What kind of luxury hotel is Park Hyatt Kyoto?
On a cold, drizzly weekend in late February when the weather was still cold, my husband and I decided to stay at Park Hyatt Kyoto in the Higashiyama area, which we had always wanted to stay at. Winter in Kyoto is colder than winter in Tokyo, but since it was not the peak holiday season, the Kyoto town was quieter and more relaxed than usual.
On this day, we had lunch at Tokyo Station, took the Shinkansen from the station a little after 13:00, arrived at Kyoto Station before 16:00, took the Karasuma exit, and took a cab from the cab stand to the hotel. The hotel was in a prime location in the Higashiyama area, facing Ninen-zaka Slope, near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and located on the south side of Kodaiji Temple, it is said that it actually takes tremendous effort and skill to build a new hotel in a historic location that has been protected for over 1,300 years.
To get straight to the point, our stay was wonderful and exceeded our expectations in every way. We still can’t forget the spectacular view, especially from our room, which we never got tired of seeing over and over again.
We got out of the cab in front of the sophisticated tiled-roof gate, and through the gate we passed a beautiful moss-covered courtyard. We walked down a corridor with a tiled roof, and when a wooden automatic door opened, we saw a dynamic flower arrangement by the window, and when we turned to the left, another wooden automatic door opened, leading to a spacious lobby lounge. To the right was the reception desk, in the center was a modern fireplace, the ceiling was illuminated by countless lights and gold leaf cloth, and the spacious windows were lit by masonry reminiscent of a castle wall. It was truly the world of the Park Hyatt.
We entered the lobby lounge, were shown around by the staff, sat in modern chairs, and enjoyed some local Kyoto beer while checking in. We also had a choice of wine, juice, etc. After a while, the staff showed us to our room. First we took the elevator up to the 5th floor, where the elevator hall overlooked the beautiful city of Kyoto with the mountains in the background. Then we proceeded to a lounge overlooking a well-kept Japanese garden. We continued through the lounge, passed through an outside corridor, entered the accommodation building, passed through the library, and took the elevator again from here to the 7th floor. We booked a View Deluxe King room, this time on the 7th floor.
Upon opening the wooden door and entering the room, we found closets on both sides of the passageway, a shelf with a built-in minibar on the right side, and a bathroom on the left side. Then we proceeded to the main room, which had a king bed on the left, a TV on the right wall, and a chair and table in front of the TV. Then the large windows in the room overlooking the beautiful ancient city made us feel as if we were the lord of the castle.
The floor of the room was covered with a Wilton carpet made by traditional methods, an elegant off-white color with black stripes. The furniture arranged in the room was of a classical style with a moderately heavy feel. The ceiling was high, and the light from the lamps spread out softly. The king bed had pleasingly well-trimmed bed sheets, abstract artwork in gold on the walls, a helibone-patterned cloth cloth cloth on the back of the bed, dark green leather side tables, and light and bride switches inlaid in a wooden box. The bathroom also had gold leaf cloth on the ceiling, and the floor and walls, which were made of Juparana granite, had colors and patterns reminiscent of ink paintings. The soap on the sink was by LE LABO, a sandalwood-scented fragrance brand, and the bath amenities were provided by Park Hyatt’s original brand.
The shelf with the minibar was covered in soft, pearly gold leaf, and contained a PIXIE Nespresso machine, a BALMUDA Kelt, delicately patterned Kiyomizu-yaki coffee cups, and a drawer-type minibar. There was also a lovely Tea Forte tea bags in pyramid-shaped boxs, Belgian chocolates, and bean confections.
We decided to take a moment and grab a bottle of champagne from the mini-bar and enjoy it while enjoying the spectacular view from the large window. At this time, it was already before 17:00. The ever-changing orange sky tinted with sunset and Yasaka Pagoda were so magical that we felt as if we were being sucked in, and the light coming through between the clouds was so divine that we were able to view a miraculous and beautiful sunset. As the sun was setting, the area gradually began to get darker. It was almost time to get hungry. We had made a reservation for dinner tonight at KYOTO BISTRO, located on the ground floor in the hotel, so we decided to go there.
We reserved a window-side table with a view of Ninen-zaka Slope. We enjoyed dinner with a view of a beautiful traditional Japanese house architecture with traditional cobblestone pavement and lattice windows. The restaurant is international food and we loved the casual and cozy ambience. We ordered five-course meals consisting of an appetizer, soup, pasta, main dish, and dessert. We were especially impressed with the grilled wagyu beef steak with red wine sauce. The price range is around JPY8,000 per person for dinner, so we thought it was cosy considering the food, service, and ambience in Kyoto. Kyoto has seen a rapid increase in the number of restaurants in the higher price range over the past few years, but this place can be considered conscientious.
After dinner, we decided to take a walk around the quiet and peaceful surroundings of the hotel. After 18:00, the hustle and bustle of the daytime had faded away, and the surrounding area was filled with a somber atmosphere. It was a chilly winter night, but as the sun went down, the traditional streets of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka slopes, which were almost deserted, were lit up and the atmosphere became even more charming. Climbing down the gentle stone steps, we headed for the nearby Yasaka Koshindo Temple. As soon as we entered the temple, we were immediately struck by the many colorful handmade balls hanging here and there. These are called “kukuri monkey,” which means “lucky charms”. By writing one’s wish on the colorful balls and hanging them, it is said that “one wish will come true by enduring one desire. Each very interesting kukuri monkey costs JPY500. The store on the temple grounds is open from 9:00 to 17:00. You can walk around the temple grounds at any time. When we visited, the store was already closed.
The next stop was Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine. It is located a few minutes’ walk from Yasaka Koshindo Temple. It is a famous spiritual spot that is said to cut off bad relationships and bring good ones together. There were many talismans attached to a huge stone in the precincts of the shrine. During the daytime, there is said to be a line of people waiting in line to buy these charms. The store closes at 17:00, but visitors can walk around the shrine at any time.
We then walked along the famous Hanamikoji Street from Kenninji Temple to Sanjo Street to Yasaka Shrine. After sunset, the stores along the street were lit up with lights one after another, creating a gorgeous atmosphere that is typical of Kyoto. Since there are many long-established tea shops along this street, it is not unusual to see Maikos on their way to work. The beautifully dressed maikos are just as beautiful as they are fragrant.
Then, we next visited Yasaka Shrine, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The bright red shrine pavilions and torii gates lit up in the dark night were very impressive. Especially powerful were the three rows of brightly illuminated hanging lanterns across from the main shrine building, all lit at once. At this point, we were already getting tired of walking and decided to return to the hotel. It was only a few minutes’ walk from here.
It was already past 21:00 when we returned to the hotel. After this, we decided to go to a bar called Kohaku on the 5th floor to watch Yasaka Pagoda while sipping matcha green tea cocktails. Then we watched the lights of Yasaka Pagoda go out at 22:00 and then left the bar.
The next morning, we woke up before seven o’clock. When I opened the shoji door, I saw Yasaka Pagoda bathed in the morning sun. Before breakfast, we decided to go to Kiyomizu Temple. It is open from 6:00 in the morning. It was a bitterly cold morning, but the sky was clear and blue. Listening to the chirping of sparrows, we took a relaxing walk along the quiet Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka slopes, circled around the almost empty temple grounds, and returned to the hotel.
Then we had breakfast at KYOTO BISTRO on the first floor. At the time of our stay, there were two different breakfast courses available: Japanese breakfast JPY7,150 and Western breakfast JPY5,500. Since the Japanese breakfast was limited in quantity and needed to be pre-ordered, we opted for the Western breakfast. I especially enjoyed the poached egg and avocado dipped campagne bread and pancakes with fresh berries, whipped buttercream, and maple syrup. Moreover, we could choose any number of main dishes, of which there were seven, at no extra charge. They also adjusted the portions of each main dish.
