日本語記事はこちら
Greetings.
This time, I bring you my review of The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto.
Kyoto is home to many world-class luxury hotels, yet the Ritz stands apart. It was among the first international brands to arrive here, laying the foundation for global luxury hospitality in the city.
Let’s step inside.
Fragments of a Journey
By the gentle flow of the Kamo River, with the Higashiyama mountains in view.
The elegance of a sukiya style meets the clean lines of modern design.
The glow of washi paper and the murmur of water in the garden untie the knots of the heart—
and Kyoto’s beauty begins a new melody here.
Outside, the riverbanks are filled with locals enjoying their daily routines, and the hotel blends into this scene as if it has always belonged.
Yet once you cross the threshold, the fresh fragrance of green tea welcomes you into another world—the world of The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto.
In the lobby, straight architectural lines are softened by a luminous circular moon, floating like art.
The highlight of this hotel is, without doubt, the river-facing rooms. From there, the city and the Higashiyama mountains unfold like a living painting.
Attention to detail is everywhere—Makie amenity boxes, Nishijin-woven cushions, cherry blossom motifs in the bathroom. The essence of Japanese aesthetics is distilled in every corner.
After dinner at the celebrated restaurant Mizai, I returned on foot. The hotel greeted me with a façade aglow in orange light, its shippo patterns shimmering in the night.
Inside, silence reigned, and the artworks seemed to whisper.
Good night.
In the morning, I drew up the blinds.
Sunlight streamed across the mountains, and for a moment, Kyoto’s face seemed divine.
I wanted only to stay still, to feel time move gently through the day.
Breakfast began with Pierre Hermé’s croissant, accompanied by fresh fruits and vegetables.
A late checkout let me linger in the pool
—a reminder that even in a city brimming with sights, sometimes the best plan is to do nothing at all.
Escorted by the staff at departure, I left with a quiet conviction: yet another reason to return to Kyoto.
Season: Summer 2025
Room: Grand Deluxe Kamogawa River View
Singleman’s Michelin (Five-Star Evaluation)
Rating system
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 – A hotel that alone justifies a trip to the region.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 – A hotel worth staying in if you are visiting the region.
🌟🌟🌟 – A hotel to consider among options when visiting.
🌟🌟 – Acceptable if alternatives are limited.
🌟 – Would not choose even if visiting the region.
Overall: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Kamo River flowing at its doorstep, Higashiyama in the distance, and the city’s elegance all around—the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto may not have centuries of history, but it has taken deep root in the city. Within its walls, Kyoto’s cultural essence is richly condensed. This is not merely a place to stay; it is a place to experience Kyoto itself.
Detailed Evaluation (out of 5)
Value for Money: 2.5
Hotel prices in Kyoto are inflated, especially in peak seasons (holidays, cherry blossom, autumn foliage). While rooms can feel overpriced during those times, using Marriott Bonvoy points offers excellent value. My stay in the Grand Deluxe Kamogawa River View would have cost about ¥250,000, but with points I paid under 100,000. This rating, however, reflects non-point bookings.
Accessibility: 4
Only 10 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station, riverside and quiet yet close to Gion and Higashiyama. Walking from the nearest subway takes about 10 minutes—something to consider in Kyoto’s sweltering summers and freezing winters.
Solo-Friendliness: 4
Perfect for solo travelers. A river-view room enhances the experience, allowing one to savor the luxury of time alone.
Cuisine: 3.5
I tried breakfast at La Locanda. A buffet complemented by à la carte orders, featuring Pierre Hermé’s famous croissants and excellent breads. Fresh fruits and salads were simple yet high quality.
Cleanliness & Facilities: 5
Impeccably maintained, with thoughtful placement of practical items to preserve the aesthetic. Amenities include Diptyque Figuer bath products, pajamas on request, and a serene pool with sauna.
Hospitality: 4.5
True Ritz-Carlton service—graceful yet warm. Staff anticipated my needs, arranged taxis, and even upgraded me to a river-view room where I could see the “Gozan no Okuribi” fire festival. Departing staff addressed me by name, a signature Ritz touch. While younger international staff sometimes lacked polish, their sincerity was evident.
Design & Uniqueness: 4.5
Interiors by Hong Kong–based Remedios Studio blend Japanese motifs (shippo patterns, lattice) with modern luxury, interpreted through an international lens. Over 400 artworks by Japanese artists further root the hotel in local culture.
Booking the Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
If this review has sparked your interest, I recommend booking through one of the major hotel platforms for convenience and savings.
Hotel Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel Name | The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto |
| Hotel Brand | The Ritz-Carlton |
| Hotel Group | Marriott International |
| Room Rates | From JPY 130,000 (varies by season and plan) |
| Number & Types of Rooms | 134 rooms in total |
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in: from 15:00 / Check-out: until 12:00 |
| Dining |
|
| Facilities & Services |
|
| Location |
By Nijo-Ohashi Bridge, Kamogawa River, Higashiyama, Kyoto |
| Access |
|
| Nearby Attractions |
|
Closing
How was The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto?
It is a place that transforms a stay in Kyoto into something truly luxurious.
My gratitude to the hotel staff for their warm welcome.
I hope this record becomes a small guide for your own journey.
コメント