The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has officially opened its newest property in Kyoto. The hotel follows the "urban resort" concept – a first for Japan, according to the brand.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is located on the banks of the Kamogawa River in Nijo Ohashi, famed for its Zen temples, palaces and gardens, and honours the cultural heritage of the city through its design. It is situated close to Kyoto’s downtown areas including Gion and Kawaramachi-dori, the city’s retail and entertainment districts.
The Ritz-Carlton suite
There are 134 guestrooms, each measuring 50 sqm and up – the largest in Kyoto. All rooms offer full views of the Kamogawa River and the Higashiyama Mountains. The hotel’s interiors are reminiscent of the character and aesthetic seen in a traditional Meiji house and courtyard. Designer Peter Remedios and Spin Studios have paid homage to the traditions of Japan by including patterned motifs created by local artisans, along with Zen rock gardens and water features – most notably a four-storey waterfall at the centre of the hotel.
Corner suite
The spa is located at the foot of the waterfall and offers seven treatment rooms and services inspired by Japanese culture. These include a traditional acupressure massage, as well as the Ryokucha serenity ritual, which utilises green tea leaves to create a therapeutic treatment.
There are four dining options. Mizuki is the hotel’s Japanese restaurant and is modelled around a dynamic stone garden and waterfall landscape. It serves modern Japanese cuisine including sushi, tempura and teppanyaki. Meanwhile, La Locanda offers Italian cuisine and features a private room that is in a preserved, historically-listed building. Finally, the Lobby lounge offers afternoon tea and deserts, while the bar specialises in original cocktails served only at the hotel.
Finally, Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto introduces four different event spaces – each named after a cheery blossom species – Takane Ballroom, Kocho, Shidare and Kanzan meeting rooms.
For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com
Clement Huang
