FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KYOTO, Kyoto

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto - A luxury spa retreat with historic gardens, traditional tea ceremonies, and modern Japanese dining

Located in Gion's historic geisha district, this 5-star Kyoto hotel features a 10000-square-metre 12th-century pond garden called Shakusui-en. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto houses a two-floor spa with a 20-metre indoor pool, whirlpool, and fitness center. The property offers seven treatment rooms for traditional Japanese massages and bamboo rituals. Guest accommodations include zen-like marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden or city. Two restaurants serve Edomae sushi and premium grilled meats, while Fuju lounge offers traditional tea ceremonies in a glass-enclosed tea house. The Lounge & Bar provides champagne service and seasonal afternoon tea. Situated in the temple-rich Higashiyama district, Four Seasons connects directly to Kyoto's antique-filled Shinmonzen-dori street and the geisha entertainment of Hanami-dori.

Pros

The 800-year-old Shakusui-en pond garden features authentic Heian period design elements and stone bridges

Seven dedicated spa treatment rooms offer traditional Japanese therapies

The glass-enclosed tea house Shakusui-tei hosts ceremonies led by tea masters

Private balconies in select rooms provide views of the 12th-century Myoho-in Temple

Cons

4 miles distance to popular Kinkaku-ji Temple

Pool access restricted for children under 16 without adult supervision