Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto

Nestled in the heart of Japan's Kansai region, Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto stands as a testament to both rich history and unparalleled luxury. This five-star gem, a flagship property of the Mitsui Fudosan group, occupies the very grounds of the Mitsui family's former residence, a site steeped in 250 years of tradition. The Mitsui, a name synonymous with Japanese economic prowess, were a formidable merchant and industrial dynasty, shaping the nation's banking, trade, and mining sectors for generations. From its very inception, Hotel the Mitsui has redefined Kyoto's hospitality landscape. Earning a coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating in its debut year, this remarkable hotel, opened in November 2020, has quickly cemented its place as a global icon of exceptional travel experiences. Don’t forget, booking Hotel the Mitsui through our agency ensures access to a range of exclusive benefits and amenities!

Art & Heritage:

Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto is a masterpiece of design, a symphony of artistry orchestrated by Asia's most esteemed interior visionaries, including André Fu, Shunsaku Miyagi, and Yohei Akao. Here, every detail whispers a story, every element carries a purpose. Even the seemingly simple art adorning the bathrooms, reminiscent of traditional Japanese scrolls, speaks volumes. It's a subtle nod to the passage of time, the unfolding of narratives, and a profound respect for Japan's artistic heritage, all culminating in an atmosphere of serene tranquility.

The heart of Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto beats within its meticulously crafted courtyard garden, a living art piece where water and landscape harmonize. Here, the tranquil surface of the natural spring, the "Oasis of Serenity," reflects the changing skies, mirroring the seasons in a dance of light and shadow. The garden, a contemporary reimagining of the Mitsui family's former estate, is a symphony of carefully placed stones, manicured foliage, and flowing water, each element contributing to a sense of serene balance. The water's gentle murmur, combined with the garden's visual poetry, creates a meditative space, inviting guests to pause and appreciate the ephemeral beauty of nature interwoven with human artistry. It's a testament to the Japanese reverence for nature, transformed into a tangible, immersive experience.

Tradition and Tranquility: 

At Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, guests can immerse themselves in Japanese culture through a variety of unique experiences. The spa treatments draw upon ancient Japanese traditions like Anma massage and incorporate local ingredients such as hinoki cypress and yuzu. A natural onsen (thermal spring) located 1000m below the hotel, offers a deeply relaxing experience rooted in Japanese bathing culture. The spa's design, harmonizing time, sound, light, fragrance, and water, provides a multi-sensory journey towards complete relaxation.

The hotel provides exclusive access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, allowing guests to explore Kyoto's rich history and cultural treasures such as the temples To-ji and Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle and Fushimi Inari Shrine. The central courtyard garden, a modern recreation of the Mitsui family's former residence, reflects a deep respect for Kyoto and offers a space for meditation and reflection. 

Beyond its exquisite design, Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto offers guests the chance to truly immerse themselves in Japanese artistic traditions. Delve into the delicate art of Ikebana, learning the intricate language of traditional flower arrangement and its profound connection to Japanese culture, both past and present. Under expert guidance, you'll even have the opportunity to create your own floral masterpiece. And for a truly serene experience, partake in a private, traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Here, amidst the gentle rustle of silk and the fragrant steam of premium Kyoto matcha, you'll discover the deep-rooted significance of tea in Japanese history and its enduring cultural importance, all while indulging in exquisite sweet treats.

Restaurants and Bars:

Within the elegant confines of Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, four distinct restaurants await, each offering a unique gastronomic adventure. Among them, Toki restaurant and bar shines brightly, earning a coveted place in the 2024 'MICHELIN Guide.' This modern French gem is a testament to culinary craftsmanship, showcasing the finest local ingredients and even brewing its own sake with pristine Kyoto spring water. And for an immersive dining experience, secure a seat at the counter, where you can witness the chefs' artistry unfold before your eyes, a captivating performance of culinary magic.

FORNI is their Italian-fusion restaurant. The culinary team demonstrates a deep respect for traditional, handcrafted dishes. They draw inspiration from the abundant natural resources shared by both Italy and Kyoto, allowing guests to experience the seasonal nuances through their cuisine. The restaurant emphasizes the use of fresh, locally sourced Kyoto ingredients alongside authentic Italian flavors. A visually appealing aspect is the garden, which can be enjoyed from any seat and provides a dynamic, seasonal backdrop. Notably, FORNI incorporates a reimagined okudosan, a traditional Japanese kamado-style cooking range, which serves as a unique oven for pizzas and roasted dishes. 

The Garden Bar offers a serene escape, with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the hotel's enchanting traditional Kyoto garden. Here, amidst the tranquil beauty of meticulously manicured landscapes, you can indulge in a delightful afternoon tea, savor expertly crafted Japanese cocktails, or sample delectable small bites curated from the hotel's acclaimed restaurants. Whether seeking a midday refresh or a sophisticated pre-dinner highball, The Garden Bar provides the perfect oasis of calm and refined indulgence.

Our personal favorite, lastly, is the Shiki-no-ma. A space where the Mitsui family hosted visitors and entertained guests, the Shiki-no-ma has the best view of the garden throughout all four seasons. It is decorated with traditional tatami mats and a tokonoma, a dedicated space in a Japanese-style reception room used to display art and decorative objects such as ikebana. We were lucky enough to have a private dinner with a show: a geisha and maiko, also known as an apprentice geisha, performed a dance in their traditional kimonos referred to as hikizuris, and played the traditional shamisen, a three-stringed banjo-like instrument. They taught us all about becoming a geisha and learning the art of Japanese traditions, such as ikebana, the traditional tea ceremony and the Nihon Buyo, the Japanese classical dance. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and you can do it on your next trip to Hotel the Mitsui.