Equipped with the rich historical depth of Kyoto and a prime central location within the former capital beside some of the city’s key cultural spaces — notably Kyoto National Museum and Kiyomizu Temple — Six Senses is the newest luxury hotel addition in Kyoto.

As an entirely brand new build — a juxtaposition to the historic city’s more commonly renovated luxury properties — the hotel showcases carefully coordinated elements in alignment with the global brand’s reputation and guest experience. Starting from an impressionable grand entrance to a calming and contemplative reception lounge, creating the perfect welcome for guests to decompress from a busy day exploring the city.

With a contemplative warm-toned reception lounge facing a stunning green Japanese garden, a distinctive original scent for the Kyoto property stands out as an immediate highlight that truly begins to immerse all of the senses. Throughout the hotel, each sense has been intentionally heightened in balance with sublime, unique moments with nature and art. Designed by interior firm BLINK Design Group, the hotel’s sophisticated nuances of stone and timber merge with the elegance of Japan’s Heian period, known as the most notable artistic era between the late 8th and 12th centuries. Stunning Heian period artworks featuring Japan’s iconic folklores are found throughout hotel, detailing The Moon Rabbit and the definitive 11th-century classic Tale of Genji. 

Across 81 guest rooms and suites — each comfortably spacious between 42 to 238 square metres —  most of Six Senses Kyoto’s guest rooms are uniquely positioned facing the internal courtyard and garden. Shielding noise and offering a type of inner sanctuary, guests can wake to the sound of morning birds amongst the diverse natural landscape or witness the evening stars from the privacy of their own guest room balcony. Guest rooms feature Japanese-inspired details such as woodwork latticing and meticulously hidden entertainment appliances, creating a minimalist and tranquil atmosphere.

The hotel’s diversity of on-site spaces also allows for an all-encompassing stay that doesn’t require even leaving the hotel. Guests can revel in the Six Senses Spa offering that balances modern and traditional treatments described as ‘Japanese Zen culture connected with smart science and traditional healing’. The entire basement complex includes Four Treatment rooms, hot baths and sauna, indoor pool and a unique Watsu (Aquatic Bodywork) Pool, 24-Hour Fitness Area featuring the latest equipment, to a ‘Sensory Studio’ for flying yoga and meditation (such as with singing bowls) a Biohacking Area for smart recovery, and a Wellness Screening service where guests can have their health comprehensively analysed through cutting-edge technology and subsequently have specially-curated wellness programs crafted for their stay.

The Wellness & Spa floor also includes a small boutique with skincare, re-made Japanese textile garments and local crafts alongside an impressive Alchemy Bar comprised of over 30+ herbs and natural materials. Guests can purchase participation in the Alchemy Bar workshop to blend ingredients to create their own exfoliating scrubs, soaps or bath salts to use during their stay or take home. 

Six Senses Kyoto’s dining facilities include all-day dining at Sekki reflecting the micro-seasons of the Japanese calendar, to mornings at the adjoining Cafe Sekki with fresh-brew coffee, kombucha, playfully-crafted healthy juice shots and stellar, on-site baked goods.

At night, guests can revel in the on-site bar Nine Tails, an excellent, intimate space that ingeniously profiles over 100+ Japanese liquors. Non-alcoholic offerings are equally on par, where guests can enjoy inventive mocktails and delicious, botanical spirits.

The hotel’s garden and micro-farm located at the neighbouring shrine adjacent to the rear of the property provides fresh herbs and vegetables utilised across the restaurant and bar. Guests can also enjoy a contemplative walk through the herb garden and request a fresh herb tea prepared for their room; the ultimate way to relax.

Six Senses Kyoto follows the brand’s global commitment to no plastic, an ethos starting from the mid-1990s through the refusal of single-use plastic across all properties worldwide. Instead, they create their own water filtration system and utilise glass bottles instead. A true luxury in today’s world.

Through opportunities via IHG’s interconnected global membership loyalty programs, Six Senses Kyoto guests can expect a fuss-free hotel experience streamlined for the global traveller.

Six Senses Kyoto 
431 Myohoin Maekawacho,
Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0932

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Text: Editorial Director Joanna Kawecki
Images: As credited, courtesy Six Senses Kyoto & Champ Creative