Book a private Afternoon Tea at the former villa of the Mitsui family.
It appeals to couples, solo visitors and small groups who value discreet service, architectural craft, fine cuisine and the rare opportunity to enjoy natural hot springs within the protected and often secluded city of Kyoto.
50 Best, October 2025Built on the historic estate of the Mitsui family, the Mitsui Kyoto is something totally unique. Guests enter the estate through a landmark 300-year-old gate, just across from the UNESCO-listed Nijo-jo Castle, before making their way into this stunning luxury hotel.
Guide Michelin, January 2024A shiny new Kyoto hotel, centred around a seasonally-blooming courtyard garden, fuses up to the minute design with rich Japanese heritage.
Conde Nast Traveler, January 2024The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025
600 travel journalists, hoteliers and travel experts vote for their 50 favourite hotels worldwide. For the first time the list is extended to also include places 51-100.
46th place.
50 Best
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Hotels Own Introduction
An Invitation to Kyoto’s Essence
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, recently distinguished with Michelin’s highest Three Key hotel award, is the flagship of the brand’s ultra-luxury collection—an ode to the harmony between nature, the seasons and the five senses. Set in the cultural heart of Kyoto beside the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, this 5-star sanctuary honors centuries-old Japanese traditions while celebrating the city’s enduring spirit. Built on a storied 250-year-old estate once home to the executive branch of the Mitsui family, the hotel blends refined sophistication with deep cultural resonance, creating a gateway to the soul of Kyoto.
Rooms & Suites
A contemporary interpretation of the traditional Japanese tearoom, the hotel’s 160 rooms are crafted with natural materials elevated by exceptional artisanal techniques. Generous stone bathtubs invite unhurried relaxation, while select suites offer access to private natural onsen baths sourced from the property’s own hot spring. Every detail reflects tranquillity, heritage and modern luxury.
Dining
Kyoto’s culinary richness inspires every table at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO. The team curates the finest ingredients from across Japan and the world, with a special emphasis on renowned Kyoto produce. Four distinct dining experiences—TOKI, FORNI, THE GARDEN BAR and SHIKI-NO-MA—offer gastronomic journeys framed by views of the hotel’s meticulously designed garden, where the beauty of each season becomes part of the experience.
A Living Legacy
As the first Kyoto hotel to earn a Forbes Five-Star rating in its inaugural year, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO stands as a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship and well-being. Here, every moment becomes an immersion in the traditions, flavours and timeless elegance of one of Japan’s most captivating cities.