Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto

Our stay at Banyan Tree Kyoto was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm hospitality, grace, and attention to detail that truly set this experience apart. The property itself is a serene oasis—beautifully blending traditional Kyoto aesthetics with modern luxury. Every corner feels thoughtfully designed, with tranquil gardens, soothing interiors, and an atmosphere that invites calm and reflection. The service was impeccable. Every staff member we encountered went above and beyond to ensure our comfort, offering personalized care and anticipating our needs with kindness and professionalism. A special thank you to Torako and the amazing concierge team, who went out of their way to make our stay seamless and memorable. They took incredible care in arranging our restaurant reservations and curated thoughtful experiences that reflected the spirit of Kyoto. They also made my birthday truly unforgettable, with heartfelt touches and surprises that added so much joy to the occasion. Their warmth and attentiveness left a lasting impression, and we are deeply grateful. Our room was spacious, elegantly appointed, and offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The amenities were world-class, and every touch—from the luxurious bedding to the curated welcome treats—felt meaningful. Banyan Tree Kyoto is more than a hotel—it’s a complete experience of peace, beauty, and exceptional service. We left feeling deeply cared for and already dreaming of our return. Highly recommended for anyone seeking luxury, authenticity, and an unforgettable stay in Kyoto.

My First Stay at Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto – A Memorable Experience If you’re looking to stay in Kyoto’s historic district with easy access to iconic spots like Kiyomizu-dera or Gion, and you dream of waking up to a full panoramic city view from your room, this is the place. This was my first time staying at Banyan Tree Kyoto, and from the moment I arrived, I felt warmly welcomed. The staff greeted me with genuine smiles and were ready to assist without even being asked—helping with my luggage, serving a freshly whisked matcha as a welcome drink, and checking me in with the utmost care, as if I were a VIP guest. Special thanks to Takako, who personally escorted me to my room, explaining the hotel facilities and room features along the way. I was very lucky during this stay—I was offered a complimentary room upgrade and late check-out. The room I received looked exactly like the photos on the hotel’s website: a perfect blend of traditional Japanese style with modern comforts. It came with everything I needed—an oversized bed with blackout curtains (completely dark, like night), a spacious bathroom with separate areas, a large sofa, and a low Japanese-style table perfect for taking beautiful photos. The highlight was the private wooden onsen tub in my room—the scent of the wood filled the air every time I took a soak. There was also a beautifully patterned yukata provided, which guests can wear comfortably around the hotel, adding an extra touch of Japanese tradition to the stay. I also noticed there was plenty of water provided—not only by the minibar but also near the bed and even in the bathroom, so I never had to worry about being thirsty. To my surprise, there was a welcome card written in Thai placed on my bed, prepared by June, the housekeeper looking after my room. Later, I learned she’s Thai and had worked at Banyan Tree Phuket for over 18 years before moving to Kyoto. Such personal touches truly made me feel at home. Every evening, the hotel offers a small complimentary gift during turndown service—something unique to Kyoto that you’ll surely want to take home. The hotel’s restaurant, Ryozen, is divided into a dining area and a bar, both decorated in a simple yet elegant style. For dinner, I ordered the Kaiseki set, which was crafted with great attention to detail from the first to the last course. Each dish was beautifully presented, making it impossible not to take photos. I was well looked after by Rin, who explained each course carefully. If you have Accor Plus membership, you can enjoy up to 50% discount on dining here, which is a great bonus. One of the main reasons I chose this hotel was, of course, the onsen. The public onsen area is separated for men and women, with both indoor and outdoor baths. For me, having an onsen at the hotel is a must when visiting Japan. The hotel also has a 24-hour gym and a Banyan Tree Spa. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to try the spa this time, but I believe it would be excellent. Breakfast during my stay was a set menu rather than a buffet—either a healthy Japanese-style bento or an American breakfast. We were the first guests in the morning, so we could choose the best table with a lovely view, thanks to Naoki’s recommendation. For buffet lovers, perhaps in the future the concept may change, but even now, it’s a pleasant and calm way to start the day. In terms of location, the easiest way to reach the hotel is by car or taxi, as the walk up to the property is quite steep. However, walking down is very easy, and in just 3–5 minutes you can reach major Kyoto attractions like Kiyomizu-dera and Gion. This means you can enjoy the beautiful morning light and take photos before the crowds arrive, without waking up extra early and traveling from far away. If, in the future, the hotel adds a shuttle service for guests, I believe this could become one of the most perfect hotels to stay at in Kyoto.

My best hotel experience ever. Truly unique concept which reflects best charm of Kyoto beauty and Japanese architecture. The room, facilities like onsen, bar and restaurant was so fancy and served with sincere hospitality. Thank you all staffs of Banyantree Kyoto, and really hope to visit in the near future!