Takagamine Kyoto, Japan
Opened
2021
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Design WellnessOutside the door
The house
HiltonArtisan foothill hideaway
Covered walkways, post-and-beam pavilions, and reflecting water gardens frame this secluded mountain sanctuary tucked along the quiet Tenjin River.
“ROKU KYOTO offers a serene retreat from the bustling streets of the historic city below.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Welcome tea ceremonies in the glass tea house, with concierge-guided art collection tours.
Remarkable
Post-and-beam pavilions connected by reflecting pools, with hand-printed kyo-karakami washi wallcoverings.
Remarkable
Natural subterranean hot spring swimming pool, alongside Tenjin River stone bodywork.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Its setting, at the edge of the mountains in the north of the city, is idyllic; the hotel itself combines ryokan tradition and tranquility…
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set inside the tranquil Shozan Resort estate in northern Kyoto, the grounds offer walking paths through botanical gardens beneath forested slopes.
The rooms
Rooms feature lattice partitions and hand-printed karakami washi paper, while ground-floor Garden Deluxe rooms add private outdoor onsen soaking tubs.
The thermal pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Subterranean hot spring water fills the outdoor pool, which stays warm year-round beneath the Takagamine peaks.
The spa
Soak slowly.
Sunken stone tubs face green ceramic tiled walls, where therapists perform massages using cedar-infused washi paper.
The gym
Cardio machines and weights in the 24-hour fitness room look straight out over the mountain gardens.
Restaurant
TENJIN
Under a slatted timber ceiling, the glass pavilion restaurant pairs regional Kyoto produce with French technique beside the river.
serene contemporary spaces bathed in nature in the foothills of the mountains that fringe the northern edges of the city.
At the table
The dimly lit bar serves seasonal afternoon tea and craft cocktails, opening onto an outdoor riverside terrace.
How it began
The resort stands on the 17th-century artist colony where craftsman Hon’ami Koetsu founded the influential Rinpa school of Japanese painting.
Good to know
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ROKU Kyoto
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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.