Kyoto is a major city in Japan, located on the southern side of the country. The charming city is best known for its rich history and long-standing culture. It boasts ample historical attractions that are designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. In this article, we have hand-curated a list of the 13 best boutique hotels in Kyoto that offer unmatched comfort and spectacular design.
- Aman Kyoto
- Ace Hotel Kyoto
- Node Hotel
- The Shinmonzen
- Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto
- Marufukuro
- HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
- MOGANA
- Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts
- Maana Kyoto
- RC Hotel Kyoto
- The Screen
- Hotel Kanra Kyoto
Aman Kyoto
Aman Kyoto is one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in the city. Located on the northern side, the secluded 5-star hotel is quietly nestled in a forest with unmatched tranquility. Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, it is comprises multiple black timber-clad buildings.
The luxury hotel presents just 26 exclusive guest rooms and suites. They are all designed meticulously with a minimalistic wooden palette, inspired by traditional Japanese ryokans. The furnishing is subtle but exquisite and soothing. Besides, you will also find deluxe bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami flooring, a tokonoma (alcove), a Hinoki Japanese bath, free wifi, and more.
A major highlight of Aman Kyoto includes its rejuvenating outdoor and indoor onsen (hot spring), which is a major part of the Japanese bathing culture. You will also find two exceptional restaurants inside the hotel. Taka-An presents an sophisticated degustation menu, while The Living Pavilion offers home-cooked Kyoto-style cuisine and comforting Western dishes .
Ace Hotel Kyoto
Ace Hotel Kyoto is one of the most exciting new boutique hotels in the city. Opened in June 2020, the cool 4-star hotel by the renowned hospitality group occupies a heritage warehouse-style building, formerly the headquarters of a telephone company in the 1920s.
With the help of Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and LA studio Commune, the hotel brings a playful contemporary charm to the interior. The open area features a modern industrial-inspired design with heavy use of brass and wooden materials, highlighted by quirky furniture.
The hotel boasts 213 guest rooms and suites, all showcasing an eclectic crossover between East and West. You will find custom Pendleton blankets and Gibson guitars being paired with Japanese furnishing and artwork by local artists. They are each also equipped with plush bedding, a Japanese soaking tub, uka toiletries, a Tivoli radio, free wifi, and more.
During your stay, you will have access to a modern 24-hour gym with comprehensive machines and free weights. The culinary experience at the hotel is also exceptional, featuring multiple quality dining and drinkin venues on-site. For instance, Kōsa is a seasonal farm-to-table restaurant, while Piopiko specializes in contemporary tacos and vibrant cocktails.
Node Hotel
Node Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Kyoto with a distinct personality. In the heart of the city, the cool 4-star hotel is situated inside a slim concrete and glass building, designed by Japanese architect Seiichiro Takeuchi. Echoing its facade, the interior showcases a grey industrial theme with raw concrete walls, exposed ceilings, and metal frames.
Besides, you will also find tons of unique artwork throughout the rooms and communal spaces. The hotel feels almost like a private gallery, featuring different artwork from renowned international artists such as Gerhard Richter, Eddie Martinez, and Barry McGee.
The same moody industrial aesthetic is used across the 25 guest rooms and suites. You will also find different textures being incorporated into the furnishing. The dark wooden bed frame, quilted blanket, and textured carpet further elevate the personality of the rooms. On the ground floor, there is also a stylish restaurant & bar serving a variety of drinks and meals.
The Shinmonzen
The Shinmonzen is a small luxury boutique hotel in Kyoto’s historic Gion district. Occupying a black Japanese Machiya house, the hotel brings a modern charm to the traditional ryokan. Meticulously transformed by legendary architect Tadao Ando and other artist friends, the interior presents a contemporary aesthetic while paying homage to traditional Japanese design.
The hotel offers 9 one-of-a-kind guest suites, each with a slightly different personality. Their design revolves around a soothing white and wooden theme, accented by contemporary decor and custom artwork. You will also find exquisite details such as a cypress soaking tub, a sage marble vanity, hand-woven carpet, and a spacious private balcony with Shirakawa River views.
