HOSHINOYA Kyoto — Hotel in Kyoto

One of the best hotels in Kyoto in the area.

Location is perfect, food is perfect, and service outstanding. Yes, it's expensive, but worth it. I disagree with other reviews which concern about the worth, but it's Japan, not Mexico. The place is located in a remote part of Kyoto near the Bamboo forest, and access is by private car from hotel or river. Check is 3PM and check out 12:00. The place has trees over 400 years on the property and the room are modern, WIF Fast, and excellent air. Yes, you have to pay for mini bar which is not included, but eats from the mini bar when you can dine a former 5 star restaurant. Also no TV! and no children less than 13. This is a place to relax, and my suggestion is to come here at the end of Kyoto experience. Spend 1-2 nights, eat 1 once at the restaurant which services food like an art, and portions are Japanese. I recommend you bring your favorite food (snacks) before arrive, because there is no other options on site. Cost of dinner is 300-400/2 persons including alcohol based on USA currency conversion rates. You get 9 courses and I recommend to reserve in the lower restaurant with chef because watching prepare the food is the most interesting. It's like art. Yeah, it's expensive but worth it in my opinion. Would also recommend to check each room, all have great views of the river. Highly recommend you get cancellation insurance (trip insurance) which also medical, emergency evacuation because it's cheap and your reservation once submitted in non-refundable. I recommend insure my trip (or other pending your country), and also pre-pay in your currency if your currency is better than the yen, which is the case for USA clients. Avoid going to the monkey park (waste of time), and consider eating across the bridge in town which has many restaurants. Summers months are hot and muggy. Best time October, November for fall colors of cherry blossoms, and maples trees. Best of luck. Best place in my opinion...

I stayed at the Tsukihashi Maisonette at HOSHINOYA Kyoto, and everything about it was spectacular. It’s a true gateway from all the city buzz — surrounded by a peaceful bamboo forest and overlooking the river.

What I loved: • The service was exceptional — thoughtful, polite, and always delivered with a warm smile. • The location and setting are absolutely magical, tucked away in nature yet close to Arashiyama. • The 5-step facial skincare routine provided in the room was such a beautiful touch — relaxing and luxurious. • The morning stretch session was refreshing and set the tone for the day perfectly. • The panoramic view from our Tsukihashi Maisonette room was breathtaking. • The room design itself was stunning — antique Japanese style with authentic details and modern comfort, spread across two floors.

What could be improved: • The first floor includes a tatami room and bathroom. The tatami room had a very strong smell that I personally found uncomfortable, but the housekeeping staff were kind enough to spray and light incense to help. • The narrow stairs connecting the two floors can feel a bit inconvenient, especially when you need to go downstairs to use the bathroom at night. It would be great if the tatami room were replaced with an additional bedroom, as it would make the maisonette perfect for families or groups. • There’s no direct access to the rooms; guests must take the hotel’s boat each time to go in or out. While the boat ride is beautiful and unique, it can feel restrictive if you’re staying for several nights.

Overall, it’s a beautiful, serene, and luxurious escape — perfect for one or two nights of tranquility. But for longer stays, the limited access and room layout might feel a bit less convenient. Still, an unforgettable...

In Kyoto’s competitive hotel landscape, it may be a bit laborious to find a luxury all-villa resort at the Japanese ancient capital, which is always bustling throughout the year. Hoshinoya Kyoto, opened by Japan’s renowned resort brand, is a private and lavish retreat tucked away in the Oi River valley at the west side of the city - it is so secluded and only accessible by a private boat ride through the pristine forest of Arashiyama. We have enjoyed a spirit-cleansing sojourn at this ethereal resort compound which can date back to 400 years ago.||A 15-minute boat ride transported us from the hotel’s lounge located next to the congested Togetsu Bridge, through crystal-clear water of and forested mountains along the picturesque Oi River, to the tranquil sanctuary, which welcomed us by the elegant Gagaku music performed at the entrance garden.||Staying at the second-largest one among the 25 private riverside villas at the resort, we were surrounded by the serene nature, flowing river and traditional Japanese elegance - at this mansion built by an ancient noble in the 17th century. Our spacious villa, though having a long history, has blended modern amenities into the Japanese Zen-style decor. Dressing in traditional kimono, enjoying sumptuous breakfasts at our riverview tatami living room, practising calligraphy in the soothing scent, and bathing at the vintage wooden bathtub - we have deeply immersed ourselves in the timeless beauty here.||From the grand dining house headed by Michelin-starred chef Ichiro Kubota and featuring exquisite kaiseki cuisine, to the floating tea house overlooking the Oi River valley and the guest lounge hidden in the forest, we have enjoyed impeccable services and state-of-the-art cooking at this...