Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER

604-8131 Kyoto, Kyoto, 45-1, Hishiya-cho, Higashiiru, Higashinotoin, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Japan

Guest reviews: 9.1

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Experience the epitome of luxury and tranquility at the five-star Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER, a distinguished establishment nestled in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Nakagyo-ku district. This exceptional hotel boasts an impressive 9.1 rating, placing it among the most prestigious and highly-acclaimed accommodations in the ancient capital of Japan. Situated at the crossroads of Sanjo-dori and Higashinotoin streets, this premium property offers guests an ideal base from which to explore Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage and timeless beauty. The Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER enjoys a privileged location in central Kyoto, with its address at 45-1 Hishiya-cho providing convenient access to many of the city’s most revered attractions. Located in the Nakagyo-ku ward, guests find themselves within walking distance of the charming Pontocho Alley, known for its traditional restaurants and nightlife, and the scenic Kamo River, perfect for contemplative evening strolls. The hotel’s position near Sanjo-dori Street places it close to excellent shopping opportunities, including the covered Nishiki Market—often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen”—where visitors can sample local delicacies and purchase traditional crafts. The nearby Karasuma and Keihan train lines ensure that farther-flung destinations such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama are easily accessible, making the hotel an excellent hub for both cultural exploration and modern convenience. What truly sets the Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER apart, as reflected in its outstanding 9.1 rating, is its seamless integration of contemporary luxury with traditional Japanese aesthetics. The hotel’s design philosophy embraces the concept of “wa” (harmony), creating spaces that soothe the senses and refresh the spirit after a day of sightseeing. Guest rooms offer a refined sanctuary adorned with high-quality furnishings and thoughtful amenities, many featuring elements of traditional Japanese design reimagined for the modern traveler. The hotel’s communal areas continue this theme, with carefully curated artwork and seasonal decorative touches that celebrate Kyoto’s rich artistic heritage. The property’s exceptional service embodies the Japanese principle of “omotenashi”—the wholehearted approach to hospitality that anticipates guests’ needs before they arise. Whether assisting with arranging visits to nearby temples, recommending seasonal dining experiences, or simply providing a warm welcome after a day of exploration, the staff at Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER consistently demonstrates why this establishment has earned its place among Kyoto’s premier accommodations. For those seeking an authentic yet luxurious experience in Japan’s cultural capital, this five-star gem offers an unparalleled blend of tradition, comfort, and distinguished service in one of Kyoto’s most desirable locations.

HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS

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Reviews

Staff: 9.5

Comfort: 9.7

Location: 9.6

Free WiFi: 9.1

Facilities: 9.4

Cleanliness: 9.5

Value for money: 8.9

Claudia from Netherlands (8 November 2024)

10/10

Everything about this place was amazing. The room was larger than the usual in Japan. I loved that there was a gym, and it’s well in the center but not too loud. It is close to everything! I love that there was also a bath tub. The beds were comfy.

What could be improved: Nothing.

Eu from Singapore (25 March 2025)

10/10

The hotel wqs beautiful, location was great!

What could be improved: Nothing. All was good.

Ashley from Canada (22 March 2025)

9/10

This hotel is in an excellent location for getting a good start each day for prime sight seeing across Kyoto, but is in a very cool and chill upscale neighbourhood for strolling at all hours of the day. There are great coffee shops, bakeries, and excellent shopping. There are loads of chic restaurants to look up and book ahead of time, and some...

Ashley from Canada (22 March 2025)

9/10

This hotel is in an excellent location for getting a good start each day for prime sight seeing across Kyoto, but is in a very cool and chill upscale neighbourhood for strolling at all hours of the day. There are great coffee shops, bakeries, and excellent shopping. There are loads of chic restaurants to look up and book ahead of time, and some more relaxed options to stumble upon if you’re going with the flow each day. We enjoyed coffee at the Blue Bottle cafe, sandwiches and baked goods at the Flip Up bakery, and shopping the North Face purple label goods at stores in the immediate hood, and nearby market area.

What could be improved: It’s a Japanese hotel which means you’re going to get some nice touches like the public onsen, skincare and toiletries to take with you to the room, and slippers/pjs. But, the service is just different from western levels. Japan like everywhere seems to be struggling with staffing and I would say the team here is very junior and not very knowledgeable about the neighbourhood. They were unable to make recommendations for dinners, but did offer to navigate the booking pages if required.

Misa from Singapore (21 March 2025)

10/10

It was near the station and many convenient stores, short walk from the Nishiki market. Great location, clean and beautiful room. Simple and elegant

What could be improved: NA

Dean from United States (20 March 2025)

10/10

Everything was perfect. Facilities, staff, location, value.

What could be improved: Nothing

James from United Kingdom (17 March 2025)

8/10

The room was very very good with a lot of space. It would have been nice to have had some draws or shelves to put clothes rather than having to live out of a suitcase. What could be improved: The breakfast could have been much better. There was a very limited selection of fruit, there was no bread of toast despite there being jam and marmalade and...

James from United Kingdom (17 March 2025)

8/10

The room was very very good with a lot of space. It would have been nice to have had some draws or shelves to put clothes rather than having to live out of a suitcase.

What could be improved: The breakfast could have been much better. There was a very limited selection of fruit, there was no bread of toast despite there being jam and marmalade and the menu for hot food was very limited.

Mattia from Italy (17 March 2025)

9/10

Beautiful hotel, our king room was generously sized for the local standards. The location is very central and close to a number of attractions. Loved the onsen and the onsite cheese factory.

Nicole from United States (16 March 2025)

10/10

1) The attentiveness, kindness and care of all staff was the best we ever experienced! 2) Both the public and private spa were beautiful! 3) The free coffee in the lobby was greatly appreciated! 4) elevators super fast 5)location amazing 5) The restaurant is beautiful and food exceptional and fairly priced! I loved the cheese and the workshop...