After breakfast, we went back to our room, brewed Tea Forte tea, and while enjoying the aroma and looking at Yasaka Pagoda, thick clouds gradually covered the sky, and to our surprise, snow started to flicker. We really wanted to enjoy the snowy scenery of Kyoto, but we had to leave for work tomorrow, and it would be a big problem if the Shinkansen was delayed or stopped. We quickly packed our luggage, checked out, and left the hotel.
If I were to dare to raise a drawback, it would be that it is a very popular hotel, even during the coronavirus pandemic, so reservations are hard to come by. Also, there are no hot springs or swimming pools. For those with small children, Roku Kyoto, Lxr Hotels & Resorts would be a good choice.
Until we stayed here, we had an image of Park Hyatt Kyoto as being modern and just plain new, but we feel that this was betrayed in a good way. We will look forward to seeing Kyoto in a snowy landscape next time.
Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
TOP5 Best Hotels and Ryokans in the Higashiyama Area
TOP5 Best 5-Star Luxury Hotels and Ryokans in Kyoto
TOP5 Best Hotels and Ryokans with Private Onsen in Kyoto
Is the location easy to access?
It is easy to take a cab from Kyoto Station. The trip takes 15 minutes and costs about JPY1,500.
The nearest stations are Gion Shijo Station or Kiyomizu Gojo Station. It takes about 20 minutes on foot from either station. If you have a lot of luggage or are visiting Kyoto for the first time, you may want to take a cab from Kyoto Station.
Then, Hyatt Regency Kyoto Hotel is also nearby. To avoid mistakes, you may want to give a cab driver the following Japanese address and phone number.
パーク ハイアット 京都
〒605-0826 京都市東山区高台寺桝屋町 360
電話番号 075 531 1234
Where is the best accommodation for anniversaries in Kyoto?
If you are looking for a good place for a special occasion, the property would be one of the best. The staff arranges flowers and cakes to celebrate an anniversary at additional charges if you request in advance.
TOP5 Best Romantic Hotels and Ryokans in Kyoto
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room with a view of Yasaka Pagoda and the old townscape of Kyoto.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All amenities are well attended to, including enough toiletries, yukatas, bathrobes, coffee maker with capsules, welcome fruit, and green tea set. Aesop skin care products, pajamas, cup noodles, slippers, hairbrushes, etc. are also provided free of charge upon request. A Blu-ray player, DVD player, and BOSE speaker were placed in the room. Room service is available 24h. Turndown service is available. Free Wifi signal was good in the building.
Then this hotel is child-friendly. If you request in advance, staff will provide amenities for small children, cribs, yukatas, bathropes, slippers, baby shampoo, baby lotion, toys, etc.
One child under the age of 12 stays free of charge per bed.
How about In-house Facilities?
The hotel has a spa treatment store. Reservations for spa treatments are required in advance. It is open from 10:00 to 18:00. There is also a fitness gym, sauna, and small bath on the third floor. Except for the gym, all other facilities are by reservation only. The gym is available 24 hours a day.
Then the hotel is a perfect universal design. Wheelchairs are available for borrowing. If you bring people with weak legs, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they can arrange a room near the lift.
Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
Info about Park Hyatt Kyoto
| Style | 5-star Luxury Hotel |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/12:00 |
| Estimated Price | 120,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-mail |
kyoto.park@hyatt.com |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The parking lot is available 4,000JPY per day Valet Parking is available |
| Location | Park Hyatt Kyoto’s MAP |
| Access | 15min by TAXI from JR Kyoto Station |
| Address and TEL | 〒360 Kodaiji Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Masuyacho, 605-0826 TEL +81 755311234 |
| Official Homepage | Park Hyatt Kyoto’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
Still not sure where to stay in Kyoto?
Browse through my TOP5 Ranking Lists of all the best places to stay in Kyoto.
Alternatively, you could leave a message at the below space for advice.