Japanese Art of Living Redefined at Capella Kyoto

A Haven of Serenity in the Heart of Kyoto's History

Located in the historic district of Miyagawa-cho, Capella Kyoto stands out for its privileged location in the heart of the city. This luxury hotel is ideally situated just steps from the Zen temple Kenninji, recognized as the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in the city, offering visitors an authentic immersion into the cultural heritage of Kyoto. Opposite, the recently restored Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theater revitalizes the local arts scene as a training and performance venue for geiko and maiko, these iconic artists of Kyoto. The proximity to the Kamo River and the famous Shijō-dori street allows guests to explore the city's varied charms on foot or by bicycle. Additionally, Kyoto Station, located about 15 minutes from the hotel, provides easy access to other major destinations like Osaka and Tokyo.

Reinvented Machiya: The Soul of Kyoto by Kengo Kuma

Opened in March 2025, Capella Kyoto marks a major milestone for Capella Hotels & Resorts, marking their first foray into Japan with deep inspiration drawn from the machiya, the traditional townhouses of Kyoto. Located on the site of the former Shinmichi Elementary School, the hotel is part of an ambitious rehabilitation project that also includes the Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theater and a renovated community center. This project aims to preserve and celebrate the cultural and community heritage of Miyagawa-cho while breathing new vitality into this historic district.

Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, the architecture pays vibrant homage to the machiya using materials that evoke their refined aesthetic. Wood, bamboo, and Japanese paper dominate, creating a warm and textured ambiance faithful to traditional craftsmanship. Shoji screens, emblematic of these traditional houses, are integrated to offer subtle plays of light and changing perspectives. The inner garden, or tsuboniwa, is the soothing heart of the hotel, with its rocky pond and cherry blossoms in spring, providing a space of serenity and contemplation that harmoniously blends with Kyoto's millennia-old heritage.

The interior design of the hotel, signed by Brewin Design Office, also reflects the spirit of the machiya by beautifully balancing private and open spaces. The common areas and rooms are designed to offer havens of peace while being connected to the local community, akin to the machiya that harmoniously integrate into the urban fabric of Kyoto. Capella does not merely replicate their exterior appearance but strives to capture their essence, offering visitors an authentic and enriching immersion into local culture while revitalizing a site steeped in history, faithful to 1,200 years of Kyoto's traditions and culture.

Absolute Refinement: The Premier Temple King Room and Its Meticulous Luxury

The 89 rooms and suites form a harmonious ensemble around a peaceful courtyard, offering generous living spaces with a minimum area of 50 square meters. Designed to be serene retreats in the heart of Kyoto, they draw inspiration from the city's understated elegance. Large bay windows frame soothing views, whether of carefully landscaped gardens, the Kaburenjo Theater, or the majestic Kenninji Temple, transforming each moment spent in the room into an experience of tranquility and beauty.

Among the suites, the Onsen Suites and the sumptuous Capella Suite stand out. The Onsen Suites offer a traditional Japanese bathing experience with black ceramic tubs conducive to total relaxation, while the Capella Suite, with its 206 square meters, provides an unparalleled panorama of Higashiyama. It features a dining area on tatamis and a spectacular wooden ofuro bathtub, offering guests a total immersion in the Japanese art of living.

During our stay, we had the privilege of staying in a Premier Temple King, a 50-square-meter space bathed in natural light, offering a stunning view of the Zen Kenninji Temple. The room, with its sleek and refined style, features a nishijin silk headboard adorned with kanji, adding a touch of Japanese elegance. The elegantly lacquered minibar offers a selection of complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, replenished daily. The bathroom, a sanctuary of relaxation, is adorned with stone and wood with a rain shower and a separate bathtub, creating the ultimate wellness space. Bamford bath products add a luxurious touch, while the Repronizer hairdryer ensures superior hair care. Every evening, the turndown service was accompanied by delicate personalized touches, such as a thermos of dashi broth or a Shinto ema, as well as other surprises like lavender sachets or small daruma, making our stay truly memorable.

Morning Delights: A Sumptuous Buffet to Discover

Served at Lanterne, breakfast is a refined culinary experience that begins with a sumptuous buffet featuring a fine selection of cold dishes, freshly cut fruits, and delicious pastries. Guests then have the pleasure of choosing from a variety of hot dishes, such as fluffy matcha pancakes accompanied by strawberries and vanilla whipped cream, or a complete Japanese breakfast with marinated vegetables, tamagoyaki, and grilled fish fillets. For egg lovers, a variety of preparations is offered, from Eggs Benedict on toasted brioche to an egg white omelet with cottage cheese and tomato salsa. Sweet options abound with a French toast so exquisite it warrants a stay at Capella Kyoto on its own.

SoNoMa: The Whispers of Kyoto with Californian Flavors

SoNoMa by SingleThread, a prestigious collaboration between Capella Kyoto and the renowned restaurant of Kyle and Katina Connaughton in Sonoma, California, offers an exceptional culinary experience in the heart of Kyoto. This signature restaurant, led by Chef Keita Tominaga, features an intimate counter and bar lounge inspired by traditional tea houses, where Kyoto's culinary heritage blends with the distinctive ingredients of Northern California. The omakase menu, a true homage to Sonoma's agricultural landscapes, subtly reinvents Japanese flavors through carefully selected seasonal products. Guests staying at the hotel enjoy priority access to this immersive and captivating gastronomic experience, which is part of a quest for perfection and respect for the seasons.

