A review of the Banyan Tree Higashiyama, Kyoto's newest luxury resort
Introduction
Imagine walking along historically preserved streets, exploring ancient temples, and discovering charming teahouses, all while being a short walk away from your luxury accommodation. Imagine being swept away into a world of modern Japanese aesthetics where all your needs are met and all your expectations are exceeded. This is what life is like staying at the brand new Banyan Tree in Kyoto, quietly situated on the hillside among some of Kyoto's most famous temples, including Kiyomizudera.
Here we'll provide an overview of what to expect at the Banyan Tree, including some of its most notable highlights to help you decide on your next trip to Kyoto.
In This Article
1. Summary
Key Highlights:
Integrated with nature, featuring its own bamboo grove.
Within walking distance to the famous Kiyomizudera temple.
Renowned architect Kengo Kuma designed the hotel, blending traditional and modern aesthetics.
Features traditional ryokan elements with modern touches.
The first hotel in Kyoto to have its own Noh stage for ancient theatre performances.
Its own natural onsen, sourced from the hotel’s private hot spring.
An incredible spa area spanning 5,800 square feet, offering both traditional and exclusive Kyoto treatments.
Guests receive onsen baskets, relaxation wear, and traditional geta sandals.
Signature restaurant Ryozen offers unbelievable kaiseki cuisine with local ingredients.
The sake bar features over 30 varieties of sake from all over Japan.
A blend of Kyoto’s cultural history with modern luxury facilities.
Price Range: $1200 - $3500 per night
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Location
Ninenzaka Street in Higashiyama. Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Situated on the hillside in the heart of Kyoto's famous Higashiyama district, Banyan Tree's new property strikes the perfect balance between peaceful seclusion and modern convenience. The hotel has a strong emphasis on the harmonious integration with nature, and features its own private bamboo grove, offering a tranquil alternative to the crowds in Arashiyama. Despite its quiet surroundings, you're only a few minutes walk from some of Kyoto’s most famous attractions, including the Ninenzaka Street pictured above, and the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizudera temple.
3. The Design
The property’s design pays homage to traditional Japanese aesthetics and Kyoto's rich cultural history, with a modern twist for contemporary travellers. The project was led by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, known for blending his buildings with nature. The result is a seamless integration of traditional ryokan elements, like natural wood and understated décor, with striking contemporary features. The geometric latticework that frames the entrance is a classic sign of Kuma's work — simple yet elegant, mirroring the balance between old and new that defines Kyoto itself.
4. The Noh Stage
The first of its kind to be featured in a Kyoto Hotel, the Banyan Tree Higashiyama features its own Noh stage. Noh, an ancient form of Japanese theatre dating back to the 14th century, has profoundly influenced other art forms like Kabuki. Though less well-known, Noh’s preservation is essential, and the hotel offers guests a chance to immerse themselves in this charming tradition. Visitors can enjoy occasional performances and even visit Mitsue Nakamura’s studio, where they can try their hand at making their own Noh mask.
Beyond the cultural performances, the hotel also offers various immersive activities that celebrate Kyoto’s heritage. Guests can participate in tea ceremonies, learn pottery techniques, or engage in kimono weaving, all led by local artisans.
5. Spa Treatments & Natural Onsen
One of the most impressive features is the immense 5,800-square-foot spa and fitness area, which includes six treatment rooms featuring hot spring-fed tubs, a sauna, and a relaxation area. And of course, you can indulge in Banyan Tree’s signature treatments, like the Royal Banyan massage, along with exclusive Kyoto-exclusive therapies such as bamboo massages. There are also package options that include private onsen time and custom treatments.
The hotel features another rarity for Kyoto - a 100% natural onsen sourced from its own private hot spring. With meticulously crafted stone baths, the minimalist design feels like you're in a whole new world, with both indoor and outdoor areas.
6. Rooms & Unique Features
The hotel’s 52 rooms extend the theme of traditional-meets-modern, with natural materials, neutral tones, and minimalist décor. Classic Japanese elements like shoji screens and tatami mats are prevalent, while unique details such as gold-leaf naguri carvings add a touch of elegance. Each room includes a luxurious Hiba hardwood bathtub and incredible amenities, including onsen baskets, relaxation wear, and geta sandals, enhancing the full Japanese bathhouse experience. The hotel also offers 8 Onsen Retreat rooms, each featuring their own private onsen.
Rounding out the entire experience is Ryozen, the property’s signature Japanese restaurant. With a focus on seasonal and local ingredients, multicourse kaiseki meals take center stage, with plans to expand menu offerings each season. Ryosen also features its own sake bar featuring famous sake from all over Japan, and especially Kyoto.
7. Customer Reviews
As a brand-new hotel, the Banyan Tree in Higashiyama doesn't have many customer reviews yet, however, I know how important real customer reviews are, so I've selected 3 descriptive reviews that have been left on Google. These have been auto-translated into English, so I've made some corrections to the grammar and phrases to improve the flow and readability.
Review Highlights:
The bamboo forest was super. The food was the best ever. The onsen was very clean and amazing. This hotel is perfect. We would like to give special commendations to Mika from the spa. Her massage skills were the best and she's the kindest person ever.
"Banyan Tree, which has just opened in Kyoto, not only has Banyan Tree's usual resort style, but also integrates Kyoto culture into the hotel's decoration. The close proximity to Kiyomizu Temple, the Noh stage, and the winding bamboo forest path, allows you to feel deeply relaxed. The room design is also outstanding, simple and comfortable. All the details are well handled, such as the amazing in-room bath, ample supply of various drinks, and the Banyan Tree aromatherapy device that emits a subtle therapuetic fragrence into the room."
"A hideaway hotel for adults that blends into the nature of Higashiyama. Wood is used abundantly, not only in the building, but also in the floors and furniture, allowing you to feel its warmth and scent. I kept getting excited about their home appliances and crafts placed everywhere. The bathtub in my room was perfect, I was so impressed by the quality of the water, it was really gentle on my skin. The open-air onsen was spacious and stylish, the sounds of nature and birds chirping made it really soothing. It's a luxurious and relaxing place that stimulates the five senses, highly recommended, it's a rare experience."
8. Closing Comments & Further Reading
The Banyan Tree Higashiyama is an experience like no other. In a world full of choices it's hard for a hotel to stand out and feel unique, but Banyan Tree accomplishes this in every aspect. If you're looking for a special experience at a brand-new property in an impeccable location, then this is the perfect choice.
Hotels in Kyoto sell out fast, especially for the peak seasons during Spring and Autumn. Early bookings are essential, you can find the best prices on booking.com.
Price Range: $1200 - $3500 per night
What about sightseeing in Higashiyama?
Higashiyama is one of the most famous areas for sightseeing in Kyoto. You could spend an entire day exploring all the hidden shrines, ancient temples, and beautifully preserved streets. We created an efficient and comprehensive guide to sightseeing in Higashiyama here: A Complete Guide to Higashiyama
What about other luxury hotels in Kyoto?
Kyoto contains some of the nicest luxury hotels in the world, but with so many choices it can be very time-consuming to make the right decision. We analysed thousands of customer reviews and combined them with our expert knowledge of the city to compile a list of the best luxury hotels in Kyoto, check it out here: The Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto
