Downtown Kyoto Kyoto, Japan
Opened
2014
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Design LocalOutside the door
The house
MarriottRiverside artisan retreat
Low-slung riverside architecture opens to sunken courtyards, dark timber interiors, and a four-story waterfall echoing The Tale of Genji.
“Rooms are airy and bathed in neutrals — expect light wood furnishings, picture windows, bonsai plants and a sleek Japanese aesthetic.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Personalized in-room arrivals, kimono-clad concierges, Frette linens, and handmade gold-flecked soaps beside deep soaking tubs.
Remarkable
Low-slung riverside architecture featuring four-story interior waterfalls, intricate kumiko latticework, and thousands of ceramic shippo motifs.
Notable
Morning cycling along the Kamogawa riverbank to quiet temples, paired with origami workshops and local wagashi tastings.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Gold List
Condé Nast Traveler
2026
Also in The 50 Discovery, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
the design is minimal and traditional, the materials overwhelmingly natural, and the atmosphere is as serene as can be.
“Inside are spacious rooms – the largest in the city – with neutral colours and a natural feel, featuring light wood furnishings, deep soaking tubs and bonsai plants.”
“Dressed by US-based Peter Remedios Design Studio, interior details such as bonsai trees, patterned motifs, zen gardens or peaceful water features… create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Step outside to cycle along the Kamogawa River banks or stroll across the water into the historic alleys of Gion.
The rooms
Blond wood panelling and kumiko screens frame floor-to-ceiling river views, paired with deep soaking tubs and pruned bonsai trees.
The indoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 20-meter indoor lap pool is lined in aquamarine mosaic tiles, set beside a cascading rock waterfall.
The spa and gym
Seven treatment rooms offer rituals using local Kyoto green tea, beside a 24-hour gym lined in timber slats.
Restaurant
La Locanda
Regional Italian dishes are served around Ebisugawa-tei, a preserved 1908 wooden villa with private tatami rooms.
luxuriously comfortable and elegantly layered, the spacious guest rooms are an elegant showcase of modern design riffing on Kyoto’s rich heritage
Restaurant
Kaiseki Mizuki
Floor-to-ceiling windows look onto the sunken waterfall courtyard as chefs serve seasonal multi-course kaiseki.
At the table
The Bar serves artisanal cocktails from an illuminated bronze counter beside an enclosed 400-bottle wine cellar.
How it began
The low-rise property was constructed in 2014, sinking two floors below ground to preserve the historic skyline along the Kamogawa River.
“Guestrooms are minimalist yet plush, with giant windows, in-mirror TVs, soaking tubs, the requisite high-tech Toto toilets, and locally made bath products.”
Good to know
Stay here
The Ritz-Carlton 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.