The lobby lounge offers a creative take on Kyoto’s rich traditions.
Set amid the historic temples and cultural landmarks of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, Six Senses Kyoto opened its doors in April 2024. Blending natural serenity with thoughtful design, this nature-inspired luxury hotel has quickly captured attention both in Japan and around the world.
The architecture offers a modern interpretation of Kyoto’s timeless elegance, with carefully curated design details throughout. The lobby lounge, where guests are first welcomed, sets the tone: one wall features a striking folding screen made from 504 handcrafted tiles, created using ‘raku-yaki,’ a traditional pottery technique dating back to the 16th century. On the opposite wall, a playful contrast comes in the form of a three-dimensional interpretation of ‘Chōjū-giga,’ a national treasure often called Japan’s oldest manga.
The guest rooms seamlessly blend modern comfort with traditional Japanese aesthetics.
What truly defines this hotel as nature-inspired goes beyond the use of materials like wood and stone. Built into the natural slope of the land, it features beautifully layered gardens across three levels, creating a seamless connection between architecture and landscape. Every one of the 81 guest rooms includes its own private terrace or garden, offering guests a personal slice of nature. The grounds also include a herb garden and vegetable patch, reflecting a deep commitment to biophilic design and living in harmony with the environment.
A suite overlooking a Japanese garden with beautifully arranged stonework.
Six Senses Kyoto is now offering a unique kind of hospitality focused on the art of rest. The newly introduced Sleepcation, a blend of ‘sleep’ and ‘vacation,’ is a specially curated program designed to help guests fully recharge.
At the core of the experience is a mix of advanced wellness technologies rooted in cutting-edge science. Guests can start with a comprehensive Wellness Screening, which analyzes around 40 biomarkers to assess overall mind-body health. There’s also Sleep Tracking, where a wearable ring monitors your sleep patterns, followed by a personalized consultation with a specialist to help you improve your quality of rest.
First image: The ‘Wellness Screening’ is a one-of-a-kind program in Japan.
Second image: The ‘Daily Biohack Recover’ uses the latest technology to boost muscle recovery and reduce time lag.
Additionally, the hotel offers sleep-focused relaxation treatments, including the ‘Dream Catcher,’ a body oil treatment containing CBD, developed from research into insomnia remedies, and the ‘Bath Ritual,’ which features three temperature-controlled tubs to promote relaxation.
Each guest room is equipped with handmade custom organic mattresses, temperature-adjustable pillows, and cotton sheets, reflecting the holistic wellness philosophy that defines the Six Senses brand.
First image: ‘Sleep With Six Senses’ creates the ultimate environment for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Second image: The ‘Dream Catcher’ treatment relaxes deep muscles in the back, neck, and shoulders, followed by a soothing scalp and foot massage.
Third image: The ‘Bath Ritual’ offers a complete relaxation experience with baths, steam, and dry saunas.
In addition to these services, the plan also includes a special dinner designed to promote better sleep. The main course features tender, easily digestible wagyu fillet, while the risotto is made with nutrient-rich grains, mushrooms, and nuts to enhance sleep quality. For dessert, enjoy a banana almond milk pudding, the perfect sweet ending. Paired with the meal is a calming, caffeine-free herbal tea from the hotel’s own garden, carefully selected to support restful sleep.
Indulge in the ultimate rest and experience a truly memorable stay in Kyoto at Six Senses Kyoto.
A carefully crafted sleep-enhancing dinner by Executive Chef Hiroki Shishikura.
The stark, minimalist exterior contrasts with the lush nature visible throughout the interior. This striking juxtaposition is one of the many things that make Six Senses Kyoto so captivating.
Photo Credits: All images courtesy of Six Senses Kyoto.
Six Senses Kyoto
Address: 431 Myohoin-mae Side Town, Higashiyama, Kyoto
Official Website: https://www.sixsenses.com/kyoto
