Stepping into Aman Kyoto is like stepping into another realm—a world where time slows, nature takes the lead and luxury comes with a side of ahhh. Tucked away in the ancient capital's northern reaches, this retreat feels like a well-kept secret, even though the rest of Kyoto is a stone’s throw away. Let’s take a long stroll through what makes Aman Kyoto the place where luxury and serenity form the perfect match.

Approaching Aman Kyoto is like embarking on a pilgrimage to the gods of tranquility. The driveway, shaded by towering trees and lined with lush moss, feels like it could go on forever—but in the best way. When you finally reach the main building, the simplicity of the design might take you by surprise. It’s not flashy or grandiose; instead, the architecture quietly whispers the elegance of minimalism. Think clean lines, natural materials, and a palette so calming, you might feel your shoulders drop a few inches the moment you step out of your car.

The arrival pavilion, designed with traditional Japanese architecture in mind, is an understated masterpiece. The wooden beams, intricate yet unobtrusive, blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest. The sound of trickling water from nearby streams adds an ambient soundtrack, reminding you that nature is the true star here.

Wander through the common areas, and you’ll notice Aman Kyoto doesn’t scream at you—it subtly invites you to soak it in. The Living Pavilion, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding gardens. The furniture is a blend of modern and traditional, with tatami-style mats and plush sofas coexisting in harmony. It’s a space that encourages you to sit down with a book you’ve been meaning to read or simply gaze out at the greenery that seems to stretch on forever.

The atmosphere in the common areas is as light as the air that flows through the open spaces. There’s a library filled with art books and cultural tomes, perfect for indulging your inner scholar, and a lounge where you can sip on matcha while listening to the gentle rustle of leaves outside. The art collection, with pieces that echo the textures and colors of the natural world, adds another layer of depth to the space.

THE ROOMS

Aman Kyoto’s rooms are a lesson in Japanese aesthetics—minimalistic, yet impossibly luxurious. The suites, in particular, are something to behold. They’re spacious without feeling cavernous, designed to let nature in rather than shut it out. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame the gardens outside like living paintings and the sliding shoji screens allow you to play with light and shadow as if you were in a giant camera obscura.

Each suite is outfitted with tatami flooring, washi paper lamps and low-slung wooden furniture that invites you to sit down and stay awhile. The bathrooms are equally indulgent, with deep soaking tubs that practically demand a long, hot bath. And in case you were wondering, yes, the tub is perfectly positioned for garden views—you might find yourself spending more time in there than you initially planned.

The garden pavilions, a step up from the already impressive rooms, are the epitome of seclusion. With private onsen-style baths and direct access to the garden, they offer a level of tranquility that feels almost unreal. The muted tones and natural materials continue the theme of simplicity, allowing the mind to unwind and the senses to tune in to the subtleties of the surrounding environment.

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DINING

The Living Pavilion by Aman serves as the main dining venue, where you can indulge in dishes that highlight the best of Kyoto’s seasonal ingredients. The chefs here have a knack for taking traditional Japanese flavors and giving them a modern twist, as well as serving up comforting western-style dishes in a new way. The kaiseki dinner, a multi-course affair that changes with the seasons, is a must-try—though be prepared for the kind of food coma that only comes from savoring every single bite.

A sampling of what Japanese food has to offer can be had at Taka-an. The Michelin-starred chef prepares omakase style menus for the guests, all local and seasonal so no two stays are the same. A separate private dining space, right off the garden, can be enjoyed for more intimate moments.

The resort also offers a cozy bar where you can unwind with a glass of sake or a creatively concocted cocktail. The ambiance here is intimate, making it the perfect spot for a nightcap after a day of exploring Kyoto or simply lazing around the resort. In the afternoons, enjoy your afternoon bancha (a local green tea) or matcha with traditional kanmi (sweet) treats.

