Four Seasons Kyoto

Right in the Higashiyama district in Kyoto, only 15 minutes from Kyoto Station, lies the Four Seasons Kyoto nestled away around the heart of an 800-year-old pond. A true slice of peace in the middle of the bustling city.

THE PROPERTY

When you enter the hotel, the entrance is lined with tall bamboo shoots, which immediately transport you into a peaceful oasis. I see exactly what they were going for because as soon as we pulled in, my brain shifted to “peace and relaxation,” and that is such a nice feeling after long days exploring the city. The hotel definitely delivers these vibes, and when you walk in, all the colors and ambiance are so soothing and calm. When you enter the lobby, reception is on our left with a lounge area to your right. I love that every Four Seasons I’ve visited often features a visual element upon entering, usually in the center of the reception area. It's a thoughtful touch to each hotel and really elevates the space and experience. The property offers an indoor pool, spa, children’s playroom, two restaurants, a tea house, and even a small temple on site. Perhaps the most beautiful element is the 800-year-old pond that is native to Kyoto.

The hotel had to build around it and make an agreement with the city of Kyoto to preserve it. It’s the only hotel in Kyoto with an original, natural pond, and it is absolutely stunning. We visited in Autumn, and seeing the pond surrounded by the changing leaves really elevated the experience. I’m so glad we visited this time of year. There are coy fish swimming around the pond, and they add a fog that really solidifies the soothing vibes. The staff was so nice to give the kids fish food to feed the fish, which was obviously a highlight for them. There is seating all around the pond, so you really can take it in and enjoy the view. If you walk around to the other side of the pond, you will find the tea house, which opens in the afternoons for all types of drinks, not just tea. You can also schedule a tea ceremony there. It’s a little walk around the pond to get there, and I like that it’s a stand-alone building on the property, which gives a feeling like you've entered a new space. It also looks out to the pond with outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the view while you sip your tea. The small temple can be used for worship, and when you check in, they give you a wishing board where you can write your wish and leave it at the temple to make it come true. I thought that was a nice touch, bringing a little bit of the culture into the hotel and the overall experience.

The kids' playroom was small and made for children 5-6 and under. The girls absolutely loved it. It’s always good to give the kids playtime during a trip, especially since Kyoto isn't very kid-friendly. It was nice that the hotel offered this, and the kids were able to play, enjoy themselves, and get a break from us dragging them around the city.

THE ROOM

We had a garden room overlooking the pond, and I could never get sick of the view. There’s something about being in nature that is calming, and you really feel it here. It was a nice touch that they provided guardrails for the girls' beds to keep them safe while sleeping, and they even left stuffed animals in the rooms, which they really loved. I also appreciate when a hotel offers kids' robes; putting them in the tiny robes is so cute, and it’s a cozy touch for the kids. They even offer us yukatas, traditional Japanese robes, and it was fun dressing the girls in them; they look so cute.

THE FOOD

We had dinner at Emba Kyoto Grill on the property, and I was very underwhelmed. The staff seemed unsure of themselves, the presentation was weak, and it was a set menu with only meat as an option, so we had to request seafood, which they thankfully accommodated. My husband's steak was covered in juices, and they forgot to serve him his second course until we were almost done with our dinner. When he asked for it to go, they forgot to bring it back to our table. We ended up leaving without it. For the price of this meal, there is no way I can recommend this place, but luckily, there's also a sushi bar on-site. (We did not try it, so I cannot vouch for it.) And many food options in the neighborhood within walking distance. We had amazing sushi at a restaurant just 5 minutes walking from the hotel that the hotel recommended. The hotel has an entire sheet on restaurants in the neighborhood and can even make reservations for you. The woman who made our reservation was super helpful and nice, and we ended up having the best meal in Kyoto thanks to her recommendation.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The hotel is in a fantastic neighborhood, within walking distance of many attractions. In Kyoto, you will walk A LOT, and the traffic can get crazy, so it’s nice if you don’t have to keep catching taxis around. Higashiyama district offers many attractions on its own, and it's close to Gion, another nice area where you can have an authentic tea ceremony. Overall, Four Seasons Kyoto is well located to explore many of Kyoto's main attractions.

I would definitely recommend Four Seasons Kyoto for your trip to Kyoto. It’s top luxury in the heart of Kyoto with the most serene ambiance, and most importantly, it’s very family-friendly.