Banyan Group has officially debuted its flagship Banyan Tree brand in Japan with the grand opening of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto on 20 August 2024. Located in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama Ward, this luxurious retreat offers 52 guest rooms, a renowned Banyan Tree Spa, natural Onsen facilities, and two distinctive dining experiences. Notably, it is the only hotel in Kyoto to feature a Noh stage, designed by the acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma.

We are thrilled to introduce Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, a Sanctuary for the Senses inspired by the quiet beauty Kyoto is so well known for. This opening represents a significant milestone for our flagship brand in Japan, blending Kyoto’s rich heritage with the unparalleled luxury and service synonymous with the Banyan Tree brand. With five sister properties of Dhawa, Garrya and Homm located in Kyoto alone, we invite our guests to immerse themselves in the city’s cultural treasures while enjoying the unique hospitality from our distinctive brands.

Philip Lim, Senior Vice President, Head of Regional Operations, Banyan Group

Nestled near the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto seamlessly blends traditional Japanese architecture with modern elegance. The hotel is enveloped by a serene bamboo forest and framed by the tranquil Higashiyama Mountains, creating an enchanting retreat inspired by the ethereal beauty of Noh theatrical art and the concept of “yūgen” (mysterious, quiet beauty).

Kengo Kuma’s design incorporates traditional Japanese building techniques with contemporary elements, resulting in a structure that harmoniously blends with the Higashiyama landscape. The hotel’s façade, crafted from natural materials like Cypress wood, evokes the timeless charm of the area’s cultural essence. Sweeping windows and open spaces invite the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains and lush gardens inside, creating an immersive retreat where tranquillity and nature entwine seamlessly.

The hotel’s guest rooms, designed by Yukio Hashimoto, combine traditional Japanese techniques with modern, natural elements. Each room features large Hiba wood bathtubs, tatami mats, natural wood elements, and gold leaf accents to engage all five senses and provide a serene sanctuary. Room types include those with panoramic views of Kyoto city and Onsen Retreat rooms with private Onsen baths overlooking serene gardens.

Guests can embark on an exquisite culinary journey at Ryozen, an exclusive Kappo-style restaurant offering a chef’s kaiseki course menu crafted from locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Bar Ryozen provides an intimate setting with a selection of Japanese sake and inventive cocktails, including locally-infused options like the Ryozen Green Tea Gin and Tonic.

The Banyan Tree Spa offers holistic rejuvenation by merging traditional Japanese healing practices with Banyan Tree’s signature therapeutic techniques. Each spa treatment is curated to deliver profound relaxation and renewal, set within tranquil treatment rooms featuring Onsen baths and invigorating steam saunas. Guests can also unwind in gender-separated public Onsen baths, leveraging the healing properties of the natural hot springs.

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto offers immersive cultural experiences, including private visits to the studio of master artisan Ms. Mitsue Nakamura to witness the craftsmanship behind Noh masks. Guests can also participate in a private kōdō ceremony at Sennyū-ji Temple, discovering the ancient Japanese art of incense and evoking a deep sense of peace and spiritual connection.

The debut of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto marks a significant expansion of Banyan Group’s multi-brand presence in Japan, with eight hotels across five brands – Banyan Tree, Garrya, Dhawa, Folio, and Homm. Four more hotels are in the pipeline, including Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone, Banyan Tree Hakuba, Cassia Hirafu Niseko, and Dhawa Ballpark Hokkaido.

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Photo credits: Banyan Group