If anyone asks, I am a Four Seasons girl. I have stayed at Four Seasons all over the world and love everything about their hotels – from the exceptional locations and design of their hotels to the impeccable service and food.

The last time I traveled to Kyoto was back in 2018 with a program called Remote Year where we traveled to one new country every month. I stayed in a very tiny studio that had a desk and a twin bed (it was too small for me – I am 6 feet, so my feet hung off.) I was excited to come back and experience the more luxurious side of Kyoto.  

As soon as we checked in we decided to walk around the hotel and explore. There is an ambiance of peace and tranquil energy throughout the property. The hotel staff is welcoming and attentive.

ABOUT THE HOTEL:

Four Seasons Kyoto is in Higayashima, the historic district of Kyoto, and is centered around an 800-year-old pond. The hotel features 110 standard rooms, 12 suites, one presidential suite, and 57 condo units.

Four Seasons Kyoto is the only hotel in Japan named on Travel + Leisure’s The 100 Best Hotels in the World 2022.

THE ROOM:

We stayed in the Premier Room – Kyoto View. We were greeted with a handwritten note accompanying fresh fruit, chocolate macaroons, and wood sake glasses. My favorite features of the room were the butler laundry service and bathtub.

THE SPA:

The spa has a large indoor swimming pool, sauna steam rooms, and a fitness center. We took an afternoon to enjoy the spa. I had a massage, followed by a blow-dry, both were heavenly. After going nonstop since we landed in Japan, it was nice to take some time for self-care.

THE FOOD:

On the first night at the hotel, we dined at Brasserie, a French-inspired restaurant. After eating ramen, rice, and fish for days, it was nice to take a break and order a sandwich, burger, and fries. We also enjoyed the breakfast buffet at Brasserie every morning which had a combination of American and Japanese breakfast items.

Four Seasons Kyoto also has a sushi restaurant called Sushi Wakon, Fuju lounge which offers local sweets, matcha tea, sake, and champagne. 

Overall, Four Seasons Kyoto is a beautiful hotel and I am already counting down the days to go back.