The culinary experience at the hotel is also extraordinary. Led by French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the in-house kitchen showcases an ever-changing menu with French, American, and Asian influences. There is also a bar offering a curated selection of sakes and cocktails.
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto is one of the newest boutique hotels in the city that opened in June 2022. Located in the heart of Kyoto, the luxury 5-star hotel is housed inside a contemporary building inspired by traditional Japanese castles and villas. You will also find ample lush greeneries weaving across the property, offering a rare tranquil setting inside the bustling city.
The 25 oversized guest rooms and suites are designed elegantly with a white and wooden theme, complemented by sophisticated furnishing and occasional pops of red. Besides, the large floor-to-ceiling windows offer a soothing view of the lush garden. The rooms are also equipped with all your essentials including a TV, coffee & tea facilities, and free wifi.
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto also features a quality dining venue on-site. Singular is an innovative restaurant that specializes in contemporary French cuisine. You will find different unique dishes that showcase an exquisite mix of French and Japanese flavours.
Marufukuro
Marufukuro is one of the best themed boutique hotels in Kyoto. The unique 5-star hotel is housed inside a 1930s Art Deco building, formerly the headquarters of Nintendo. The historic interior has been preserved to showcase the iconic story of Nintendo. The hotel has also incorporated a new annex beside the original complex, designed by legendary Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
The hotel presents 18 guest rooms & suites across the old and new wings. They are each designed uniquely and meticulously. The heritage rooms feature a nostalgic charm with colourful touches, while the modern rooms embrace a sleek monochromatic design. They each also come with bespoke furnishing, plush bedding, Oltana toiletries, a writing desk, and more.
During your stay, you will have access to a lounge & library with different books, artwork, and installations that reflect the history of Nintendo. For meals, Carta is a refined restaurant that specializes in contemporary Western cuisine using seasonal produce and traditional Japanese seasoning. There is also an intimate bar counter with an array of drinks.
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO is another luxury boutique hotel with an elegant modern charm. Designed by iconic Hong Kong designer André Fu, the 5-star hotel showcases an understated luxury aesthetic with ample use of wooden and marble materials. Walking inside the lobby, you will discover a lofty ceiling with serene views of the garden in the center.
The hotel boasts 126 spacious guest rooms and suites. Inspired by traditional Japanese tea room, they all feature a dark wooden theme with exquisite artisanal furnishing and dark green touches. Some rooms also come in the traditional tatami style. The are also equipped with upscale amenities like a stone bath tub, a writing desk, a Bose sound system, and more.
A notable highlight of the hotel includes its thermal spring, a natural onsen pool with water sourced directly from the hot spring below the property. If you want to break a sweat, there is also a modern 24-hour gym with state-of-the-art equipment. You will find three dining & drinking venues on-site. Our favourite includes TOKI, an innovative French restaurant.
MOGANA
MOGANA is one of the best-designed boutique hotels in Kyoto. Set inside a narrow building near Nijo Castle, the small luxury 5-star hotel is sleek, minimalistic, and contemporary. The hotel presents 23 oversized guest rooms, all designed meticulously with a monochromatic theme.
The rooms come in either a black, white, or wooden palette. They all feature different hand-curated in-room amenities, such as Shigeta toiletries from Paris and Osaka-crafted sandals by MATOU. There is no TV but you can borrow a projector (which is even better). Another major standout of the room includes the relaxing Japanese-style bath crafted with black granite. MOGANA may look plain at first sight, but its attention to detail is what makes it stand out.
Breakfast is served directly to your rooms, so you don’t have to worry about sleeping in. The ingredients used in the dishes are all grown in the Awajishima area, a coastal city known for its rich produce. You will also find a bar on the second floor with a wide selection of drinks.
Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts is a secluded boutique hotel in Kyoto. It is quietly perched on the foothill of a mountain, surrounded by acres of forests. Led by BLINK Design, the hotel showcases a modern take on traditional Japanese resorts. The buildings took cues from the historical architectures around the region, while the interior features crisp wooden furnishing.
The luxury 5-star hotel presents 114 guest rooms and suites. Much like the other spaces, you will find a wooden design with modern furnishing that feels warm, cozy, and sophisticated. They also feature sumptuous bedding, a stone bathroom with a bathtub, digital keys, free wifi, and more. Most rooms come with a view of the Tenjin River or the Takagamine foothills.
Besides, the hotel features an outdoor onsen-thermal pool and a 24-hour fitness center with expansive mountain views. You will also find multiple dining & drinking options that accommodate different culinary preferences. Chef’s Table is an upscale restaurant with a French-inspired menu, while All-Day Dining is a more relaxed venue with a seasonal menu.
Maana Kamo
If you are looking to experience Kyoto authentically, then Maana Kamo is a great boutique hotel to consider. The small hotel is set inside a 100-year-old townhouse, lovingly refreshed by local architect Uoya Shigenori. Preserving most of the building’s original structure, the interior stays true to the essence and philopsophy of a traditional Japanese home.
The house presents an old-world charm that is hard to come across. You will discover a minimalistic wooden design is moody, nostalgic, and soothing. The property can now accommodate up to 6 guests with two bedrooms and bathrooms, making it a great spot for a family getaway. You will also find modern amenities like a deep soaking tub, a fully-equipped kitchen, a laundry, and more.
RC Hotel Kyoto
If you are a lover of minimalist design, then RC Hotel Kyoto is a chic affordable boutique hotel worth checking out. Located in the residential district of Yasaka, it occupies a rustic concrete building, which has been an apartment complex for over 50 years. After a series of loving restorations, the property is revived with a raw industrial charm, now offering 9 minimalistic guest rooms across three floors.
Each floor has a dedicated theme, including vegetation, handicraft, and art. Echoing its facade, the rooms are primarily designed with a raw aesthetic, featuring exposed concrete walls and vintage wooden furnishing. You will of course find all your standard amenities as well. There are no restaurants on-site, but there is a small bar serving a variety of local Kyoto beers and sakes.
The Screen
The Screen is an eclectic concept boutique hotel in Kyoto. Located in the city center, the 4-star hotel is housed inside a contemporary stone building. It offers 13 one-of-a-kind guest rooms and suites, each designed uniquely by a domestic or international designer.
For instance, the design of Room 102 by Naoki Ishibashi (the one pictured above) revolves around the traditional tatami tea rooms, highlighted by moody lighting and pops of red. On the other hand, some rooms feature a much more modern and minimalistic design. They each also feature comfy bedding, KORRES toiletries, a TV, a Nespresso machine, free wifi, and more.
The hotel currently features two dining venues and a bar on-site. BRON RONNERY is the hotel’s signature restaurant that specializes in contemporary French cuisine. For more casual options, the cafe lounge is open all day serving a variety of light meals. You will also find a lounge bar on the rooftop with beautiful views of Kyoto city, perfect for relaxing after a long day.
Hotel Kanra Kyoto
Hotel Kanra Kyoto is a refreshing boutique hotel that brings a modern charm to Japanese traditional design. The 4-star hotel is set inside a classic Japanese-style complex, previously an educational facility. The building’s orignial facade has been left untouched, while the interior is refurbished completely with an elegant and modern wooden theme.
The 68 guest rooms and suites embrace the Machiya style of Kyoto’s traditional homes. The design is minimalistic and sleek, with heavy emphasis on clean lines and textures. You will find an intricate use of soothing natural materials inlcuidng wood, stone, and iron. They also come with elevated amenities such as premium bedding and a cypress bathtub.
A rejuvenating spa is located inside the hotel, offering a variety of treatments and massages. You will also find multiple dining and drinking venues on-site. For instance, Hanaroku specializes in classic Japanese Teppanyaki cuisine using supreme seasonal ingredients.
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