Miyamasou
Kyoto, Japan
Sakyo Ward
Vibe
In the Hanase mountains north of Kyoto, this secluded culinary ryokan hosts just four parties among cedar forests and rushing streams.
“Foraged mountain sanctum”
Daily hand-foraged satoyama cuisine, harvesting wild mountain herbs, river sweetfish, and forest game across seasonal courses.
Traditional sukiya-zukuri teahouse carpentry, tatami rooms, and timber terraces cantilevered directly over the rushing river.
Established in 1895 as pilgrim lodgings for nearby Daibizan Bujo-ji temple, preserved across four generations.
In the remote Hanase valley north of Kyoto, surrounded by cedar forests and mountain streams.
“Oversized windows bring the outdoors in to the immaculate and simple tatami rooms, which come with both lunch and dinner.”
Rooms
Immaculate tatami accommodations open through sliding screens to private wooden balconies suspended above the murmuring river.
Wellness
A cedar bathhouse fed by heated natural mountain spring water looks directly out over the rushing river and forest.
Backstory
Founded in 1895 as pilgrim lodgings for Mount Daibizan Bujo-ji Temple, the inn has been stewarded across four generations.
Eat & drink
Seasonal satoyama dining showcases wild herbs, fresh river sweetfish, foraged mushrooms, and mountain game harvested daily from the surrounding valley.
The neighborhood
Set an hour north of central Kyoto, narrow mountain roads wind past cedar groves, shrines, and temples into remote Hanase.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.