Arashiyama riverside sanctuary
Water gardens and rammed earth walls frame views of the Katsura River, creating a quiet sanctuary facing the Arashiyama mountains.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Minimalist interiors crafted from natural timber, local Kitayama cedar, rammed earth, and custom Italian glass lighting.
Notable
Twenty-one riverfront rooms featuring custom Kyoto botanical amenities, underfloor heating, and Michelin-starred French dining.
Notable
Balconies overlook Togetsukyo Bridge, paired with hyper-seasonal dining inspired by Japan's twenty-four solar terms.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Where you might expect a very traditional ryokan you instead find a very contemporary luxury boutique hotel, with luxe and elegant guest rooms
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set along the Katsura riverbank, the property is steps from Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji temple, and the soaring Arashiyama bamboo grove.
The rooms
Gray-toned interiors lined in Kitayama cedar open through wide windows onto river panoramas or tranquil courtyard gardens.
The gym and spa
A basement gym is fitted with Technogym equipment, and in-room treatments use local Mizuo yuzu and Kitayama cedar oils.
Restaurant
MUNI LA TERRASSE
Counter seats look through panoramic glass directly onto the Katsura River and Togetsukyo Bridge.
At the table
Michelin-starred MUNI Alain Ducasse serves modern French dinners using Kyoto produce beneath dark timber ceilings.
How it began
Opened in 2020, the hotel was envisioned by an art collector to complement his adjacent Fukuda Art Museum next door.
Good to know
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.