HOTEL THE CELESTINE KYOTO GION, Kyoto

Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion - A 5-star sanctuary with traditional onsen baths, kaiseki dining, and Zen temple views

Located in the historic Gion district, this refined Kyoto hotel features a gallery-style guest lounge and the renowned Yasaka Endo restaurant serving seasonal kaiseki cuisine and Beverly Hills-inspired tempura. Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion offers rooms with flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and private bathrooms equipped with both bathtubs and showers. The property's communal onsen bathing facility remains open until 2 AM, with separate areas for men and women. A complimentary guest lounge serves coffee, tea, juice, and snacks from 1 PM to 6 PM daily. The Celestine's main restaurant spans 2691 ft² with 38 tables overlooking a shoin-zukuri inspired stage where maiko performances take place. The property sits just beyond the precincts of Kennin-ji, one of Japan's oldest Zen temples, and within 0.5 miles of Yasaka Shrine, Kodai-ji, and the Kyoto National Museum.

Pros

Personal check-in service includes seated tea ceremony and local dining recommendations

Guest rooms and corridors overlook traditional Japanese gardens

Exclusive dashi-shabu menu features seasonal pairings like sea bream with bamboo shoots in spring

Located in atmospheric streets where geisha sightings are common

Cons

31 mile from Itami Airport

Public bath facilities are communal rather than private