







Travelers visit Kyoto for peaceful landscapes and traditional Japanese culture, and the Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto serves up both in ample measure. The best rooms have private onsen baths fed by natural hot springs, but all have access to the spacious indoor-outdoor baths and the adjacent spa and fitness center.
Guide Michelin, October 2025AHEAD 100 2025
Showcasing the years best new or relaunched properties for hospitality experience and design. The international jury consists of architects, interior designers and hotel developers.
AHEAD
Hotel Collection/Reward Program
More info
Hotels Own Introduction
A Hilltop Sanctuary in Higashiyama
Nestled on a hillside beside the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple and embraced by a serene bamboo forest, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto offers an intimate retreat above the city. Here, tranquillity replaces the bustle of Kyoto, inviting guests into a world of quiet refinement and timeless beauty.
Rooms & Suites
The hotel features 52 luxurious rooms, thoughtfully curated with contemporary Japanese accents and modern amenities. Tatami mat floors, wooden soaking bathtubs, cosy sitting areas and separate walk-in showers create a deeply restorative atmosphere, complemented by sweeping views of tranquil gardens or Kyoto’s historic cityscape. Carefully selected furnishings blend traditional craftsmanship with natural, modern elements.
Cultural Experiences
This hilltop sanctuary is uniquely home to a Bamboo Pavilion, natural hot springs and an authentic Noh stage — the only hotel in Kyoto to offer such a setting. Guests are invited to experience classical Japanese performances that celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage in an intimate and evocative environment.
Dining
Dining at Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto is a journey shaped by local ingredients, seasonal rhythms and time-honoured techniques. The hotel’s Japanese restaurant presents refined dishes that honour Kyoto’s culinary traditions, alongside distinctive experiences such as multi-course dinners and an exclusive chef’s table centred around the grill.
Spa & Onsen
Wellbeing unfolds in a sanctuary of natural hot springs, steam saunas and tranquil treatment rooms. Banyan Tree Spa Higashiyama Kyoto draws on traditional Japanese healing practices to restore balance and vitality. For a truly authentic experience, guests can unwind in private onsens, where warm, mineral-rich waters gently soothe both body and mind.