And, not to be missed, the breakfast–a traditional Kyoto-style Japanese breakfast, the perfect balance of nutrients. You can’t not trust a diet that's been around for hundreds of years. Fermented foods like miso soup and pickles, small dishes of sashimi and your choice of Kuroge Wagyu beef or grilled fish. Plus, a side of clay pot rice and soy milk porridge made with soy milk from the oldest producer in Kyoto. What a way to start the day.

WELLNESS

If you think Aman Kyoto’s rooms and dining are indulgent, wait until you step into the spa. The Aman Spa is where relaxation goes to a whole new level, offering treatments that draw inspiration from Japan’s natural healing traditions. The spa’s design is in line with the rest of the resort—minimalistic, calming, and deeply connected to nature.

The onsen bathing experience is one of the highlights, especially since the water is sourced from a nearby hot spring. It’s the perfect way to soak away the stresses of everyday life while surrounded by the serene beauty of the resort’s gardens. The treatment rooms, with their floor-to-ceiling windows, make you feel as though you’re floating among the trees as you enjoy a massage or facial.

The treatments range from the decadent to the divine, with the option of starting with the Aman Kyoto Wellbeing Program, a half day immersion into relaxation in a way only the Aman’s can achieve. From there, try the acupuncture (or should we say next-level acupuncture) that features moxibustion, a Chinese technique of stimulating acupuncture points with burning herbs. On to a shiatsu massage and life-changing facial and you’ll be left pondering what you did to deserve all this (call it good karma).

The spa also offers wellness programs that include everything from yoga and meditation to guided forest walks. These programs are tailored to help you connect with the surrounding environment and, in turn, with yourself. It’s wellness, Aman-style, which means it’s less about ticking boxes and more about truly unwinding.

EVENTS

At Aman Kyoto, events and weddings are crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail that defines every aspect of the resort. The setting alone provides a breathtaking backdrop—imagine exchanging vows in a serene moss-covered garden, with the towering trees and peaceful ambiance creating an atmosphere of intimacy and reverence. Aman Kyoto offers a variety of venues that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, including the serene Water Pavilion and the understated elegance of the Living Pavilion. Whether it’s a small, private ceremony in the Tea House or a larger gathering in the garden, each event is tailored to reflect the personalities and desires of the couple, ensuring a deeply personal and memorable experience.

The event spaces at Aman Kyoto are designed to accommodate a range of celebrations, from elegant weddings to milestone events. KAX partners with the resort’s staff to take care of every detail, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moment. The cuisine, inspired by the seasons and crafted with the finest local ingredients, adds an extra layer of sophistication to the celebration. The Water Pavilion offers an intimate, enclosed space surrounded by water, creating a tranquil atmosphere, while the Living Pavilion, with its open-plan design, allows for more expansive gatherings. And with the tranquil gardens as a constant backdrop, every moment of the event is imbued with a sense of calm and beauty, making Aman Kyoto the ideal setting for unforgettable celebrations that linger in the memory long after the last toast has been made.

EXPERIENCES & OUTSIDE THE HOTEL

While Aman Kyoto might tempt you to stay within its serene confines, the surrounding area is too rich in history and culture to ignore. Located just minutes from the famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the resort offers easy access to some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites. You can explore ancient temples, wander through traditional tea houses, or lose yourself in the narrow streets of nearby Arashiyama.

For those looking to dive deeper into Kyoto’s cultural tapestry, KAX arranges curated experiences that range from guided temple tours to hands-on workshops in traditional crafts like ikebana and calligraphy. Aman’s close relationship with local artisans and historians ensures that these experiences are as authentic as they are enriching.

Back at the hotel, the gardens themselves offer a world of exploration. Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest, they are a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design. Each season brings its own charm—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn and a tranquil blanket of snow in winter.

Aman Kyoto is a place to experience, to unwind, and to connect with both nature and the deeper aspects of Japanese culture. It’s luxury without the loudness, elegance without the excess. Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, Aman Kyoto will leave an impression that lingers long after you’ve returned to the hustle and bustle of the outside world. And while you may leave Aman Kyoto behind, a piece of its tranquility will always stay with you—like a quiet whisper reminding you that luxury is best savored in its simplest form.