16 October 2020
Kyoto has prepared itself for the onslaught of Australian tourists once we are allowed to travel to one of Japan’s most traditional cities. Kyoto City Tourism Association shared the new openings.
Scheduled opening: March 2021
Renowned French gastronomy brand Fauchon, best known for its macarons and pastries, is about to bring Parisian glam to Kyoto with the opening of its second property in the world.
The five-star Fauchon Hotel Kyoto, located centrally in the Shimogyo-ku district, will be home to 70 guest rooms and suites as well as a Fauchon bakery, The Grand Café Fauchon and a spectacular view over Kyoto and the surrounding mountains.
Opened August 2020
The Muni Kyoto is five star boutique hotel with just 21 rooms set in Arashiyama on the side of the Togetsukyo Bridge. It offers a lavish outlook onto stunning gardens to the incorporation of natural materials into the architecture. It offers contemporary dining at the Muni Alain Ducasse and Muni La Terrasse which have fabulous views over the Katsura river. Also complete with a spa where one can indulge in local treatments.
Scheduled opening: 3 November 2020
Situated in the heart of Kyoto – adjacent to Nijo-jo Castle on the site of the Kyoto home of the Kitake, this was the home of the Mitsui Family for the past 250 years. The tranquility and storied history of the location is reflected in each of the guest rooms.
A modern reimagining of the traditional Japanese tearoom, the 161 guest rooms feature carefully chosen natural materials elevated using artisanal skills. The bathtubs are fashioned out of stone and their generous size makes them ideal for stretching out and relaxing. Some of the suite rooms feature access to a natural onsen for bathing and relaxation, sourced from an on-site spring.
Scheduled opening: 9 October 2020
The iconic “The Grand Prince Kyoto” is about to reopen under the name of “The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike”. The hotel is tucked in a quiet location that has been known for over thousand years as a resort for aristocrats in the northern part of Kyoto where you can enjoy the gentle mountain landscape of the 36 mountains of the Higashiyama Mountain Range.
Opened June 2020
From traditional Japanese townhouse (“machiya”) to luxury ryokan, this property was renovated from an entire L-shaped alleyway of machiya built over 110 years ago, and combines the fine “omotenashi” hospitality of a ryokan, traditional machiya buildings and inspiring contemporary interiors.
Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s best ryokans, offering travellers an insight into the city’s deep-routed traditions. And whilst you may not be able to make your dream of visiting a ryokan in person as yet, find out what to expect with this virtual ryokan visit.