The Hotel Guru
The 9 Best Foodie Hotels in Kyoto

The 9 Best Foodie Hotels in Kyoto

Famed for its ancient traditions and well-preserved heritage buildings, Kyoto is a wonderful destination for culture buffs. It's also one of Japan's top foodie hotspots, with Michelin-starred fare, intimate fresh sushi counters and understated eateries aplenty. The city's water is thought to be amongst the purest in Japan; the resulting soups and stocks come highly recommended. Multi-course kaiseki dinners, too, are superb, whether served at low, garden-facing tables in traditional ryokans, or in swish, sophisticated modern surroundings. Whatever you're craving, the best foodie hotels in Kyoto will most certainly not disappoint!

For an Intimate Ryokan

Yoshikawa has been open for over 70 years, and is something of a Kyoto institution. The ryokan’s acclaimed restaurant specialises in multi-course kaiseki dinners with a focus on tempura. There’s also a tempura counter bar for those looking to go straight to the source! For foodies eager to experience classic Japanese charm.
Nanzenji Sando Kikusui channels traditional Japanese style with five heritage suites and delicious fusion dishes served in private rooms within the gardens. Chef Hideki Ofude blends French and Japanese culinary techniques to create colourful gourmet fare. Very romantic.
Sowaka Hotel is home to La Bombance Gion, overseen by its Michelin-starred sister restaurant in Tokyo. Seasonal menus change monthly, and the set menu comes highly recommended. Book well in advance for one of 14 seats at the counter, where you can see traditional dishes being prepared. A luxurious ryokan.

For Contemporary Cool

Aman Kyoto lives up to the global hotel group's stellar reputation when it comes to cuisine. Sip cocktails and enjoy fresh dishes in The Living Pavilion or savour authentic Japanese fare with multi-course menus at Chef Shinichirō Takagi's Taka-An. The Kyoto Hirai beef, paired with carefully chosen wines, is not to be missed.
Suiran Hotel’s two understated restaurants are housed in restored heritage buildings. Kyo Suiran offers washoku — classic Japanese cuisine — as well as French-inspired fare. Book a teppanyaki table for the full experience. Café Saryo Hassui promises sophisticated afternoon teas on the banks of the Katsura River. A swish, romantic and restful hotel.
The Mitsui Kyoto offers contemporary Italian grill and pizzas at Forni, as well as cracking cocktails in The Garden Bar. The real draw for food-focused travellers, however, is Toki, where Chef Asano uses Kyoto’s famously excellent water to fuel mouth-watering stock in dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients. A slick city hotel.
The Shinmonzen is a design-led art hotel with nine minimalist suites. French Chef Jean-Georges Vongreichten is set to offer innovative dishes, using fresh regional produce with a playful European twist — including plenty of caviar. An intimate foodie choice.

For Michelin-Starred Dining

The Four Seasons Kyoto is home to Michelin-starred Sushi Wakon, an eight-seat restaurant offering a unique dining experience. Feast on the finest ingredients from Tokyo’s iconic Toyosu Fish Market, flown in daily. The omakase menu, paired with top sakes, is marvellous.
The Ritz Carlton’s Tempura Mizuki is famed for its exceptional tiger prawns and for its egg yolk tempura topped with caviar. A Michelin-starred restaurant in a hugely luxurious hotel, this is a perfect choice for foodies, spa-goers and fans of absolute luxury.

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- Yoshikawa Kyoto (Nakagyo-ku) 8 rooms from £215
  
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  Foodies  -  The hotel is home to a celebrated tempura restaurant which attracts visitors from near and far - great news for foodies
  City Style  -  With elegant, Japanese-style guestrooms and a central city location, book this hotel for classic Kyoto charm
  Local exploring  -  With the city's main attractions located close by, book this hotel as a base for local sightseeing in Kyoto
  Sights nearby  -  Spend an afternoon exploring Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, with its freely roaming herds of deer and spectacular temples
  
  This hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto, close to the Imperial Palace. Opened over seventy years ago, the hotel is something of a local institution; recently renovated, it now offers bright, Japanese-style guestrooms and extensive spa facilities, in addition to an excellent tempura restaurant. See More
  
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- Nanzenji Sando Kikusui Kyoto (Sakyo-ku) 5 rooms from £869
  
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  Romantic Break  -  At just five guestrooms, this boutique hotel is ideal for a tranquil romantic break close to beautiful nature spots
  Local exploring  -  The hotel is located in a mountainous area great for hiking, with a temple and native monkeys to explore nearby
  Foodies  -  Foodies can enjoy exceptional Japanese and Japanese-styled French cuisine at the hotel restaurant
  Great walks  -  Take a long walk through Kyoto city centre and discover sights like the Kyoto Imperial Palace on the way
  
  This heritage hotel is located in Kyoto. After a complete renovation, the property now offers warm, inviting guestrooms with slate and wood accents plus views onto the beautiful Japanese garden from a cosy terrace. Dine at the acclaimed restaurant, run by a Michelin-starred chef. See More
  
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- Sowaka Hotel Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku) 23 rooms from £467
  
