February 2026
Kyoto's got no shortage of fancy hotels these days. Four Seasons, Park Hyatt, Aman... the list goes on. But the Ritz-Carlton was actually the first major luxury property to open in the city back in 2014, and it's been holding its own ever since. So what can you actually expect if you're thinking about staying here?
Booking Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
As a Marriott STARS travel agency, MT Luxury Travel secures exclusive benefits for our clients at Marriott properties worldwide, at no additional cost:
Complimentary daily breakfast for two guests
Room upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability
$100+ USD property credit per stay
Early check-in and late checkout priority
VIP recognition and welcome amenities
Booking is simple: send us a quick message with the hotel, your dates, room type and number of guests, and we'll take care of the rest.
Location: Quiet But Central
The hotel sits right on the banks of the Kamogawa River, which sounds amazing on paper. And honestly, it kind of is. The location is pretty central to Kyoto, and you can walk to places like Gion, Nishiki Market, and even the Imperial Palace without too much trouble.
But here's the thing. You won't really notice the hotel from the street. The entrance is super discrete, almost hidden. You pull into what looks like a garage, and there's just a small sign. Some people love this low-key vibe. Others might find it a bit anticlimactic after dropping serious money on a stay.
From Kyoto Station, it's about a 10 to 15 minute taxi ride. If you're coming from Osaka's Kansai Airport, the Haruka Express train to Kyoto takes around 75 minutes and then you grab a cab from there.
First Impressions: Calm and Serene
Once you get past that garage entrance, things get better. There's this gorgeous walkway with water cascading down on both sides that leads you into the hotel. It feels very Japanese, very peaceful. One of the greeters often wears a traditional kimono which is a nice touch.
The lobby itself is elegant but not over the top. It's got this quiet sophistication to it. There's a lounge area, a Pierre Hermé bakery (more on that later), and some really beautiful art installations throughout the property. Actually, the hotel offers free art tours if you're into that sort of thing, and apparently some of the pieces are made with gold leaf and powdered gemstones. Pretty cool.
That said, the hotel does feel more like a high-end business hotel than something that really captures the spirit of Kyoto. It could honestly be anywhere in Japan. If you want something that feels more uniquely Kyoto, the Park Hyatt with its hillside location or the Four Seasons with its garden might be more your style.
The Rooms: Spacious and Comfortable
The rooms here are decent sized at around 50 square meters (about 540 square feet) for the base category. That's bigger than what you'll find at a lot of luxury hotels in Japan where space is always at a premium.
One of the coolest features is this thing called an "engawa," which is basically a traditional Japanese wooden sitting area facing a garden. You get a little table, some chairs, and views of a private garden that gets beautifully lit up at night. This is honestly the best part of the room. Way better than the river view rooms where people in nearby buildings can kinda see into your space.
The beds are super comfortable and not overly firm like you find at some Japanese hotels. The bedding is high quality and the room is dead silent. Great for sleeping.
The bathroom situation is also solid. Double vanities, a deep soaking tub, and this cool glass-enclosed bathing area where you shower before getting in the tub (the traditional Japanese way). Toiletries are from Diptyque which is a nice touch. And yes, there's a proper Japanese toilet with all the buttons.
One thing worth mentioning though. The closet space is a bit tight if you're staying more than a few nights. And the TV is kind of weirdly positioned if you want to watch from bed.
The Pool and Gym
The hotel has a whole floor dedicated to the spa and wellness stuff. The indoor pool is impressive and actually usable, not one of those tiny hotel pools that's more for looks. There's also a sauna, steam room, and a solid gym that's open 24/7.
Fun fact: the gym has free protein bars you can just grab. First time I've heard of a hotel doing that.
The one downside? No jacuzzi or hot tub. If you've got tattoos, you might also run into the traditional Japanese rule about not being allowed in the pool, though the changing rooms do have a hot spring bath you can use.
Food and Drink: The Real Star
Okay, this is where the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto really shines.
Breakfast
The Western breakfast at La Locanda is good but what really stands out is the Japanese breakfast at Mizuki. It's honestly one of the greatest breakfasts you'll ever eat. This elaborate multi-course meal makes you feel like royalty.
Mizuki Restaurant
The hotel's Japanese restaurant has a Michelin star and offers kaiseki, tempura, sushi, and teppan options. The tempura counter is insane, with the chef cooking everything by eye to perfect doneness. Fair warning though, it's closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The Lobby Lounge
Good spot for afternoon tea or a drink. They actually make a decent dirty martini which is surprising for Japan. Make reservations ahead of time for afternoon tea cause it books up.
Service: The Best Part
This is where the Ritz-Carlton really sets itself apart. The service here is exceptional.
The check-in experience is seamless. Instead of waiting at a desk, staff greet you at the car, grab your keys, and walk you straight to your room to do all the paperwork there. Throughout your stay, staff remember your name, anticipate your needs, and go out of their way to help.
Little touches like ice buckets delivered every evening, notes from housekeeping, small gifts left during turndown... it all adds up. Staff will literally stand by the elevators just to hold the doors and bow as you leave. That's very Japan.
The concierge can also be super helpful for restaurant reservations and temple visits, though experiences can be mixed here. Getting into popular restaurants can be tough, and the concierge sometimes relies too much on phone calls instead of building relationships with local establishments. Just something to keep in mind if you're counting on them to score hard-to-get reservations.
What's Not So Great
Let me be real about some of the downsides:
- No real outdoor space. Unlike the Four Seasons with its beautiful gardens or the Park Hyatt with its views, the Ritz doesn't have much to offer outside.
- Can feel a bit corporate. It handles weddings and conferences, so sometimes the vibe is more business hotel than romantic getaway.
- Views can be hit or miss. Unless you splurge for a river view room, you might end up looking at neighboring buildings.
- Not the newest kid on the block. After nearly a decade without major renovation, it's showing its age compared to newer competitors.
Bottom Line
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is a really solid luxury hotel with exceptional service and some genuinely memorable dining experiences. If you're a Marriott loyalist with points to burn, it's absolutely worth staying here. The breakfast alone is worth the trip.
But is it the best hotel in Kyoto? That depends on what you're looking for. The Park Hyatt has better views and a more intimate feel. The Four Seasons has gorgeous outdoor gardens and more of a resort vibe. But neither of those have Pierre Hermé croissants for breakfast.
If top-notch service and great food are your priorities, and you don't mind a more understated aesthetic, the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto won't disappoint. Just maybe ask for a garden view room and definitely try the Japanese breakfast.