Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

We spent three nights at the Four Seasons during our visit to Kyoto, and the experience was outstanding. The property is simply beautiful and exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The registration and lobby area feels elegant yet inviting, setting the tone for the rest of the stay. We had two rooms for our family of five, and both were impressively spacious. Even with our three adult children sharing one room, it didn’t feel overly cramped. The rooms were immaculate, thoughtfully designed, and very well appointed. We’re such fans of the Four Seasons bedding that we ended up purchasing a set for our home. Bathrooms were exceptionally large, and our rooms overlooked the gardens and koi pond—a serene and stunning view to wake up to each morning. Breakfast was included in our stay, and the buffet here was the best we had out of the four hotels we visited in Japan. The selection was extensive, with something for everyone (and then some), making it the perfect way to start each day. The staff deserves special praise—kind, attentive, and professional in a way that truly elevates the experience, though it’s exactly what you’d expect from the Four Seasons given the rates. The only drawback was the location. There wasn’t much within walking distance, so we relied on taxis/Uber to get around. Not a major inconvenience, but we typically enjoy having shops or restaurants nearby. That said, I’m not sure any other luxury hotel in Kyoto would have matched this overall experience. Everything is a trade-off, and knowing this in advance will help set expectations.