Elite Traveler Summer 2023

EXPLORE KYOTO

Clockwise, from left Hotel The Mitsui; Sowaka; Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts; Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

WHE R E TOSTAY

HOTEL THE MITSUI Once you make your way past the 18th-century Kajiimiya Gate into the world of Hotel The Mitsui, you’ll immediately be transported to a bygone era. An elegant blend of tradition and modernity, this 161-suite ryokan -style hotel has all the Western bells and whistles you could hope for, along with an exceedingly gracious kimono-clad sta ff and easily the most sumptuous underground natural thermal spring onsen and spa in town. Set directly across the street from Nijo-jo Castle, the focal point of this Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel is the tranquil Japanese garden complete with running streams and seasonal blooms. Don’t miss a chance to book one of the two private onsen suites, and for a truly unique experience, the hotel has teamed up with Kyoto-based kimono house Hosoo Salon and now o ff ers guests a behind-the ROKU KYOTO, LXR HOTELS & RESORTS Set along the Tenjin River in the foothills of the Takagamine Mountains, Roku Kyoto opened in 2021 and is an idyllic place for travelers looking to embrace the natural beauty that abounds here. Take a stroll through traditional Japanese gardens and tea houses before enjoying a soak in the on-site thermal lap pool. There are 114 guest rooms and suites complete with fl oor-to-ceiling windows o ff ering breathtaking views over the mountains, along with deep soaking tubs and rain showers; opt for a suite on the ground fl oorwith its own private onsen for something truly special. It is within easy walking distance to the Kinkaku-ji ‘Golden Pavilion,’ but it might be hard to tear yourself away from this beautiful resort — the hotel has curated a mix of experiences from learning the Japanese art of kintsugi with a master at a nearby studio, to traditional papermaking and ceramic workshops and so much more. Suites from $1,900 per night. Contact info@ rokukyoto.com, +81 753 200 111, hilton.com scenes tour and a custom kimono fi tting. Suites from $1,380 per night. Contact reservations.kyoto@hotelthemitsui.com, +81 754 683 100, hotelthemitsui.com

SOWAKA Nestled along a bustling street in the heart of Gion, Sowaka is the ideal jumping-o ff point for fi rst-time visitors and anyone looking to soak up the energy and culture in one of Kyoto’s fabled geisha districts. Ancient shrines and temples lie just on the other side of this unassuming 100-year-old property’s doorstep, which was given new life when it reopened in 2019 as a boutique luxury ryokan built in the ‘ sukiya-zukuri ’ style (a type of residential architecture inspired by tea house aesthetics). No two rooms are the same in this absolutely stunning 23-key luxury boutique spread across the main building and an annex. Book the maisonette with a traditional tea ceremony room or a room with a private garden. On the ground fl oor, Sowaka’s signature Japanese fi ne dining concept, La Bombance, is the sister restaurant of the popular Michelin-starred counterpart in Tokyo and is not to be missed. Suites from $1,355 per night. Contact reservation@ sowaka.com, +81 755 415 323, sowaka.com FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KYOTO In the Higashiyama District, make your way past the bamboo forest and along the pathway where an 800-year-old pond garden at the heart of the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto awaits. This romantic sanctuary has a mix of 180 guest rooms, suites and residences, and while you could easily spend all day enjoying the sights and sounds on display at the Sukiya-style tea house, the hotel’s on-site experience coordinator is always on hand to curate customized activities and itineraries for guests, from learning Japanese calligraphy to a private rickshaw temple tour. It’s home to two signature restaurants including a modern brasserie and an Edo-style sushi restaurant, plus a two story spa — book the soothing bath experience. Suites from $2,200 per night. Contact reservations. kyo@fourseasons.com, +81 755 418 288, fourseasons.com