Top 5 Luxury Inns in Kyoto's Arashiyama and Sagano Areas
Kyoto hosts many visitors from all over the world every year, and it offers many luxurious places to stay around Arashiyama, the area known for its famous bamboo forest, and Togetsukyo Bridge. Whether you want to soak in a hot spring or indulge in gourmet Japanese cuisine, you'll be able to escape from the buzz of the sightseeing areas and indulge in some private time at these 5 elegant inns!
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1. Ryotei Rangetsu | Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
The meticulously detailed main gate of Ryotei Rangetsu stands tall and dignified in the historic neighborhood of Arashiyama. As you step inside, you can’t help but sense the air of luxury exuding from the property. At this Japanese-style inn, guests can experience every change and expression of the four seasons in Arashiyama, from the bright and playful look of spring and summer to the calming stillness of autumn and winter.
Rangetsu draws its bath water from a deep underground aquifer located within the approximately 140 – 240 million-year-old stratum that forms Arashiyama’s geological features. The warm and soothing natural waters are the perfect way to relax your mind and body after a busy day of sightseeing.
A stay at Rangetsu also offers the opportunity to try their seasonal kaiseki cuisine (traditional Japanese course cuisine), and the food prepared there cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Each ingredient is painstakingly prepared to draw out the most of its natural flavors, resulting in a vibrant meal in tune with the seasons. For breakfast, guests are offered a choice of asage (traditional Japanese breakfast), plain rice porridge, or rice porridge with Chinese spices.
Address: 7, Susukinobaba-cho, Sagatenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町7
Budget: 26,852 yen per person (Estimate for 2 people staying 1 night with half board. Includes tax and service charges.)
2. Suiran Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto | Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Arashiyama is among the world’s most scenic areas with its bountiful nature interwoven with the seemingly never-ending shoreline of the calmly flowing Hozugawa River. Visitors can look forward to enjoying the views of the iconic Japanese seasonal landscape that has been loved for thousands of years while they relax.
In addition to the in-room facilities, this hotel has two private hot spring baths - Raku and An - available for guests. Raku features an outdoor bath with solid Japanese cypress frames, and the An bath features a bathtub set into stones reminiscent of an elegant retreat. Enjoy the views of the traditional Japanese garden while you enjoy a satisfying soak in the tub.
Traditionally, kaiseki cuisine utilizes the best, locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Suiran maintains this focus on bringing out the best flavors of seasonal produce, and adds its own special twist by combining Japanese culinary techniques with a touch of French cuisine aspects. This new style of kaiseki cuisine is only offered here.
Address: 12, Susukinobaba-cho, Sagatenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町12
Budget: 53,460 yen per person (Estimate for 2 people staying 1 night with room only. Includes tax and service charges.)
3. Arashiyama Benkei | Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi
Situated directly across from Kyoto’s world famous Arashiyama, Arashiyama Benkei offers weary travelers a relaxing retreat complete with their brand of genuine hospitality. Listen to the gentle breeze of the Oigawa River while taking in the sights of the four seasons, whether it be mountainside cherry blossoms in spring, clear waters and deep greenery in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, or light dustings of snow in winter. No matter the season, guests will be greeted with a beautiful and expansive view of the seasonal colors.
These breathtaking views of Arashiyama and the Oigawa River are also visible from the window of every guest room. Guests can enjoy a dip in the rich warmth of the Japanese cypress bathtubs available in each of the Japanese-style guest rooms while looking out at the Arashiyama landscape.
Guests can continue to enjoy the beautiful views of Arashiyama while they dine on the traditional Kyoto-style cuisine served at Arashiyama Benkei. The menu features only the best of locally produced foods, such as seafood from Wakasa and Setouchi and beans grown in Tamba. The kitchen staff works hard to provide guests with an authentic Kyoto dining experience. For breakfast, guests will be treated to a light and healthy traditional Japanese breakfast with tofu as the main dish.
Address: 34, Susukinobaba-cho, Sagatenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町34番地
Budget: 50,139 yen per person (Estimate for 2 people staying 1 night with half board. Includes tax and service charges.)
4. Hanaikada | Nishikyo-ku
Hanaikada is a Japanese-style hot spring inn located right at the foot of Togetsukyo Bridge, the symbol of the Arashiyama area. Its location offers guests unbeatable access to both the culture and nature that surround it. Every aspect of the relaxing lodging experience is tailored with care, allowing you to enjoy Arashiyama’s seasonal attractions to your heart’s content.
As a hot spring inn, guests are free to select the room with the bath type that fits their preferences when making a reservation. Options include outdoor baths, stone baths, and more. You are encouraged to enjoy your time there as you see fit.
The head chef endeavors to provide guests with unforgettable dining experiences with a calm and confident hand. Every day, kitchen staff venture to the Kyoto City Central Wholesale Market to purchase the best ingredients, and the tableware is also locally sourced. You can be reassured that every part of every meal has been considered and masterfully prepared.
Address: 57, Nakaoshita-cho, Arashiyama, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
京都府京都市西京区嵐山中尾下町57
Budget: 20,520 yen per person (Estimate for 2 people staying 1 night with half board. Includes tax and service charges.)
5. Yunohana Hot Spring Resort Suisen
Sharp yet soft, chic yet also refined. Each one of the 13 guestrooms employs the strengths of these seemingly contrasting elements to deliver uniquely constructed spaces to relax in. The resort’s tucked-away location also offers guests a sense of privacy.
Lose yourself in the calming silence of the mountain hot spring waters. Even famed Japanese samurai Akechi Mitsuhide is said to have visited this hot spring to heal his battle wounds. To this day, the hot spring still attracts visitors from all over the country hoping to take advantage of the spring’s healing powers. Beautiful, seasonal views of the surrounding nature only add to the soothing hot spring luxury offered at the Yunohana Hot Spring Resort Suisen.
The original kaiseki cuisine menu is designed by the head chef for every meal. Guests can enjoy expertly-crafted dining experiences made from only the best available ingredients and prepared with painstaking techniques in the comfort of a genuinely private space.
Address: 6-3, Inoshiri, Ashinoyama, Hiedano-cho, Kameoka-shi, Kyoto
京都府亀岡市ひえ田野町芦ノ山イノシリ6-3
Budget: 29,160 yen per person (Estimate for 2 people staying 1 night with half board. Includes tax and service charges.)
A Town at the Intersection of Culture and Nature
What did you think of our picks? Kyoto is filled with so much charm, and it shows in the area’s history, culture, food, nature, and more. After a fun-filled day of seeing Kyoto’s famous attractions, we recommend you treat yourself to a relaxed stay at one of these properties surrounded by the bountiful nature of the Arashiyama and Sagano area.
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Translated and republished with permission from: SPIRA (formerly known as Relux Magazine)
By the way, you can book a hotel through Relux (run by SPIRA) by clicking here!
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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