A Dance of Flavors Between France and Japan at Lanterne

Lanterne, the contemporary French brasserie at the heart of Capella Kyoto, brilliantly reinvents the essence of Parisian cafes by integrating the artisanal delicacy of Kyoto. This unique venue subtly marries marble, herringbone parquet, and light woods, infusing a distinctly Japanese serenity into its elegant design. At any time of day, diners can savor beautifully inspired French cuisine by the flavors of Kyoto, while enjoying a peaceful terrace overlooking the inner courtyard. Lanterne also stands out for its refined pastry offerings, where seasonal sweets, imagined by pastry chefs Emma Horowitz and Miu Morita, captivate with their finesse and creativity. These pastry creations, a signature of the prestigious SingleThread, are presented in a way that evokes a living tableau that evolves with the seasons, offering a poetic and memorable culinary experience.

Yoi: Echoes of Kyoto and the Art of Reinvented Kappo

Yoi stands out with its intimate bar, where a meticulously curated selection of beverages enhances the gastronomic experience. This unique place reinvents kappo, a Japanese culinary approach where chefs prepare and present seasonal dishes directly in front of guests, offering an interactive and personalized experience. Breathing new life into Kyoto's nightlife, Yoi reveals the essence of the city through this intimate culinary tradition. The decor pays homage to the local community with the use of reclaimed wood and lighting fixtures from the former Shinmichi Elementary School, discreetly preserving the neighborhood's memory. The atmosphere is complemented by a 1980s city pop soundtrack, creating a nostalgic yet modern ambiance, perfect for extended evenings.

Among the delights tasted during our visit to Yoi, the MargaRuta charmed with its refined composition of tequila and infused grappa, enhanced with citrus notes and lemon sorbet. The Root cocktail, a bold blend of beet, raspberry, and cold-brewed coffee, was also a pleasant surprise. But it's the Katsu Sando that deserves special mention. This sandwich, garnished with tonkatsu sauce and mayonnaise, is a true revelation, a reason in itself to visit Yoi. The Saikyo Yaki cod accompanied by passion fruit-marinated tomatoes delighted our taste buds, while the charcoal-grilled eel onigiri and Jidori chicken karaage with tartar sauce confirmed the culinary mastery of the place. To conclude, the camembert cheesecake, served with Kyoto honey and a touch of lime, added a sweet and original note to this culinary journey.

The Enchanting Rituals of the Auriga Spa

At the heart of Capella Kyoto, the Auriga Spa is a unique wellness sanctuary inspired by lunar cycles and holistic rituals. This iconic place stands out with its private onsens, true havens of peace where visitors can experience an authentic and intimate Japanese experience. Having had the opportunity to try them, we can attest to their enchanting serenity. Designed for unparalleled comfort, each space offers a large bath, a shower, toilets, and a spacious lounge with a television and refreshments. Immersing in the warm waters of these natural springs provides instant relaxation and peace. The wet and dry saunas and the four treatment cabins complete the offer with a range of rejuvenating experiences that blend Japanese tradition and contemporary wellness innovations.

The Auriga Spa collaborates with The Ginza, offering the first spa treatments in Japan that combine a refined Japanese scientific approach with Capella's signature holistic wellness philosophy. Body and facial treatments, as well as bespoke massages, use seasonal ingredients and mindfulness techniques to revitalize and regenerate. The fitness center, bathed in natural light and equipped with advanced Technogym® technology, enriches this wellness environment with private fitness and yoga classes.

A Total Cultural Immersion

With the exclusive "Capella Curates" program, visitors have access to unique Kyoto traditions and experiences, often inaccessible to the general public. Guests can enjoy private tours of iconic sites, participate in craft workshops with local masters, and discover the art of kintsugi. The hotel's "Living Room," exclusively reserved for guests, is a relaxation space offering refreshments throughout the day, as well as complimentary performances and workshops. The daily Capella Rituals include maiko dance performances, shamisen, and koto recitals, allowing immersion in Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. We had the pleasure of attending unique moments every evening, such as a maiko performance and traditional flute.

My Opinion

Capella Kyoto embodies a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity, offering travelers a deep and authentic immersion into the soul of Kyoto. The hotel's architecture elegantly marries ancient Japanese charm with contemporary amenities, while its inventive gastronomy delights the most discerning palates. The Auriga Spa, with its serene wellness rituals, invites a sensory journey reminiscent of ancient wisdom. In parallel, the exclusive cultural programs enrich the experience by unveiling hidden facets of Kyoto, allowing guests to partake in unique and often inaccessible traditions. With such an offer of luxury and authenticity, Capella Kyoto undoubtedly ranks among the finest hotels in the city, transforming each stay into a memorable adventure deeply rooted in the city's cultural heritage.

What I Loved:

• The absolutely remarkable attention to detail. Beyond the luxury of the room, everything impresses with its quality and refinement: from the pajamas to the hairdryer, to the welcoming products. Nothing is left to chance.
• An exceptional staff. A service of remarkable precision and refinement while maintaining this authenticity, discretion, and sense of hospitality deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.
• An exceptional culinary experience. From the breakfast, as generous as it is refined, to the dinner at the YOI restaurant, the dining reaches a rare level of excellence.

What I Regretted:

• Absolutely nothing. An impeccable experience, where every detail seems to have been thought through and mastered. A rare level of excellence that truly leaves no room for criticism.

Practical Information

• Premier Temple King Room for 1500€ in September 2026.