Much of what we think of as the essence of Japan – from the art of the tea ceremony to ikebana flower arranging – had its birthplace in Kyoto.

Kyoto is one of Japan’s best-preserved historic cities, with intact palaces, gardens, 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, among them 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites from Imperial Japan’s golden age.

Today, Kyoto is home to cutting-edge biotech, nanotech, publishing, textiles and education, including the country’s top medical school. It is a forward-looking centre for art and design, where artists and artisans update traditional techniques into super-cool works with the Zen spirit and the edge of now.

Kyoto is also one of the few cities in the world with four distinct and highly photogenic seasons – spring cherry blossoms, swaying bamboo in summer, brilliant red autumn leaves, and the blanket of winter snow – each one framed by the expansive windows of Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto.

Four Seasons makes you at home, close to many of the city’s finest cultural assets – while secluded in garden tranquility, 10 minutes from Kyoto’s busy downtown.

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Suiran features 39 luxuriously-appointed guestrooms, inspired by traditional ryokan-style accommodations, ranging from 500 to 1,000 square feet. Each room is designed to feature traditional motifs and culturally significant hues, while offering unparalleled natural vistas each season: from the dramatic cherry blossoms in Spring and the lush verdure in Summer, to Autumn’s bright tapestry of leaves and silvery blankets of snow in Winter.

Suiran also offers two private treatment rooms equipped with a Japanese-style open-air bath as well as the option for in-room treatments. Guests can enjoy traditional Japanese-style treatments, including SEIRAN, a body massage with tea seed oil, scrub with green tea and facial treatment with jade stones and collagen mask.

Exquisite Culinary Experiences

Suiran has preserved elements of its esteemed past, including two original structures, ‘Enmei-kaku’, which was built in 1899, and ‘Hasshoken’, constructed in 1910, which have undergone extensive restoration and now house the hotel’s restaurant, Kyo Suiran, and café, Saryo Hassui. Kyo Suiran offers a traditional yet modern dining experience where guests can enjoy locally inspired flavors in an authentic atmosphere. With its exposed straw-thatched roof, pillars and moon-shaped windows, Saryo Hasui serves exquisite meals centered around Japanese green tea.

For additional photos of this property, check out our Pinterest board here.

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Relish in a prime location with expansive views of The Kamogawa river, A LUXURIOUS MODERN RETREAT INSPIRED BY TRADITIONAL JAPANESE Ryokan. With a healing atmosphere enhanced by the ambient sounds of a waterfall, The Ritz-Carlton Spa promises to melt your worldly cares away.

Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine at La Locanda, all-day sushi and tempura at Mizuki, and signature cocktails at The Bar and The Lobby Lounge.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN LOCAL CULTURE & partake in HOTEL’S CUSTOMIZED KYOTO ART OF CRAFTSMEN ACTIVITIES.

The resort features 134 guest rooms and suites, 4 restaurants and bars, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and 4 different types of banquet rooms ranging from corporate dinners and meetings, to exhibitions, private events and weddings. The resort also features a unique partnership with Pierre Hermé Paris, creator of Haute Patisserie, showcasing popular creations and introducing an exclusive range of signature desserts. Blending the centuries old traditions and rich culture of Japan’s ancient capital with modern luxury, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto brings to life the cultural heart of Japan. The resort is in close proximity to Kyoto’s popular downtown areas including Gion and Kawaramachi, the city’s retail and entertainment district.

Property Amenities include:

• 4 sensational restaurants including lounge & bar
• The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA
• PIERRE HERMÉ PARIS Boutique
• State-of-the-art event facilities, including a breathtaking Wedding Chapel inclusive of 4 banquet & meeting rooms

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The St. Regis Osaka is in a 27-story building that required special permitting, being the tallest in the special urban renewal zone. The hotel has 160 luxurious rooms and suites, two specialty restaurants, a bar & lounge, banquet rooms, business center, esthetic salon and exercise room.

The St. Regis’ rich heritage and beginnings date back to one of the most notable American families in history- The Astor. Building on a family legacy, author and heir, John Jacob Astor Ⅳ was personally responsible for creating the St. Regis New York, the tallest, most advanced hotel of its time.

Today we welcome you in the same manner, inspired by the Astor’s more than a century before.

St. Regis Butler Service incorporates Japanese hospitality, while continuing the Tradition. From check-in to check-out, one butler responsible for the care of a guest. Guests can make requests 24 hours a day by simply pressing the Butler Service Button on the guest room telephone. Butlers of the St. Regis Osaka provide a Welcome beverage on the traditional silver tray and will provide signature butlerservices in addition to unpacking and packing.

If there is anything we can do to make your visit to Osaka more enjoyable, your St. Regis Butler stands ready to assist.

For additional photos of this property, check out our Pinterest board here.

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Reflecting the beauty of the surrounding nature, one of the most striking design elements of the  Noborioji Hotel is the masterful use of wood. Gleaming wood floors and panelled walls are skilfully crafted to create a sense of warmth and relaxation. Large windows flood the rooms and suites with light and look out onto an expanse of greenery.

Japan’s capital city in the 8th century, Nara has some of the country’s oldest and largest Buddhist temples and Shrinto shrines, many of which are World Heritage sites. Be sure to visit the Todai-ji and Horyu-ji temples.

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