the crystal blue waters of Ago Bay, also known as the Bay of Pearls with its islets and diving boats. Dotted throughout the park and within easy reach of the resort are sacred sites including shrines to deities of clothing, food, shelter and the sun. A hot spring sanctuary, the healing waters upon which Amanemu is built feed the private onsens in each suite and villa. Guests can relax in their own personal sanctuary or undertake further therapies, including a traditional watsu treatment, in the wellness center. Additionally, guests’ health is further augmented with the fresh, seasonal produce, expertly prepared in the hotel restaurant.