Traditional Japanese bathhouse at Six Senses Kyoto
Courtesy of Six Senses Kyoto
Ushering in a new era of modern hospitality, Six Sense Kyoto’s debut in 2024 marks the brand’s highly anticipated entry into Japan, a pinnacle destination historically known for luxury travel. Playing a key part in enriching its parent group IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio — now the second largest in the world — the stunning property promises an unparalleled experience blending tradition-led wellness fused with cutting-edge technology and profound cultural immersion.
Nestled in Kyoto’s captivating Higashiyama district, one of the city’s top spots favored by tourists and tastemakers, the property is decidedly crowds-free and filled with an energy that’s calm and serene. A simple wall separates the outside world to the sanctuary soothingly peaceful yet deliciously alluring. The ambience is softly buzzing and engaging, while natural materials, abundant light, and meticulous attention to detail combine to create an air of tranquil sophistication.
The property’s design sees key influences from the Heian period, with elements of traditional arts featured throughout the hotel. The lobby, home to an expansive folding screen incorporating 504 hand-crafted Kyoto-made Rakuyaki tiles in earthy tones, is spacious and airy, with uninterrupted views into the green-filled courtyard through floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
The lobby at Six Senses Kyoto
Courtesy of Six Senses Kyoto
The lobby opens up to the green-filled courtyard through floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Courtesy of Six Senses Kyoto
81 exquisitely designed rooms and suites — ranging from intimate spaces to a sprawling three-bedroom penthouse suite with a private rooftop terrace —offer views of either the leafy courtyard, the zen grounds of the neighboring Toyokuni Shrine, or the enchanting panorama of Kyoto’s cityscape. Each space has been carefully curated to create a unique sensory experience, incorporating subtle yet playful design elements that draw inspiration from local folklore and the timeless elegance of the Tale of Genji.
“We’re proud of the authentic Japanese traditions and décor that run throughout the hotel, with quirky touches inspired by folklore, such as The Moon Rabbit, and the iconic Scrolls of Frolicking Animals,” says Nicolas Black, General Manager at Six Senses Kyoto, who’s personal style effortlessly compliments the property he manages — upon our first meeting he was sporting a robe-style linen jacket paired with relaxed trousers in earthy shades. “We hope to embody a heady mix of no-filter landscapes, genuine and friendly hospitality, and a fascinating contrast of preserved ancient culture and ultra-modern shine… for guests to combine an urban wellness sanctuary with the many delights of Kyoto that are on our doorstep.”
From mirrors etched with animals to paw prints lining the pathway outside the F&B outlets, I didn’t expect quite so many finer details featured throughout the hotel, even in the most discreet corners. A beaming fox head can be found next to the door of each guest room, with its illuminated eyes or whiskers replacing “Do Not Disturb” signs.
The private garden in the Garden King Premier Suite at Six Senses Kyoto
Courtesy of Six Senses Kyoto
The bathroom view of the Garden King Premier Suite at Six Senses Kyoto
Courtesy of Six Senses Kyoto
The expansive spa seamlessly blends traditional healing techniques with modern science, providing an array of treatments and programs rooted in Japanese Zen philosophy. A personal favorite, the bathhouses offer an elevated take on the traditional Japanese rituals completed with dry and steam saunas as well as a cold-plunge pool. Popular treatments include Watsu therapy and offerings at the Biohacking Recovery Lounge, with wellness assessments available for identifying key biomarkers. Yoga, meditation, and fitness facilities are also available on site, catering to diverse wellness goals.
Beyond the spa, discovery is encouraged. With sustainability deeply rooted in its DNA, the property’s Earth Lab — a Six Senses signature — presents an array of activities where participants can make incense bags with DIY-ed furoshiki packaging or learn about composting whilst sipping the property’s sparkling water distilled on site. In addition, the Alchemy Bar allows for the creation of customized natural products, and a locally grown herb garden makes the perfect spot for appreciating the local bounty of the region.
The culinary arm fuses Japanese tradition with an international flair. Locally sourced, hyper-seasonal ingredients are at the heart of the dining experience, prepared with innovative techniques that unleashes flavor while preserving nutrients: think farm grown sweet potatoes roasted to perfection for breakfast, hearty udon for lunch, and Omi beef fillet or sushi for dinner. Nine Tails, the stylish cocktail lounge providing an intimate setting for evening relaxation, boasts some of the best local whiskies and re-invented martinis.
Sekki Restaurant, an all day restaurant serving farm-to-table food at Six Senses Kyoto
Courtesy of Six Senses Kyoto
Hyper seasonal food offerings at Six Senses Kyoto
Courtesy of Six Senses Kyoto
Rising in popularity steadily as a top destination fusing diverse offerings with rich cultures, Japan has gained momentum in attracting luxury travellers worldwide, particularly post-pandemic. Coinciding with IHG’s 60th anniversary since entering into the country, the opening of Six Senses Kyoto marks a new era of strategic growth for IHG focusing on providing its audience with a carefully crafted solution for every occasion. ANA InterContinental Tokyo, the main luxury destination for many locals and international business travelers for over 35 years, is undergoing a major glow-up: aiming to renovate 759 of its total 844 guest rooms since October 2023, combining and repositioning some rooms to offer expansive spaces uncommonly seen in the busy capital. Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, a property popular with younger guests thanks to its close proximity to all the buzz Shinjuku has to offer and relaxed “come as you are” vibe, maximizes the rooms’ square footage by focusing on functionality without sacrificing design aesthetics. InterContinental Osaka, embracing the large port city’s modern architecture and warm energy, has established itself as the No.1 choice when it comes to elegant stays with unparalleled views and second-to-none service — I was most impressed by how seamlessly the team worked as one and how often the top management team greeted guests by their names.
“Japan is a priority market for IHG and today our presence in Japan is growing rapidly,” Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director for Japan & Micronesia at IHG Hotels & Resorts says, referencing to the group’s 17 Luxury & Lifestyle hotels across four different brands in the country — 47 opened hotels in total.
“And we are supporting the Japanese government’s ambition to become a major tourist destination and welcome 60 million foreign visitors annually by 2030.”
The grand plan for IHG, Sandilya reveals, is to add 16 new hotels to the group’s Japan portfolio in the coming years, including 7 in luxury and lifestyle. “Vignette Collection, having debuted in 2024 with Windsor Toya, will be joined by the iconic RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka this April as the brand’s first signed property in Japan, and Regent is entering Japan with Regent Kyoto opening in 2026. We are embarking on a new era of growth fuelled by people’s inherent desire to travel and an expanding tourism industry.”
AloJapan.com