The August 2024 debut of Banyan Group’s flagship Banyan Tree brand hotel in Japan was a much-anticipated milestone for this hospitality company. Located in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama neighborhood, the new property offers 52 luxurious guestrooms, well-respected Banyan Tree Spa, a natural Onsen (hot springs) and two special dining experiences. In addition, the property is the only hotel in Kyoto with a Noh stage. Noh is the oldest form of Japanese theater, combining music, dance and acting.

© Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto

Nestled on a hilltop just steps from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto offers traditional Japanese architecture with modern elegance, surrounded by a bamboo forest and framed by the tranquil Higashiyama Mountains.

Inspired by the ethereal beauty of Noh theatrical art and the concept of yūgen (mysterious, quiet beauty), the hotel offers an enchanting retreat, where each element is crafted to evoke a sense of grace and quiet wonder. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the architecture of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto integrates with its natural surroundings.

© Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto

Kengo Kuma’s design is inspired by traditional Japanese building techniques while incorporating contemporary elements, resulting in a structure that blends in with the Higashiyama landscape. The hotel’s façade, with natural materials like Cypress wood, is part of the area’s cultural essence. With its sweeping windows and open spaces, the design invites the beauty of the surrounding mountains and lush gardens to flow gently inside the property.

Local artisans restored the gardens and bamboo grove, enhancing the biodiversity and the traditional Kyoto craftsmanship. Guestrooms, designed by Yukio Hashimoto, combine traditional Japanese techniques with modern, natural elements, and feature large Hiba wood bathtubs, tatami mats, natural wood elements, and gold leaf accents to engage all five senses and provide a serene sanctuary.

© Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto

Rooms include those with panoramic views of Kyoto city, as well as Onsen Retreat rooms with private Onsen baths overlooking the small garden or a serene bamboo garden and the Noh Stage.

Guests can enjoy the culinary journey at Ryozen, an exclusive Kappo-style restaurant seating 48 guests, including a private room for up to 10 guests. The chef’s kaiseki course menu offers local ingredients, including Kyo-Yasai (Kyoto vegetables), local Miso and various local spices such as Black-Shichimi (chilli pepper). The signature dashi, a rich broth, is made from five-year-aged rishiri kelp and enhanced with bonito and tuna flakes for a satisfying flavor.

Bar Ryozen is an intimate retreat with just 20 seats, featuring an exceptional selection of Japanese sake and cocktails. The Sake Tasting Sets include more than 30 local and premium sakes, including some very rare ones. Prior to dinner, locally infused cocktails such as the Ryozen Green Tea Gin and Tonic and Mirin Breeze are provided, as are Japanese whiskies.

© Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto

At Banyan Tree Spa at Higashiyama Kyoto, each treatment is meticulously curated to deliver relaxation and renewal, and feature Onsen baths and invigorating steam saunas. Guests can also experience the more traditional Onsen by unwinding in gender-separated public Onsen baths.

Hotel guests are invited on a private visit to the studio of master artisan Ms. Mitsue Nakamura. If interested, they can see the craftsmanship involved in creating Noh masks, each one a testament to the centuries-old traditions of Noh theater.