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  Romantic Break  -  The tranquil atmosphere at this contemporary Japanese hotel is perfect for a couples' getaway; book a relaxing in-room massage
  Foodies  -  A great choice for foodies, with onsite restaurant La BOMBANCE overseen by a Michelin-starred chef
  City Style  -  Set in a historic neighbourhood in Kyoto, this hotel has reams of luxury local city charm
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the beautiful, nearby Kodaiji Temple, located a few minutes' walk from this hotel
  
  This stylish hotel is located in Kyoto's charming Gion neighbourhood. Guestrooms blend classic Japanese design with a contemporary inflexion, with sliding doors opening onto the hotel's verdant inner courtyard. Dine at the award-winning restaurant to complete the experience. See More
  
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- Aman Kyoto Kyoto (Kita-ku) 26 rooms from £1251
  
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  Romantic Break  -  With luxurious suites, romantic restaurants and a sleek wellness centre, book this hotel for an unforgettable couples' getaway
  Spa breaks  -  Book this hotel for a unique spa break and bathe in the naturally occurring hot springs in the forest, enriched in minerals
  Back to Nature  -  Nestled in a native forest in the north of Kyoto, this hotel feels like a peaceful retreat to nature
  Sailing  -  Travel along with the rapids of the Hozugawa river by boat from Tanba-Kameoka to Arashiyama
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  This luxury Kyoto hotel is nestled within a mythical forest with natural hot springs. Suites offer guests proximity to the natural environment, located in pavilions with floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden screens and tatami mats. Book a private dinner in the forest for a romantic evening. See More
  
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- Suiran Hotel Kyoto (Saga-Tenryuji) 39 rooms from £547
  
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  Great walks  -  Wander through the beautoful Saganoo Bamboo forest or take a leisurely stroll around the city's streets
  Foodies  -  Enjoy a fusion of traditional Japanese kaiseki and French cuisine at the wonderful restaurant
  Learning  -  Delve into old Japanese court life at the Shigureden Museum
  Back to Nature  -  Suiran Hotel boasts a stunningly tranquil location
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  The luxurious Suiran Hotel is situated along the banks of the Katsura River in the outskirts of Kyoto. The property offers chic designer accommodation and boasts its own lush garden: perfect for relaxing with a drink. Exquisite cuisine served at the restaurant! An indulgent stay in a stunning spot. See More
  
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- The Mitsui Kyoto Kyoto (Aburano-koji St. Nijo-sagaru,) 161 rooms from £990
  
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  Romantic Break  -  For a romantic stay book one of the two Onsen Suites which come complete with private outdoor onsens
  Designer  -  An elegant hotel whose sleek contemporary design is rooted in Kyoto heritage
  Historic  -  Well positioned on a historic site just opposite Nijo Castle
  Sights nearby  -  Visit Nijo Castle, the 17th-century Unesco World Heritage site located just across wide Horikawa-dori street
  
  An elegant luxury hotel with a fabulous location set by the UNESCO heritage site, Nijo Castle. While the design is undeniably contemporary there is a traditional feel from tatami mat flooring, washi lights, and kimono textiles. With a thermal spa and two good restaurants, this is an indulgent stay. See More
  
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- The Shinmonzen Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku) 9 rooms from £888
  
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  Designer  -  Offering the simplicity of a Ryokan with renowned art works and chic European touches — making this anything but traditional
  Local exploring  -  Gion district is famous for its geisha teahouses, atmospheric narrow lanes, hidden temples and traditional wooden architecture
  Foodies  -  Famed French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten runs the show here offering Kyoto cuisine with a distinctly modern French touch
  Artworks  -  The property has some big hitters including Damien Hirst, Louise Bourgeois and Hiroshi Sugimoto
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Behind its traditional machiya-style façade, lies a contemporary ryokan made for design-lovers. Interiors are styled on a traditional ryokan with chic minimalism, tatami mat flooring, and sharp lines but there are also renowned artworks (think Damien Hirst) and plenty of modern touches. Very chic. See More
  
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- Four Seasons Kyoto Kyoto (HIGASHIYAMA-KU) 123 rooms from £1411
  
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  City Style  -  With service as good as its facilities plus some very chic design this is a city spot that's hard to beat
  Spa breaks  -  Experience Japanese wellness treatments at their best in the utterly spoiling spa
  Foodies  -  The Michelin starred Sushi Wakon Restaurant should not be missed.
  Sights nearby  -  Walk to popular attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera, Kodaiji and the Chion-in temple
  
  A five-star luxury experience right in the heart of historic Kyoto. Set in tranquil gardens the interiors perfectly mix the old and the new. Spacious rooms benefit from floor to ceiling windows offering plenty of light. The spa is a destination in its own right and mustn't be missed! See More
  
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- Ritz Carlton Kyoto 117 rooms from £500
  
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  City Style  -  A luxury property boasting a glorious spa, atmospheric bar and top-notch restaurants
  Honeymoons  -  A sumptuous choice for well-heeled couples dreaming of a honeymoon in the city
  Views  -  Set alongside the Kamogawa River, offering superb city views
  Sights nearby  -  Make a trip to see the 15th century Ginkaku-ji temple.
  
  A chic property perfectly mixing traditional Japanese style with contemporary luxuries. Boasting a central location overlooking the river. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with windows framing the lush views, bonsai plants, modern bathrooms and traditional art. Ideal for exploring the city. See More
  
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