Staying At The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto – Hotel Review
During my trip through Japan, I spent a few unforgettable days in Kyoto, a city full of tradition and breathtaking landmarks. It was here, along the peaceful Kamogawa River, that I had the opportunity to stay at one of the most luxurious hotels in Kyoto. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is a hotel that, in my opinion, has mastered the blend of Japanese history with modern luxury. Looking back, this stay became one of the true highlights of my entire trip.
About the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto was designed as a tribute to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Its architecture blends contemporary luxury with traditional Japanese elements, using natural materials, flowing water features, and over 400 pieces of locally crafted art. Part of the property even incorporates a beautifully preserved 18th-century townhome.
Perfectly situated along the banks of the Kamogawa River, the hotel offers calm and privacy while still keeping you close to Kyoto’s most iconic sites. The beloved Gion district, Nishiki Market, and several riverside walking and cycling paths are all within easy reach.
Checking In
From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel genuinely welcomed. They elevate Japanese hospitality to another level, and that is probably the most memorable aspect of the entire stay.
The entrance immediately sets the tone: water flows gently around you, evoking the feeling of walking beside the river. At the concierge desk, our luggage was taken care of while we were guided through the hotel.
As we passed the large bonsai proudly displayed in the lobby, we walked by the Lobby Lounge and the Pierre Hermé boutique before reaching Reception. We were shown the hotel’s main dining venues, La Locanda e Mizuki, where breakfast is served.
To make things even more comfortable, we were offered in-room check-in. The river views were the first thing that mesmerized us. Thoughtful welcome gifts, a complete overview of the hotel’s restaurants, experiences, facilities, and even information about local events made the entire welcome feel personal and detailed.
The Rooms
The property features 134 rooms and suites, all designed in a contemporary Japanese style with clean lines, natural textures, and subtle references to Kyoto’s craftsmanship.
We were generously upgraded to a Grand Deluxe Kamogawa Room, and it instantly became one of my favourite hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame the river perfectly. I spent long, peaceful mornings simply watching people walk and cycle along the Kamogawa.
The layout is beautifully thought-out. A wall separates the bar area – stocked with complimentary water, tea, coffee, minibar, and a daily-replenished tea set – from the bathroom and closet area. You’ll find a Japanese-style toilet room by the entrance, followed by a small walk-in closet with slippers and yukatas ready to use.
On the opposite side of the divider, there’s a double-sink vanity with plenty of counter space and every toiletry you can imagine. In front of it, the shower and bathtub sit behind a glass door. A sliding wooden panel allows you to close off the sleeping area for privacy.
The two double beds were unbelievably comfortable, the closest I’ve felt to sleeping on clouds. I loved how all the lights and curtains can be controlled from the bedside panel. A sofa sits across from the beds, and a small sitting area by the window became our favourite spot for check-in, work, and meals, where a small bonsai is displayed.
Additional touches like turndown service e daily newspaper delivery make the experience feel even more refined.
Dining
Dining at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is truly something to remember. The hotel offers:
- Mizuki: fine-dining Japanese cuisine featuring kaiseki, sushi, and tempura
- La Locanda: Italian classics elevated with local Japanese ingredients
- The Lobby Lounge: serving pastries from PIERRE HERMÉ PARIS, as well as cocktails and afternoon tea
Breakfast at La Locanda was probably the best Western-style breakfast I’ve ever had, with fresh fruits, Pierre Hermé pastries, and impeccable service. The French toast deserves a special mention, absolutely delicious.
For a more traditional experience, you can enjoy a Japanese-inspired breakfast at Mizuki, with several small dishes showcasing a variety of flavors and delicacies. It’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Kyoto’s culinary traditions from the very first meal of the day.
The Spa & Fitness Center
A visit to the Ritz-Carlton Spa is a must. It features a heated indoor pool, sauna, and a relaxation area with complimentary fruit and refreshments, which is a lovely touch and not something you see in many hotel spas.
The changing rooms are extremely well equipped: towels, slippers, a full range of toiletries, hair dryers, lockers, showers, a swimsuit dryer, and even a heated bathtub that gives the entire experience a calming, restorative feel. If you forget your swimsuit or cap, the spa reception can provide one.
The fitness center is surprisingly complete for a hotel gym. Besides the wide range of machines and weights, it also includes a body composition scale (bioelectrical impedance scale). And of course, the fridge is always replenished with cold drinks and snacks.
Experiences & Activities
One of the reasons a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto feels so special is the variety of cultural experiences offered directly through the hotel.
During this trip, I booked a kimono experience, which ended up being one of the most magical moments of my stay. Being dressed by a professional in a traditional kimono, walking through Kyoto’s picturesque streets, and taking photos to later remember felt like stepping into another time.
If I had more time, I would have definitely joined some of their other activities, such as the bike tours (super popular!) or the Karakami paper craft workshops.
Final Thoughts
Everything here was perfect: the room, the views, the food, the experiences. But what stood out the most was the kindness of every staff member I met. The stay itself was unforgettable, but it’s the people who made it feel truly special.
I hope this article “Staying at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto – Hotel Review” was helpful to all those of you who are looking for the perfect luxury Kyoto escape! Leave your opinion in the comments and follow me on social networks so you don’t miss my next trips. Usa #travelplannerholic para partilhares as tuas fotos comigo.
Um beijinho,
Catarina Vieira
Gostavas de guardar este artigo? Passa por cima da imagem para o juntares ao teu Pinterest!
