Setting its sights on 80 acres of lush land in Japan’s former imperial capital, luxury brand Aman is opening its third property in the country on Nov 1 this year, after Aman Tokyo and Amanemu in Ise Shima National Park. Settled at the foot of the Hidari Daimonji mountain, in the district of Takagamine, Aman Kyoto sits on 72 acres of forest and 8 acres of carefully-tended gardens, minutes away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinkaku-ji Temple.
With 24 rooms and 2 two-bedroom villas, the resort takes inspiration from the concepts of ryokan (traditional inn) and onsen (hot spring), designed by Kerry Hill Architects, the same people behind Aman’s other hotels in Japan. Surrounded by flowing streams, lofty trees, and stone pathways covered in moss, the peaceful sanctuary makes for a quiet nature retreat.
Comprising of a collection of standalone pavilions, including ones for Arrival, Living, Dining, and Spa, the space is mapped out with 24 rooms in its four Guest pavilions, with two more separate areas for the villas. Each living space is a minimalist, contemporary take on the ryokan, flooded with neutral and warm colors, floor-to-ceiling windows for ample light, and tatami mats on the floors.
Works by local artisans feature here, too, including handmade raku tile panels in the Living pavilion and custom-made ceramic tiles in the restaurant. Every single furniture piece is tailored and exclusive to the resort, decorated with a series of artefacts that reflect Japan’s refined aesthetic.
In the Dining pavilion, multi-course culinary experiences made with local produce will be served, while the Living pavilion offers all-day dining in Kyoto’s obanzai-style cuisine, with afternoon tea and picnic hampers available by the garden.
At the spa, expect to find traditional onsen facilities with water from a local spring, plus treatments that include natural ingredients like Kyoto green tea, tanba kuromame (black beans), local sake, and cold-pressed camellia oil.
Reader Interactions