Perched serenely on the wooded slopes of Kyoto’s Higashiyama hills, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto marks the brand’s first luxury property in Japan—an urban sanctuary where poetic landscapes and cultural heritage harmoniously converge. Designed by the renowned Kengo Kuma and Associates, the hotel embodies Kuma’s signature philosophy of nature-centric architecture. Using timber, stone, and soft filtered light, the space captures the understated beauty of Kyoto’s seasonal ambiance and artisanal textures. The property offers only 52 refined guestrooms and suites, some of which feature private open-air onsen baths, hinoki wooden tubs, and traditional Japanese garden views. Interiors blend contemporary minimalism with thoughtful Japanese details, evoking the serenity of a secluded mountain teahouse. The main restaurant Ryozen reinterprets local, seasonal ingredients through the lens of modern kaiseki cuisine, while the sake bar and bamboo tea lounge celebrate the changing seasons through multisensory culinary experiences.
A rare highlight is the dedicated Noh stage, providing a space for traditional performing arts and cultural programs—echoing Banyan Tree’s commitment to nurturing body, mind, and soul. Facilities include an outdoor onsen pool fed by natural hot springs, the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, a meditation chamber, and a modern fitness center, offering a deeply rejuvenating experience for discerning travelers in search of stillness and depth. Located near Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion, the hotel offers tranquility in the heart of Kyoto, redefining contemporary luxury as a return to inner calm, elevated by Kengo Kuma’s timeless design language and the Banyan Tree’s signature hospitality.
