Hotel Snapshot
Kyoto is one of the world's most beautiful cities. It's also one of its busiest.
That's what gives Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto its distinctive character. Perched on a hillside near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the 52-room hotel feels worlds away from the crowds despite being minutes from many of the city's most famous attractions.
The sense of calm begins the moment you arrive. Staff members greet guests in hushed tones, creating an atmosphere that immediately signals that this is a place to slow down. Shortly thereafter, guests are presented with colorful cotton robes to wear throughout their stay—a small but thoughtful touch that reinforces the retreat-like feel.
While Kyoto offers no shortage of luxury hotels, few feel quite as secluded.
Design & Character
Banyan Tree's first property in Japan draws heavily from its surroundings, blending contemporary luxury with traditional Japanese aesthetics.
The most striking feature is the hotel's private bamboo forest. Unlike Kyoto's famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where visitors often compete with crowds for a photograph, this one is exclusively for hotel guests. I spent time wandering through the towering bamboo stalks entirely on my own and even stopped for a quiet meditation session beneath the dense green canopy. It's a rare experience in Kyoto, where true solitude can be hard to find.
Throughout the property, Japanese craftsmanship takes center stage. Art, ceramics, and design details reflect the country's rich cultural traditions, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the surrounding greenery and city beyond.
The resort's authentic Noh stage further reinforces the connection to Kyoto's heritage, serving as both an architectural focal point and a reminder of the city's enduring artistic traditions.
The Rooms
In a country where compact hotel rooms are often the norm, Banyan Tree takes a decidedly different approach.
Even entry-level accommodations exceed 500 square feet, making them feel positively sprawling by Japanese standards. My room featured a generous sitting area, light wood finishes, tatami flooring, and a window-side platform with sunken seating that invited lingering over a morning coffee or evening tea.
In many cities, the room could easily be categorized as a suite.
The design feels distinctly Japanese without veering into cliché. Traditional materials and craftsmanship are balanced with modern comforts, while the bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs crafted from aromatic hiba wood—a welcome reward after a day spent exploring Kyoto on foot. Between the tatami floors, sliding screens, generous proportions, and calming palette, the accommodations feel less like hotel rooms and more like private urban sanctuaries.
The Food & Drink
Dining centers around Ryōzen, the hotel's signature restaurant, where seasonal local ingredients are showcased through a contemporary Japanese lens.
Overlooking both the bamboo forest and the property's Noh stage, the dining room is serene and elegant without feeling overly formal.
Breakfast proved to be a highlight. One morning, I opted for the traditional Japanese set, beautifully presented in a wooden box filled with grilled salmon, miso soup, tofu, rice, and other local specialties. The next day, I switched gears and ordered the American breakfast, which included an omelet, avocado toast, and impossibly sweet strawberries.
Dinner followed the same philosophy. Simply grilled local sea bream, locally grown vegetables, and other clean, ingredient-driven dishes felt satisfying without being heavy. Everything was fresh, balanced, and thoughtfully prepared.
The beverage program is equally strong, with an extensive sake selection alongside wines and cocktails.
What stood out most, however, was the service. When I mentioned how much I loved the strawberries at breakfast, an extra-large bowl was waiting for me the following morning. A grilled zucchini I particularly enjoyed at dinner made a return appearance the next evening. My Chablis arrived extra chilled, exactly as requested.
It's this kind of thoughtful attention that elevates a stay from memorable to exceptional.
The Amenities
No Banyan Tree would be complete without a standout spa, and the Kyoto outpost more than delivers.
The wellness facilities include a natural hot spring, steam sauna, and treatment rooms offering everything from full-body massages to onsen therapies and the brand's signature Thai-inspired treatments.
Even if a treatment isn't on your itinerary, the spa alone is reason enough to book a stay. Widely considered one of Kyoto's finest wellness destinations, it combines Banyan Tree's renowned therapies with Japanese healing traditions and natural hot spring experiences. One word of advice: reserve appointments well before your arrival. Demand is high, and last-minute availability can be scarce.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
The hotel occupies an enviable position in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, just moments from Kiyomizu-dera Temple and within easy reach of the city's most important cultural attractions.
Yet despite its central location, Banyan Tree feels remarkably removed from the tourist crush. The hillside setting, private bamboo forest, and overall sense of tranquility make returning to the property feel like entering another world.
For travelers who want to experience Kyoto's historic heart without sacrificing peace and privacy, it's difficult to imagine a better address.
Fast Facts
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Rating: Five-Star
Room Count: 52 rooms and suites
Starting Rate: From approximately $905 per night, including breakfast
Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The private bamboo forest, which offers the magic of Kyoto's famous groves without the crowds.
Dining: Ryōzen, Bar Ryōzen
Amenities: Banyan Tree Spa, natural hot spring, steam sauna, private bamboo forest, Noh stage
Nearby Attractions: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Kodai-ji Temple
Closest Airport: Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Kyoto, Japan
