Buzz
Starting from November 01, the Aman Kyoto resort is nestled in a secret garden at the foot of Mount Hidari Daimonji, in the renowned Takagamine district, officially opening its doors, spanning 80 acres.
The Japanese are connoisseurs of pristine emptiness and extreme disorder. What they are not good at is anything in between, what Japanese culturalist Alex Kerr calls 'organized space'. Aman Kyoto is evidence that this is not true. This hotel has truly exquisite organized space.
To truly understand Japan and its people, you cannot miss Kyoto. As the oldest ancient capital and the aristocratic center of Japanese society, Kyoto is also widely known for its spiritual temples, beautiful gardens, and enchanting cobblestone streets lined with charming machiyas, captivating the footsteps of travelers.
Describing the wealth and prosperity of this ancient city through a few adjectives or simple sentences is truly challenging.
Only by wandering through its streets, exploring its majestic temples, trendy cafes, and countless high-end fashion boutiques, can one truly appreciate the greatness of Kyoto.
As a former imperial capital with a long history of cultural tradition, Kyoto quickly became a globally renowned tourist destination, welcoming approximately 55 million visitors in 2015. Consequently, this land also became a paradise for luxury resorts, attracting numerous international upscale brands.
In the mid-20th century, this site—once a royal hunting ground—was purchased by the Asano family, intending to transform it into a museum showcasing their kimono collection. Although the museum was never built, the Asano clan added many captivating features to the area, most notably a network of pathways made from meticulously carved massive stone slabs.
This is the third hotel in Japan by the Aman group – renowned for its dream resorts in stunning locations worldwide, following Tokyo and Ise Shima. All three were designed by the talented Australian architect Kerry Hill. He passed away in 2018 before the completion of the Kyoto project, but his vision is evident throughout Aman Kyoto. There's a small garden near the main entrance to commemorate his contribution to the renowned group.
The hotel comprises 28 bedrooms divided into 6 areas. The exterior resembles traditional machiya (Japanese merchant houses), while the interior draws inspiration from ryokan (traditional Japanese inns).
With tatami mats, sliding doors, and flowers arranged in vases, each bathroom features a wooden tub exuding a divine scent, reminiscent of the forest. Delicate details such as tree bark patterns on cushions, renowned Japanese raku pottery, tea boxes... all are simple, beautiful, and delicate.
Exploring one or two temples is a must when visiting Kyoto. Utilizing the hotel's bicycles, cycling through suburban streets, observing the daily life of the Japanese people, one feels an inexplicable tranquility.
Kyoto is renowned as a culinary haven, boasting numerous Michelin-starred restaurants akin to Paris. The two restaurants at Aman Kyoto are no exception: Taka-An serves traditional kaiseki cuisine (comprising multiple courses, each with small portions for guests to savor) and The Living Pavilion offers Japanese and international dishes.
Steve King of Condé Nast Traveler remarked that the combination of scenic settings and delicious cuisine will make you cherish every moment dining here, especially while sipping sake in an elegant cup.
During the day, you find yourself amidst trees, under the sky, sharing them with hundreds of birds. At night, you admire the gentle glow of lanterns lighting the pathways, and though somewhat dreamy, you almost hear the distant rustle of life in the surrounding forest.
Posted by: An Nguyen
Keywords: Retreat at Aman Kyoto – A Gem in the Japanese Wilderness