Nicole from United States (16 March 2025)

10/10

1) The attentiveness, kindness and care of all staff was the best we ever experienced! 2) Both the public and private spa were beautiful! 3) The free coffee in the lobby was greatly appreciated! 4) elevators super fast 5)location amazing 5) The restaurant is beautiful and food exceptional and fairly priced! I loved the cheese and the workshop space, but WISH they offered actual classes! I would love to learn how to make mozzarella!

What could be improved: Since we do not eat big breakfast we did not like that the hotel only offered a buffet (fixed price) offering. Ala carte is much preferred for Americans.

Janakiraman from India (16 March 2025)

9/10

Location

What could be improved: Nothing to compalin about

Tania from United States (15 March 2025)

10/10

I liked everything! We booked a deluxe suite that was on the ground level, which although was beautiful, the windows were frosted (so no view). I asked to be moved to a room with proper windows because our previous hotel in Tokyo had the same issue, which was not great. The staff quickly showed me two different room options (both with lots of...

Tania from United States (15 March 2025)

10/10

I liked everything! We booked a deluxe suite that was on the ground level, which although was beautiful, the windows were frosted (so no view). I asked to be moved to a room with proper windows because our previous hotel in Tokyo had the same issue, which was not great. The staff quickly showed me two different room options (both with lots of sunlight). I was able to pick whichever room I wanted and we moved within minutes. It was seamless and they were so accommodating. The rooms were so clean and beautiful. The hotel smelled incredible and the onsen was so gorgeous. The location was also super. I can’t recommend this hotel enough.

What could be improved: The breakfast could’ve had more Japanese style options in my opinion but otherwise it was great.

SURROUNDINGS

What's nearby:

  • Shiorian: 550 m
  • Chiso Gallery: 250 m
  • Misayama Park: 350 m
  • Ikebana Museum: 250 m
  • Katsura Kogoro Statue: 950 m
  • Old Site of Goshun House: 400 m
  • Former Residence of Choshu: 950 m
  • Kaleidoscope Museum of Kyoto: 250 m
  • Kyoto International Manga Museum: 550 m
  • Goto Shojiro Gukyo Trace Memorial Gallery: 700 m

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Cafe/barマリベル: 100 m
  • Cafe/bar Paul, Kyoto Sanjo: 50 m
  • Cafe/bar Inoda Coffee 本店: 150 m

Top attractions:

  • Nijo Castle: 2.1 km
  • Pontocho Park: 1.2 km
  • Kan-in Remains: 1.1 km
  • Togetsu-kyo Bridge: 9 km
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace: 3.1 km
  • Kyoto National Museum: 3 km
  • Katsura Imperial Villa: 7 km
  • Shugakuin Imperial Villa: 7 km
  • Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama: 9 km
  • Shimadzu Foundation Memorial Hall: 1.2 km

Natural beauty:

  • Mountain Mount Hiei: 11 km
  • Forest Arashiama Bamboo Grove: 10 km

Ski lifts:

  • Biwako Valley Lift 1: 39 km
  • Biwako Valley Lift 6: 39 km
  • Biwako Valley Lift 8: 39 km

Public transport:

  • Metro Shijo Station: 850 m
  • Train Karasuma Station: 800 m
  • Train Kawaramachi Station: 1.2 km
  • Metro Karasuma Oike Station: 350 m

Closest airports:

  • Kobe Airport: 79 km
  • Itami Airport: 46 km
  • Kansai International Airport: 98 km

ROOMS

  • Estimated price from: $300. Superior Queen Room with 1 large double bed for 1 - 2 guests
  • Estimated price from: $300. Superior Queen Room with Washing Machine with 1 large double bed for 1 - 1 guests
  • Estimated price from: $310. Superior King Room (2 Adults) with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 - 1 guests
  • Estimated price from: $310. Superior Twin Room with 2 single beds for 1 - 1 guests
  • Estimated price from: $342. Superior King Room with Extra Bed (3 Adults) with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 1 - 1 guests
  • Estimated price from: $355. Deluxe Twin Room with 2 single beds for 1 - 1 guests
  • Estimated price from: $355. Accessible Twin Room with 2 single beds for 1 - 1 guests
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FACILITIES

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Alarm clock

General:

  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Vending machine (drinks)
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Wake-up service
  • Heating
  • Carpeted
  • Lift
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wake up service/Alarm clock

Kitchen:

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bidet
  • Bath or shower
  • Slippers
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath
  • Shower

Outdoors:

  • Terrace
  • Garden

Wellness:

  • Fitness
  • Spa facilities
  • Public Bath
  • Spa and wellness centre Additional charge
  • Fitness centre

Living Area:

  • Desk

Food & Drink:

  • Bar Additional charge
  • Restaurant
  • Tea/Coffee maker

Accessibility:

  • Visual aids: Braille
  • Emergency cord in bathroom
  • Toilet with grab rails
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Entire unit wheelchair accessible
  • Upper floors accessible by elevator

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Japanese

Cleaning services:

  • Daily housekeeping

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key card access
  • 24-hour security
  • Safety deposit box

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Satellite channels
  • Telephone
  • TV

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Concierge service
  • Luggage storage
  • Currency exchange
  • 24-hour front desk

Business facilities:

  • Fax/photocopying Additional charge

Great for your stay:

  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Private bathroom
  • Fitness centre
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Bath
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms
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HOUSE RULES

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Check-in:

  • From 15:00

Check-out:

  • Until 12:00

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

604-8131 Kyoto, Kyoto, 45-1, Hishiya-cho, Higashiiru, Higashinotoin, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Japan

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