Rediscovering Kyoto in the Age of Overtourism — Kyoto Luxury Hotel Stays
Kyoto is often portrayed as a symbol of overtourism—crowded with visitors, where hotel and restaurant reservations are difficult to secure and transportation systems are pushed to their limits. Yet it is also true that the culture, heritage, and sense of place that endure here offer experiences found nowhere else.
In this three-part column series, we present refined insights into how to enjoy contemporary Kyoto. At the heart of this approach are luxury hotels. Through their gardens, cultural experiences, and spa offerings, we explore ways to enrich travel in the age of overtourism.
In the final installment, Vol. 3, we focus on spa and wellness services, as well as hotel residences that allow guests to stay as if they truly live in the city.
The Seasoned Traveler Knows How to Rest — Spa and Wellness Experiences to Soothe Travel Fatigue
To elevate the quality of a journey, it is essential not to overfill the itinerary, but to intentionally weave moments of restoration into one’s stay. Kyoto’s luxury hotels offer a refined selection of spa experiences designed to gently release both physical tension and mental fatigue.
At The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, The Spa presents signature treatments inspired by local materials and aromas, such as the Ryokucha Serenity Ritual featuring green tea extract, and the Kyoto Bamboo Ritual. Receiving these treatments while listening to the soft murmur of a nearby waterfall feels like discovering a tranquil oasis within the city.
THE SPA at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is defined by its serene atmosphere, designed in harmony with the reflective surface of the garden pond. Therapies incorporating Japanese sensibilities—such as the Zen Ceremony and Heian Tradition—invite guests to experience Kyoto’s quiet elegance through all five senses. More than simple relaxation, these programs offer time for inner balance and reflection.
At HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, the Thermal Spring SPA draws from a natural hot spring that rises from 1,000 meters below ground. Select suites feature private open-flow baths, allowing guests to spend half a day immersed in unhurried comfort within the hotel. Wall designs inspired by the stonework of nearby Nijo Castle seamlessly blend the stillness of the ancient capital with contemporary serenity.
Kyoto, Always to Return To — Where Hotel Residences Turn a Destination into a Way of Life
For those wishing to take one step further, there is also the option of a Kyoto to which one can always return. This is the concept of a hotel residence—owning a private residence within a luxury hotel. It allows you to return to Kyoto with each season, enjoying the city’s atmosphere, traditions, and rhythms at your own pace.
For more details on hotel residences, please refer to our previous column.
Among these, Four Seasons Hotel Residences Kyoto has drawn particular attention. Situated alongside the water of the historic Shakusui-en garden and overlooking the temple-dotted slopes of Higashiyama, the residences offer the rare balance of privacy and full hotel-level hospitality. Residents enjoy the comforts of a private home while benefiting from the services of a world-class hotel. Whether for extended stays or as a second home, the residences provide exceptional flexibility. Concierge services and in-room dining are readily available, making it possible to experience Kyoto as if it were truly your own place to return to—a refined luxury that transforms a destination into a personal sanctuary.
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