Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto: Contemporary Elegance and the Charm of a Historic Garden

Close to Kyoto’s Treasures, Far from the Bustle

Nestled in the historic Higashiyama district, the hotel offers a peaceful, leafy retreat within easy reach of Kyoto’s cultural treasures. With lanes lined with traditional machiya houses, temples and artisan shops, the surrounding area lends itself to exploring on foot or by bicycle, with rentals available at the hotel. The famous Kiyomizu-dera temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fifteen-minute walk away, while the streets of Gion, the Kyoto National Museum and Sanjusangen-do temple invite further exploration. Kyoto Station, served by the Shinkansen, and the lively Kawaramachi district are each around ten minutes away by car, making it easy to enjoy the city before returning to the hotel’s serenity.

Shakusui-en, an Ancient Garden in a Contemporary Setting

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto expresses a contemporary elegance deeply rooted in the heritage of Japan’s former imperial capital. Designed by Japanese architectural firm Kume Sekkei, the building borders Shakusui-en, a spectacular pond garden whose origins date back to the 12th century. With its islands, trees and mountain views, the pond creates a landscape of striking beauty. A historic garden of this scale is a rarity within a hotel, providing an exceptional setting that gives the property the feel of a peaceful resort in the heart of the city.

On arrival, the porte cochère designed by Jun Mitsui & Associates evokes traditional Japanese parasols, easing the transition from city to hotel. Inside, Hirsch Bedner Associates has created a refined interior accented with details that celebrate local craftsmanship: cushions woven by Hosoo, a Kyoto house founded in 1688, sit alongside a distinctive Hermès rickshaw upholstered in leather. In the restaurant, a ceiling soaring to the height of four storeys lends a spectacular sense of scale to the light-filled space.

The true heart of the property, Shakusui-en carries this meeting of heritage and modernity into the garden. Its two ponds, islands and pathways create a landscape for leisurely walks, revealing a pagoda, stones representing sailboats at anchor and a waterfall restored using historical records. A glass bridge offers views of the historic stone bridge while preserving its archaeological significance. Overlooking the garden, the terrace provides a peaceful setting for breakfast or a glass of champagne after dusk, with the rhythms of nature shaping the atmosphere throughout the hotel.

Premier Heritage Garden, a Window onto Timeless Kyoto

The 180 accommodations, comprising 110 rooms, 13 suites including a presidential suite, and 57 hotel residences, combine contemporary luxury with Japanese craftsmanship. Washi paper lamps, fusuma panels and urushi lacquerware bring an artisanal touch to interiors in neutral tones, enlivened by jewel-coloured textiles. Dark wooden floors and furniture with clean lines create a serene atmosphere, with views of the garden, courtyard or city. The suites feature separate living and sleeping areas, while the hotel residences, equipped with private kitchens, offer greater independence for families and travellers enjoying a longer stay in Kyoto.

We stayed in a 52 m² Premier Heritage Garden room, whose large windows frame the Shakusui-en garden. Waking to this view is a pleasure that makes this category well worth choosing. Alongside the king-size bed, a sofa bed with a coffee table and a desk with two chairs make it easy to enjoy the space in comfort. The bathroom combines marble and granite, with a large bathtub and a separate rain shower. Thick terry bathrobes and Diptyque toiletries extend the invitation to unwind, in a room whose refined decor allows the beauty of the garden to take centre stage.

A Delicious Start to the Day, between Kyoto and the West

Breakfast is served at EMBA Grill, where a generous, extensive buffet caters to every taste, complemented by dishes prepared to order. Japanese flavours feature prominently, from furikake onigiri made with Kyoto’s Kinuhikari rice and served with a poached egg and a white miso and yuzu sauce, to truffled onsen eggs on creamed spinach. Those who prefer the classics will find eggs Benedict with ham or smoked salmon, made-to-order omelettes and avocado toast with seeds, while French toast with berries and a fluffy Japanese pancake with blueberries offer a sweet indulgence. For a meal rooted in local tradition, the Japanese breakfast brings together the day’s grilled fish, a Japanese omelette, small seasonal appetisers and braised wagyu beef, accompanied by rice, miso soup and pickled vegetables. Kyoto green tea, roasted tea or the Four Seasons signature coffee blend completes this delicious start to the day.

Sushi Ginza Onodera, an Intimate Setting for Edomae Sushi

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto offers several dining experiences, including Sushi Ginza Onodera, a restaurant devoted to the art of Edomae sushi under executive chef Takuya Kubo. Originally from Aomori, a region renowned for its seafood and Ohma tuna, he creates a seasonal omakase menu using ingredients selected from local markets, Tokyo’s Toyosu market and Hokkaido. Designed by STRICKLAND, the intimate ten-seat counter, crafted from 400-year-old Japanese cypress, invites guests to watch the precision of the chef’s movements, while two private dining rooms offer a more secluded setting.

