A review of the Six Senses, one of Kyoto's newest luxury hotels
Introduction
Imagine having your own personal sanctuary after a long day of sightseeing. Imagine the most innovative and high-tech spa treatments to help you relax and recover. Imagine having the best night's sleep with a temperature-controlled mattress. This is what it's like to stay at the new Six Senses Kyoto. In this article we'll provide an overview of what to expect at this brand-new luxury hotel and explore some of the most notable highlights to help you plan your next trip to Kyoto.
In This Article
1. Summary
Key Highlights:
Location: Situated in a quiet corner of Higashiyama, between Kyoto Station and Kiyomizudera.
Heian Period Inspiration: The design draws from Kyoto's golden age of art and culture, combining contemporary and eco-friendly elements.
Sustainability: From on-site farming to upcycling initiatives, sustainability is embedded in the hotel's DNA.
Rooms: All 81 rooms feature unique touches and contemporary designs inspired by traditional Kyoto elements.
Spa: The unique spa offers a range of treatments, including a Watsu pool, a biohacking recovery lounge, and herbal teas.
Gastronomy: The hotel's restaurant, Sekki, showcases a menu that changes with Kyoto's 24 micro-seasons.
Wellness Focus: Personalized sleep consultations, organic mattresses, and eco-friendly products enhance guest relaxation.
Family-Friendly: The hotel provides activities for children, such as origami and kid-specific spa treatments.
Cultural Activities: Earth Lab offers guests immersive experiences, like incense making and eco-friendly life skills.
Design Elements: Biophilic lobby design, folding screens inspired by Mount Kurama, and artwork influenced by ancient Japanese scrolls.
Local Partnerships: The hotel works closely with Kyoto-based artists and farmers to source ingredients and one-of-a-kind design elements.
Accessibility: Wooden Coco-Mat e-bikes make exploring the Higashiyama neighbourhood easy.
Price Range: $1500 - $3000 per night
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Location
Situated in a quiet neighbourhood in Kyoto's famous Higashiyama district, the Six Senses Kyoto offers a nice retreat from the crowded attractions and busy streets. You're only a 6 minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station, and a 5 minute ride from the famous Kiyomizudera temple.
3. The Design
Inspired by Japan's Heian period, Six Senses Kyoto blends traditional Japanese elements with contemporary, eco-friendly elements. The Singapore-based BLINK Design Group focused on a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere while incorporating aspects of biophilic design. The lobby features a central courtyard with lush greenery, water, and stone elements, creating a serene and natural space. Behind the reception, a folding screen of Rakuyaki tiles represents Mount Kurama, adding a local artistic flair. Modern interpretations of ancient scrolls and whimsical fox masks outside each room contribute to the hotel's rich sense of history.
4. Dining
The hotel's culinary offerings are centered around the concept of "Sekki" - a menu that evolves according to Kyoto's 24 micro-seasons. The all-day dining restaurant features locally sourced ingredients, and the dishes change to reflect the freshest produce available. The breakfast cuisine is amazingly refreshing, with unique items such as Uji heirloom eggs, Kyoto honey, shiso hummus, and cold-pressed juices. Their dinner is a constant surprise of creative flavour combinations and Japanese fusion dishes. Café Sekki offers craft teas, handmade sweets, and kombucha throughout the day, while the Nine Tails bar serves unbelievable cocktails and mocktails to help you unwind.
5. The Six Senses Spa
The Six Senses Spa is one of the most unique hotel spas in Japan, offering a wellness sanctuary emphasising a blend of traditional healing and modern science. Among the many highlights is their signature massage - the Ah-Un massage - which uses sandalwood incense and vibrational tuning forks to awaken acupressure points, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and balanced. Meditation and yoga sessions are available, enhancing the spa's focus on wellness.
The Six Senses Kyoto Spa
Four Treatment Suites, including one double treatment suite (Smell) and three single treatment suites (Sound, Sight and Taste)
A Sensory Studio for multi-purpose treatments like meditation, yoga, and flying yoga
A beautiful sauna, steam room, and a bathhouse
Alchemy Bar serving up unique, made-to-order health drinks
Japanese and Herbal Craft Tea Lounge
Watsu (Aquatic Bodywork) Pool
Indoor Pool
24-hour Fitness Center
A Biohacking Area
6. Rooms & Unique Features
The hotel offers 81 rooms and suites, each featuring contemporary design elements paired with traditional cultural influences. Rooms overlook either the Toyokuni Shrine or the inner courtyard, offering serene views and your own Zen garden.
Highlights include:
Kyoto Craftsmanship: Copper bedside lighting and moon paintings crafted by local artisans add an element of exclusivity.
High-Tech & Wellness-Focused Bedding: Organic mattresses, temperature-regulating pillows, and personalized sleep consultations ensure a restful stay.
Spacious Suites: Select suites come with private balconies, window-side bathtubs, or intimate Japanese-style gardens.
7. Closing Comments & Further Reading
The Six Senses brand is well-known around the world for their high standards and unique approach to luxury, and their new property in Kyoto is no exception. With its dedication to sustainability, wellness, and cultural immersion, the hotel stands out as an exemplary destination for travellers looking to experience Kyoto's rich heritage while enjoying world-class amenities. Whether you're temple-hopping, indulging in spa treatments, or simply unwinding in the tranquil surroundings, the Six Senses Kyoto promises an unforgettable stay that honours Kyoto's past while embracing the present.
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: $1500 - $3000 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
