Luxury Healing Hotels Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
605-0932 Kyoto, Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku Myohoin Maekawacho 445-3, Japan
HOTEL OVERVIEW
You know, I’ve stayed at a bunch of luxury hotels in Kyoto, but the Four Seasons in Higashiyama just hits different. It’s tucked away in this quiet corner near Myohoin Temple – and I mean actually quiet, not that “peaceful oasis” nonsense hotels love to claim. When you wake up here, you’re hearing temple bells instead of traffic, which honestly makes all the difference when you’re trying to shake off jet lag.
The thing about this place is how they managed to feel authentically Japanese without going full theme park about it. The gardens are stunning, obviously, but what really got me was walking through the lobby late at night when it’s all lit up with these soft lanterns – it’s like stepping into a movie scene, except better because you’re actually living it. The rooms are spacious by Japanese standards (and I mean truly spacious, not just “well, it’s bigger than a capsule hotel”), and the views… well, if you get one facing the gardens and the pagoda, you’ll understand why people pay extra for it. The bathroom situation is next level too – those deep soaking tubs aren’t just for show, they’re perfect after spending all day walking around Kiyomizu-dera and the bamboo groves.
What really sets this place apart though is the location knowledge the staff has. They don’t just hand you a generic tourist map – they’ll tell you the best time to hit Philosopher’s Path when it’s not crawling with tour groups, or which entrance to use at Gion to avoid the crowds. I remember the concierge suggesting this tiny kaiseki place about ten minutes away that I never would’ve found on my own, and it ended up being one of the best meals of my trip. The hotel’s restaurant is solid too, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes you want to venture out, and they actually encourage it instead of trying to keep you on property. Parking is handled really well if you’re renting a car – they take care of everything, and honestly, having a car in this part of Kyoto is pretty manageable once you get used to the narrow streets. The only thing I’d mention is that if you’re here during cherry blossom season or fall foliage time, book way in advance and expect everything nearby to be packed. But that’s Kyoto for you, not really the hotel’s fault. The check-in process is smooth, they speak excellent English if you need it, and the service feels attentive without being hovering – which is surprisingly hard to find at this level.
HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS
Reviews
Staff: 9.5
Comfort: 9.7
Location: 9.0
Free WiFi: 9.5
Facilities: 9.5
Cleanliness: 9.5
Value for money: 8.4
Ali from Qatar (11 November 2024)
The hotel’s interior was stunning, complemented by a beautiful garden setting. The service level was exceptional, and the staff were highly professional, assisting with packing my bags and even handling shipment arrangements. The reception staff were also very friendly, making my stay even more enjoyable. What could be improved: Maybe a bit far...
Weisenfeld from United States (25 March 2025)
The breakfast was exceptional. The fruit was perhaps the best we ever had. It's hard to imagine having such amazing fruit again.
What could be improved: A little better explanation of the bill. I think it was a bit of a language barrier.
Anila from South Africa (10 March 2025)
Perfect in every way
Antonio from Brazil (1 March 2025)
A different kind of heaven, since we came from the Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi. It was the same wonderful experience, but more peaceful and contemplative. The building has only four floors and stretches through a beautiful garden. It offers more intimacy, tranquility, and calm—perfect for a peaceful stay, enjoying massages, reflections, mental...
Melissa from United States (14 February 2025)
It’s a Four Seasons property so the service was top tier and the property itself was very luxurious. It had almost a boutique feel as well. The beautiful garden and pond are the showstoppers though.
What could be improved: N/A
Qizhi from United States (13 February 2025)
We stayed in FS Kyoto to celebrate my grandfather’s 90 years old birthday. The hotel provided excellent service and the attention to detail is incredible. I love everything about our stay and I am sure that I will come back in the future
Geoffrey from Indonesia (21 December 2024)
Has a wonderful garden… obviously hotel is great.
Abdullah from Saudi Arabia (10 December 2024)
The hotel itself is built around the stunning Shakusui-en, an 800-year-old heritage pond garden. This breathtaking garden is a masterpiece of natural beauty, adorned with vibrant trees and diverse flowers that change with the seasons. Guests can also explore the historic Tea House, which is a focal point of the garden and a must-visit for tourists...
Chris from United Kingdom (2 November 2024)
The room was very good (an upgrade although it didn’t have a nice view which we generally try to get). Facilities were all excellent (gym, swimming pool, garden etc). What could be improved: Restaurant prices were higher than equivalent class hotels in Tokyo. Fewer restaurant/bar options than in Tokyo. Clientele was mostly US and the breakfast...
Marina from United States (19 October 2024)
The gardens were outstanding. The service was very good.
What could be improved: The rooms were comfortable but not especial. A bit impersonal. Extremely expensive for what we got. We compared with the Okura in Tokyo and felt the Okura is in a class of its own and less expensive .
SURROUNDINGS
What's nearby:
- Ishibe Alley: 1.2 km
- Kodaiji Park: 1.2 km
- Rokuhara Park: 400 m
- Kyoto National Museum: 450 m
- Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka: 1.1 km
- Ryozen Museum of History: 1.4 km
- Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum: 950 m
- Nintendo Original Building: 1 km
- Japan Kanji Museum & Library: 1.4 km
- Kyoto Gion Matsuri Festival Gallery: 1.5 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Cafe/bar TR茶: 600 m
- Cafe/bar市川屋珈琲: 200 m
- Restaurant Okonomiyaki Kiraku: 400 m
Top attractions:
- Kyoto Tower: 1.9 km
- Nijo Castle: 5 km
- Maruyama Park: 1.7 km
- Togetsu-kyo Bridge: 11 km
- Kyoto Imperial Palace: 6 km
- Katsura Imperial Villa: 7 km
- Shugakuin Imperial Villa: 7 km
- Statue of Izumo no Okuni: 1.7 km
- Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama: 11 km
- Kyoto International Manga Museum: 3.5 km
Natural beauty:
- Mountain Mount Hiei: 11 km
- Forest Arashiama Bamboo Grove: 12 km
Ski lifts:
- Biwako Valley Lift 1: 37 km
- Biwako Valley Lift 6: 37 km
- Biwako Valley Lift 8: 37 km
Public transport:
- Train Tōfukuji: 1.5 km
- Metro Gojo Station: 1.8 km
- Metro Shijo Station: 2.4 km
- Train Kiyomizu Gojo Station: 900 m
Closest airports:
- Kobe Airport: 78 km
- Itami Airport: 44 km
- Kansai International Airport: 97 km
ROOMS
- Estimated price from: $1,007. Deluxe King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,122. Premier King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,163. Premier Room with Two Double Beds with 2 double beds for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,211. Premier Heritage Garden Room King with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,251. Premier Heritage Garden Room Two Double with 2 double beds for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,311. Four Seasons Heritage Garden Room King with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,352. Four Seasons Room Two Double with 2 double beds for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,529. One Bedroom Suite King with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,549. One Bedroom Premier Suite Twin Beds with 2 single beds for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,596. One Bedroom Heritage Garden Suite King with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,663. One Bedroom Premier Heritage Garden Suite King with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,703. One Bedroom Premier Heritage Garden Suite Two Double with 2 double beds for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,830. One Bedroom Residence King with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,870. One Bedroom Residence Two Double with 2 double beds for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,870. One Bedroom Tatami Dining Residence Two Double Beds with 2 double beds for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,937. One Bedroom Heritage Garden Residence King with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $1,978. One Bedroom Heritage Garden Residence Two Double with 2 double beds for 1 - 2 guests
- Estimated price from: $7,634. Two Bedroom Kyoto Residence with 2 extra-large double beds for 1 - 2 guests
FACILITIES
General:
- Pet bowls
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Heating
- Chapel/shrine
- Lift
- Barber/beauty shop
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
Outdoors:
- Terrace
- Garden
Wellness:
- Fitness/spa locker rooms
- Personal trainer
- Fitness classes
- Yoga classes
- Fitness
- Spa/wellness packages
- Spa lounge/relaxation area
- Steam room
- Spa facilities
- Body scrub
- Body treatments
- Hair styling
- Hair colouring
- Hair cut
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Hair treatments
- Facial treatments
- Beauty Services
- Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- Massage Additional charge
- Spa and wellness centre Additional charge
- Fitness centre
- Sauna
Transport:
- Public transport tickets Additional charge
Activities:
- Bicycle rental Additional charge
- Live music/performance
- Cooking class Additional charge
- Bike tours
- Evening entertainment
- Cycling Off-site
Food & Drink:
- Fruits Additional charge
- Wine/champagne Additional charge
- Kid meals Additional charge
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Breakfast in the room
- Bar
- Restaurant
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible
Languages spoken:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Japanese
- Korean
- Chinese
Cleaning services:
- Daily housekeeping
- Trouser press Additional charge
- Ironing service Additional charge
- Dry cleaning Additional charge
- Laundry Additional charge
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- Security alarm
- Key card access
- 24-hour security
- Safety deposit box
Reception services:
- Invoice provided
- Lockers
- Private check-in/check-out
- Concierge service
- Luggage storage
- Tour desk
- Currency exchange
- Express check-in/check-out
- 24-hour front desk
Business facilities:
- Fax/photocopying Additional charge
- Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
Most popular facilities:
- Indoor swimming pool
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness centre
- 4 restaurants
- Parking on site
- Spa and wellness centre
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Room service
- Bar
- Breakfast
Indoor swimming pool Free!:
- Opening times
- Open all year
Entertainment and family services:
- Board games/puzzles
- Babysitting/child services Additional charge
Parking Public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs ¥5,000 per day.:
- Valet parking
- Parking garage
- Accessible parking
HOUSE RULES
Pets:
- Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Groups:
- When booking more than 6 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Check-in:
- From 15:00
- You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out:
- Until 12:00
Age restriction:
- The minimum age for check-in is 18
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
HOTEL ADDRESS
605-0932 Kyoto, Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku Myohoin Maekawacho 445-3, Japan
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