EMBA KYOTO GRILL, Celebrating Japanese Meats and the Bounty of the Sea

EMBA KYOTO GRILL celebrates exceptional meats and seafood in a contemporary setting. Japanese wagyu beef features alongside fish, shellfish and local seasonal vegetables, with techniques such as dry ageing and charcoal grilling bringing out their rich umami flavours. Indoor seating overlooks the Shakusui-en pond garden, while the spacious terrace offers dining by the water. Surrounded by greenery that changes with the seasons, it becomes a peaceful setting for a candlelit dinner as evening falls.

At dinner, we began with sesame-crusted, charcoal-grilled cauliflower accompanied by mint yoghurt and a sesame sauce, as well as bluefin tuna tartare. The latter combined hand-cut chutoro with citrus, avocado and a yuzu and chilli condiment. Lobster soup with Kujo spring onion, Kinuhikari rice and caviar preceded Japanese beef fillet, served with truffle fries and grilled farm vegetables. To finish, rice pudding with Tamba chestnuts, vanilla ice cream and porcini foam brought an autumnal touch to the menu. We had enjoyed discovering this restaurant a few months earlier; read the article here: The Art of Grilling Reinvented at EMBA KYOTO GRILL.

SEY, Where the Spirit of the Izakaya Meets the Art of the Cocktail

The SEY lounge bar reveals an entirely reimagined concept, bringing the convivial spirit of izakaya together with a contemporary approach to mixology. This intimate venue offers a peaceful setting to linger into the evening over signature cocktails inspired by Japanese ingredients and traditions. My husband chose the Smoky Old Fashioned, which combines Japanese whisky, sansho pepper, bitters and homemade cinnamon maple syrup. Cherrywood smoke crowns this interpretation of the classic, echoing Kyoto’s incense culture. I opted for the Yuzu Mule, a blend of Kagura yuzu sake, citrus vodka, peach juice, chamomile-infused yuzu juice and homemade sparkling ginger espuma.

To accompany our drinks, we shared several izakaya-inspired bites, beginning with a potato salad with cucumber, red onion, Nara pickles and Japanese mustard. Crispy calamari fritters, served with a jalapeño and yuzu sauce, were followed by a Gyu Katsu Sando with Japanese mustard. We then moved on to pork ribs, slow-roasted for nine hours and served with a sweet and savoury marinade and shichimi spices. For a sweet finish, the royal cake featured Earl Grey cream and ganache, paired with mascarpone mousse and an almond sponge. This succession of small plates allows guests to build a dinner around their tastes, extending the experience at the bar.

At Fuju, Savouring Wabi-Sabi by the Water

Along a pathway through the Shakusui-en garden, a bridge leads to Fuju, the tea house lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. Designed by architect and master craftsman Ryosuke Yamamoto, the space draws inspiration from sukiya style and the wabi-sabi aesthetic. Kyoto cypress wood, Fushimi earth incorporated into the floor and light filtered through a Japanese parasol create a warm interior, opening onto the pond through large glass doors. Here, guests can enjoy matcha with handcrafted sweets before returning to the terrace at dusk for Kyoto sake or a glass of champagne, watching the reflections on the water.

Beside Fuju, the Shakusui-tei pavilion offers a more intimate introduction to Japanese traditions. We had the pleasure of attending a tea ceremony in this room, reserved for private experiences and accommodating up to five guests. Guided by a tea master, the preparation and tasting of matcha invite an appreciation of the precise movements and depth of this age-old ritual. In the peaceful setting of the pond garden, this interlude allowed us to discover another facet of Kyoto, where craftsmanship and contemplation hold an essential place.

A Serene Escape through Baths and Kyoto Rituals

Inspired by the Enso circle, a Japanese symbol of harmony between body and mind, the spa extends across two levels, offering one of the city’s largest wellness spaces. Its 20-metre indoor pool, two whirlpools, Japanese ofuro baths, sauna and relaxation lounge invite guests to slow down, while the fitness centre remains accessible around the clock. Seven treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites with private bathtubs, host rituals inspired by Kyoto’s traditions and seasonal ingredients. Bamboo massages, Sodashi treatments designed to help guests recover after travel, and facials by Kotoshina, Biologique Recherche or Tatcha complete this restorative escape.

My Verdict

At Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, luxury is savoured in the stillness of waking to views of Shakusui-en, the precision of a tea ritual or a dinner by the water. This historic garden gives the hotel its distinctive character: a retreat in the heart of Higashiyama, where the bustle of sightseeing naturally gives way to contemplation. With contemporary comfort, fine dining and Japanese traditions, the hotel invites guests to continue discovering Kyoto even in their moments of rest.

What I loved:

• An exceptional setting enhanced by a beautiful historic garden, a true haven of peace in the heart of Kyoto, which can be admired from both the rooms and the various restaurants.
• The wonderfully comfortable and luxurious Premier Heritage Garden room, with its superb views of the garden.
• The tea ceremony, a rare and exclusive experience held in the hotel’s private tea house.

What could be improved:

• The decor at EMBA KYOTO GRILL would benefit from a refresh, which is fortunately planned for the coming months.

Practical Information

• Premier Heritage Garden room priced at €1,800 per night in September 2026.