From thousands of staggeringly beautiful Zen gardens, Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces, and pagodas to private dinners accompanied by traditional geisha performances, endlessly enchanting Kyoto has something for every traveler. After a long day of exploring the historic and cultural ancient capital, you may need to dive into a comfy bed, sip a sake-infused cocktail at an impossibly hip rooftop bar, or soak in a moodily lit private bath. You can do all of the above at The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, a Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts property and member of the Leading Hotels of the World. This 48-room serenity-packed hideaway will make you forget it’s located in the heart of the Higashiyama sightseeing district, with Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, the tourist-clogged, stone-paved pedestrian streets, right outside its front door.
Perched midway up the hill leading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the luxe heritage hotel and former elementary school, originally built in 1933, provides plenty of photo-perfect opportunities. (Fun fact: “Seiryu” translates to “Blue Dragon,” who’s believed to be the protector of eastern Kyoto.) Gorgeously landscaped, sprawling grounds dotted with striking statues and open-air corridors lined with dramatic greenery and trickling streams evoke a hidden oasis. A grand staircase, atmospherically illuminated at night, is the focal point of the U-shaped brick building, guiding guests into a world full of pared-back modern luxury and historic charm, complete with details that would delight architecture lovers and tranquility-seeker travelers.
This is all thanks to Ryu Kosaka of Nomura Co. Ltd., who retains glimpses of the building’s elementary school days throughout the property to jaw-dropping effect, from the tiled staircases with thick distressed handrails to the auditorium that was converted into the achingly chic Restaurant Library The Hotel Seiryu. Advice: On warm days, take advantage of the restaurant’s terrace atop the grand staircase for a fantastic Japanese breakfast and a clear view of Japan’s most picturesque town. On Fridays, breakfast comes with live classical music.
Upstairs, classrooms have been transformed into stylish rooms and suites at the four-story hotel. The airy accommodations are outfitted with a soothing palette of muted hues, modern light fixtures, and vibrant artwork. Minibars are complimentary; beds are divine; bathrooms are sublimely spa-like. Toilets are equipped with heated seats and hot water bidets, and luxurious bath products from Natura Bissé are provided. A mammoth, show-stopping bathing area features a deep soaking tub, a walk-in rain shower, and windows that frost at the flick of a switch. Numerous rooms still have the school’s original classical windows and wood beams. Some come with leafy terraces that offer mesmerizing views of the Kyoto cityscape and the highly Instagrammable Hokan-ji Temple, AKA the Yasaka Pagoda.
Crowning the hotel’s rooftop is Kyoto’s hottest hotspot, K36 The Bar & Rooftop, where you’ll find even more hypnotizing pagoda views and designer-clad guests sipping rare whiskeys, wines, and craft cocktails. The hotel also houses the ever-buzzy high-end French restaurant Benoit Kyoto, a well-equipped gym, and a light-flooded Guest Lounge accessible for all overnight guests where snacks, sweets, and cocktails are served. Everything about the hotel is memorable, especially on Thursday evenings when maiko (apprentice geisha) entertains hotel guests in the lounge. There are also three heavenly private baths (reservations required) with soaring ceilings and amber-hued lighting where you can expect to reach Nirvana. A contagiously warm and peaceful atmosphere envelops the whole place, with the hotel’s staff embracing the spirit of omotenashi, or Japanese-style hospitality that makes you feel at home.
Top Takeaways
Location: The hotel is perched on the lush hillside of Higashiyama.
Rating: 10/10.
The Vibe: A stylish and serene heritage hotel. A total respite in the heart of one of Japan’s most visited cities.
Food + Drink: What was once an auditorium is now a chic, book-and-art-filled space called Restaurant Library The Hotel Seiryu. Here, the menu highlights local ingredients and serves an incredible breakfast featuring Western or Japanese dishes. Benoit Kyoto serves French bistro cuisine with a modern twist, and it’s supervised by the worldwide restaurant operator Ducasse Paris. K36 The Bar & Rooftop is the place to see and be seen all the while soaking in killer views of Kyoto.
Our favorite thing about the hotel: The hotel’s overall vibe and aesthetic are total perfection. Also perfection? Ordering a sake-infused cocktail amid insane views of the Kyoto cityscape at one of the buzziest rooftop bars in town. Then there’s the tranquil treat of having breakfast at Restaurant Library’s terrace overlooking the pretty-as-a-postcard courtyard garden.
Amenities: Restaurants, rooftop bar, private baths, fitness center, in-room dining, free minibar, guest lounge with free drinks and treats, leafy courtyard.
What’s Nearby? A sea of must-visit Kyoto sites are steps away. Be sure to wake up bright and early to avoid the swarm of tourists at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Any neighborhood recs? In the evening, take a fifteen-minute walk downhill and wander the lantern-lined streets of Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Be respectful if you see a geisha because taking pictures of them without their consent is prohibited.
Rooms: 48 gorgeous guest rooms and suites. All are Zen-luxe beauties, but if you’re in the mood to splurge, go for the Panoramic Suite, replete with a large private balcony, from which you can enjoy views of the Yasaka Pagoda, Kyoto Tower, and the cityscape.
Closest Airport: Osaka International Airport (ITM)
