At sunrise in Higashiyama, temple bells drift through quiet lanes. Step inside Six Senses Kyoto, and the world narrows to stillness and stone.
Nestled in Kyoto’s storied Higashiyama ward, Six Senses Kyoto opened its doors in April 2024, marking the brand’s thoughtful return to Japan with a striking urban retreat. With just 81 rooms—eight of which are suites—curated by BLINK Design Group, the space captures the “Miyabi” refinement of the Heian era through handcrafted raku‑yaki screens, ikebana installations and a central courtyard garden that calms the senses.
Atmosphere & Unique Experience
The lobby unfolds like a living Haiku—504 handcrafted tiles evoke Mount Kurama, while a playful Chōjū‑giga art installation nods to Japan’s first manga. Soft bamboo light filters through screens; stone pathways invite contemplative strolls. The design’s balance of heritage and lightness dissolves the city’s rhythm—here, time slows.
Sensory Wellness & Spa Rituals
Wellness is central. The Six Senses Spa offers a biomarker-based wellness screening, a serene Watsu pool, a bio‑hacking lounge and the Alchemy Bar—where guests craft custom skincare from matcha and rice-bran ingredients grown on-site. Treatments such as the Ah‑Un ritual combine Zen brushwork, oil massage and tuning forks to harmonise body and mind.
One of the most powerful therapies is the immersive Watsu water experience, designed to recreate a “womb-like” environment—warm, weightless and deeply restorative. This symbolic return to the safety of the womb adds a rare, emotional dimension to the spa’s holistic offerings—echoing treatments more commonly seen at wellness pioneers like Joali Being.
Adding to the resort’s holistic ethos is a dedicated sleep wellness programme, integrating personalised rituals, herbal blends and restorative therapies that support regenerative rest. It’s a refined illustration of why sleep tourism is fast becoming the future of luxury wellness travel.
Seasonal Gastronomy
That same attention to rhythm and renewal continues at the table. At Sekki restaurant, the menu flows with Japan’s 24 micro‑seasons—from delicate mountain greens in spring to the rich vibrancy of summer peppers. For quieter moments, Café Sekki brews herbal vinegars (“rocket fuel”) and Nine Tails bar pours crafted cocktails that evoke Eastern-Western balance.
Experiences & Practical Tips
Destination Vibe: Ideal for design lovers, wellness travellers, couples and mindful solo visitors seeking Zen-infused tranquillity.
Furoshiki Gift Wrapping: Guests can join a traditional Furoshiki workshop to learn how to wrap gifts and bottles in beautiful Japanese cloths—an elegant, sustainable art form perfect for mindful travel.
Children’s Activities: The on-site kids club invites young guests (ages 5–12) into a world of cultural creativity—think origami, ninja-star folding, pop-up cards and washi-paper crafts. Babysitting and child-focused programming are available on request.
Best Time to Visit: March to May (cherry blossom) and October to November (autumn leaves) offer the most atmospheric stays, especially around Kyoto’s UNESCO-listed temples and gardens.
Transfers: The hotel is about 90 minutes by train from Kansai International Airport; private transfers and meet-and-greet services are available upon request.
Kyoto Within Reach, Still Worlds Away
Thanks to its location in Kyoto’s cultural heart, Six Senses Kyoto also makes a refined base for local discovery. Take a meditative morning walk to Kiyomizu-dera, wander the traditional streets of Sannenzaka, or join a calligraphy session at a nearby temple. Everything is within reach—yet just far enough to return to the stillness of the courtyard garden by dusk. Looking to combine your stay with a few days in Tokyo? Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo offers a striking contrast in Shinjuku style—modern, vibrant and unmistakably iconic.
For those who seek an urban hideaway where design, heritage and healing converge, Six Senses Kyoto delivers a rare kind of serenity—one that stays with you long after check-out.
As Bianca Dias, part of the pre-opening team and now based in Kyoto, reflects:
“Six Senses Kyoto is a distinctive addition to our portfolio, rooted in the brand’s pillars of sustainability, wellness, and local sensitivity. What sets it apart is how these values come alive through Kyoto’s cultural richness — from craftsmanship to cuisine, from mindful design to genuine community engagement. It’s a natural extension of everything Six Senses stands for.”
— Bianca Dias, International Sales Manager, Six Senses Kyoto
Connect with us to craft your own Kyoto journey—tailored, immersive and entirely handpicked.
