Upon entering the hotel, guests are welcomed through a Japanese-style garden in the inner courtyard adorned with 31 boulders imported from Colorado, in honour of the Pritzker family that owns Hyatt. The check-in process in the Living Room, the hotel's lobby designed to emanate a homely ambience, is smooth and swift. Thereafter, a journey through the corridors reveals private gardens, treetops and panoramas across Kyoto’s rooftops including an uninterrupted view of Yasaka Pagoda.

The low-rise architecture, a seamless blend of the old and the new, is accentuated by the floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase traditional-style tiled roofs and wooden eaves, and fragrant tamo ash wood interiors. During the day, these spaces are bathed in soft, natural light that transform into cosy and atmospheric havens as evening falls, with touches of luxury in the form of gold-leaf-covered lift ceilings.

Within the serene environment of Park Hyatt Kyoto are 70 rooms, including nine stylish suites. Each room offers a sense of calm, putting the ‘quiet’ in quiet luxury, whether it overlooks a small, walled zen garden or offers dramatic views of Kyoto’s rooftops. 

The twin room feels spacious and comes with hillside views as well as a working area, day bed, bathtub and shower room. The room is comfortable and fitted out with elements of Kyoto's artisanal traditions—as seen in the angular ceilings of Japanese ash that guide your eyes towards the view, lacquerware-inspired circular tables and ceramic teacups crafted by local artisans. The bathroom features the captivating waves of grey Juparana granite and amenities by Le Labo.

Guests at Park Hyatt Kyoto are offered four distinctive restaurants and bars, a fitness centre, a spa with Kyoto-inspired therapies and hot tubs in a quaint bathhouse. 

Despite its peaceful setting, the hotel's location is incredibly convenient. Nestled amidst machiya, or wooden townhouses, temples—namely Buddhist temples Kodai-ji and Kiyomizu-dera, a World Heritage Site—tea shops, and shrines, the hotel offers guests the chance to explore the city's unique heritage and culture. Personalised experiences, including exclusive meetings with local craftsmen, can also be arranged by the hotel.

What’s more, the hotel is only a 15-minute taxi ride or 30-minute bus journey from Kyoto Station. It is a short walk away from the vibrant neighbourhood of Gion, renowned for its shops, restaurant and traditional teahouses, where one might spot a geiko (geisha in the Kyoto dialect) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertaining. 

Among the dining options is Michelin-starred Kyoyamato, a renovated traditional Japanese ryotei restaurant run by a seventh-generation Kyoto family, known for its seasonally-inspired and expertly executed kaiseki cuisine. The restaurant's Centuries-old teahouse, where feudal warlords were said to hold secret meetings, is a must-try experience that whisks you away to a time gone by.

In addition, the dimly-lit Yasaka, a modern teppanyaki restaurant that is perfect for special occasions and dates offers another stunning view and serves up a mix of French and Japanese cuisine using the region’s finest ingredients such as Kamo aubergine, seafood from Wakayama and Japanese Wagyu beef with shibazuke (Kyoto-style pickles). Guests can also indulge in a curated collection of rare spirits and craft products at Kohaku Bar, courtesy of collaborative partnerships with Kyoto-based artisans of whisky, sake, and gin.

Meanwhile, light snacks, coffee and afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the Living Room. Kyoto Bistro, offering casual cafe fare, serves its meals on centuries-old, locally-crafted Asahiyaki ceramics. Their breakfast buffet offers a variety, from poached eggs and croissants to chicken rice porridge and fried noodles. A traditional Japanese breakfast by Kyoyamato is also offered and features perfectly cooked rice with elegantly prepared fish, egg and vegetable dishes. The fact that the menu changes daily to maintain variety for regular diners is another considerate touch.

As the curtain falls on our stay at Park Hyatt Kyoto, we can't help but be astounded by the unassuming grace of its design and the sincere warmth of its hospitality. This hotel has managed to capture the spirit of Kyoto exquisitely. It stands as an invitation to experience, embrace and fall in love with the timeless charm of this historic city. A stay here encouraged us to live in the moment and as we depart, we are left in awe, with a stillness in which one yearns to return to this sanctuary where time simultaneously stands still and flies by.

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