A contemporary palace in the former samurai quarter, where Marriott has transformed a 17th-century noble's residence into a Luxury Collection address.
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
From
951.556 €
“Private 300-year-old garden listed as a historical monument, with thermal baths fed by its own source.”
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO occupies the former site of the Mitsui Sōmyōan villa, a merchant family that became a banking dynasty in the 17th century. We cross a three-century-old Zen garden before reaching the lobby, a contemporary volume with an eight-metre ceiling clad in hinoki wood and Shirakawa stone. The rooms blend tatami, volcanic stone bathtubs and Western king-size beds, from 50 to 120 m² depending on the category. The thermal spa draws from a private source 1,000 metres deep, rare in central Kyoto. We tested the private terrace onsen, water at 42°, view over the rooftops of the Nijō district. The service remains discreet, never obsequious, typical of the new generation of Japanese palaces. From 952 € per night, Booking score 9.6/10 from 245 reviews, which places the address in Kyoto's top three ✨
Who is it for?
Who we recommend it to
We recommend the Mitsui to travellers seeking the Japanese onsen experience without leaving the city centre, and who are willing to pay palace prices for a contemporary building rather than a traditional ryokan. It's an address for fortysomething couples and above, second honeymoons, wellness retreats, a few high-end business trips. Families with children under twelve will be less at ease, the atmosphere remains hushed and the clientele mostly adult.
The building
Architecture and interiors
The current building dates from 2020, built by the Nikken Sekkei agency on the site of the former Mitsui villa. Contemporary architecture in concrete, hinoki wood and Shirakawa stone, horizontal volumes that respect the height of the historic garden. Interiors by André Fu, Hong Kong designer who worked on the Upper House and the Fullerton Bay. Traditional Japanese materials (washi, tatami, bamboo) assembled in modern proportions. 161 rooms and suites spread over four floors, all with stone bathtubs and garden or city views.
At the table
Restaurants, bar, service
The Forni restaurant offers contemporary Italian cuisine by chef Matteo Monfrinotti, trained by Alain Ducasse. Breakfast served in the Touzan salon, Japanese formula (grilled fish, rice, miso) or Western, from 7am to 10.30am. The Koka sake bar serves 80 regional references, open until midnight. 24/7 room service, reduced menu after 11pm. No Michelin-starred table on site, but the level remains above the average of chain palaces.
Highlights
- Listed Meiji garden, 300 years old, tended by three full-time gardeners
- Thermal spa with private source 1,000 m deep, indoor and outdoor onsen
- Rooms from 50 to 120 m² with volcanic stone bathtubs and tatami
- Location facing Nijō Castle, 8 minutes on foot from the Imperial Palace
- Booking score 9.6/10, the highest among Kyoto's historic palaces
Location & access
Where the hotel sits in Kyoto
The hotel stands in Nakagyō-ku, central district between Nijō Castle (three minutes on foot) and the Imperial Palace (eight minutes). Aburanokōji Street, historic axis of the merchant quarter, today residential and quiet after 7pm. Nijōjō-mae metro station 400 metres away, Tozai line connecting to Kyoto Station in twelve minutes. Kansai Airport 90 minutes by limousine, Kyoto Station ten minutes by taxi. The Gion district and its tea houses are twenty minutes on foot, Arashiyama thirty minutes by train.
Good to know
Before you book
- Pets
- Not accepted, no exceptions.
- Children
- Welcome, free baby cot, but no kids' club or dedicated menu.
- Spa
- Open 6am-11pm, mixed onsen in swimwear, private cabins on reservation.
- Parking
- Private on-site parking, 3,000 yen/night (≈20 €), valet included.
- Wi-Fi
- Free throughout the hotel, fibre optic, stable connection.
- Accessibility
- 3 accessible rooms on the ground floor, wide lifts, garden access ramps.
Facilities
Room service
Restaurant
Wi-Fi available throughout
Private parking
Spa and wellness centre
On-site parking
Non-smoking rooms
Free Wi-Fi
Fitness centre
Facilities for disabled guests
Location
Where HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa is located
Exact address
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
Address
Nakagyo-ku Nijo-sagaru Aburano-koji St. Nijoaburanokoji-cho 284
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