Aman Kyoto
Updated: Aug 18
Set in a secret garden at the heart of a forest, Aman Kyoto rests a stone’s throw from Kyoto’s golden Kinkaku-ji Temple and 16 other Unesco World Heritage Sites. The resort is nonetheless a secluded world apart, with light-filled suites and pavilions set in tranquil glades and its steaming private onsen offering healing in the Aman Spa.
Aman Kyoto represents the fruition of a beautiful landscape first conceived as the garden of a textile museum. Whimsical stone pathways curve gently along the forest floor, and stone slabs blanketed in moss serve as the foundations for the resort’s architecture.
The secluded grounds are close to what was an artistic community that gave rise to the revered Rinpa school of painting some 400 years ago, and are within easy reach of Kyoto’s most important sites, including the stunning golden temple, Kinkakuji.
Aman Kyoto Location
Aman Kyoto is situated in a secret garden at the foothills of the iconic Hidari Daimonji mountain, in Kyoto's northern Takagamine district, about 30 minutes by car from Kyoto Station. It is a one-hour drive from Osaka International Airport or a two-hour drive or 90-minute express train ride from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station.
Accommodation
Aman Kyoto’s Rooms and Pavilions are a contemporary homage to the traditional Japanese Ryokan inn, strikingly minimalist in their geometry, and serving as a window onto their spectacular natural settings. Interiors are spacious and light-filled, allowing each space to exist and breathe with the landscape and historic forested gardens that surround, instilling a sense of calm.
All stays at Aman Kyoto include:
Daily breakfast
In-room refreshment and beverages including alcoholic drinks
Afternoon matcha green tea in the Tea House paired with seasonal sweets
Complimentary soft drink selection available at The Living Pavilion by Aman throughout the day, certain items excluded
Evening aperitif of beer, wine, Champagne and more, accompanied by small snacks
Guided tour of Aman Kyoto's secret garden
Access to Aman Spa’s hot-spring onsen bathing facilities
Click on accommodation types for more information:
Rooms:
Pavilions:
Susuki
East-facing spaces close to Kamiya river, Susuki Rooms offer views of Aman Kyoto’s forest surroundings, yet allow in plenty of natural light.
Paying homage to the traditional Japanese Ryokan inn, the 60 square metres (646 square feet) features natural woods, floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami flooring and a tokonoma alcove.
A large bedroom and living area with two separate spaces with relaxation is accompanied by a bathroom with Hinoki Japanese bath, two sinks and a separate show and WC for ample privacy and space.
Nara
Aman Kyoto’s west-facing Nara Rooms are based on the ground floor with views of the mature surrounding maple trees.
With design features drawn from the traditional Japanese Ryokan inn, the 60 square metre (646 square feet) spaces combine a bedroom and living area, featuring natural woods, floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami flooring, a tokonoma alcove and bathroom with a Hinoki Japanese bath and two sinks.
Kaede
With west-facing views over the beautiful gardens and stone pathways, Kaede Rooms are found on the first floor overlooking forest hillside in the distance. Adjacent to ancient stone entrances, they are located in the very heart of the resort yet offer consummate privacy.
Paying homage to the traditional Japanese Ryokan inn the rooms feature natural woods, floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami flooring and tokonoma alcoves.
At the 60 square metres (646 square feet) the bedroom and living area, alongside bathroom with Hinoki Japanese bath and double sink provide plenty of space to retreat.
Susuki Terrace
Aman Kyoto’s Susuki Terrace Rooms are west-facing and are located on both the ground and first floor.
The ground floor rooms face the beautiful moss-covered garden and stone wall, while the first-floor rooms are ensconced on the mountainside with maple trees.
Paying homage to the traditional Japanese Ryokan inn, the 60 square metres (646 square feet) combines a bedroom and living area, featuring natural woods, floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami flooring and a tokonoma alcove.
Takagamine Pavilion
Located on raised land, the east-facing pavilion pays homage to the traditional Japanese Ryokan inn and looks over the entire garden with the Hieizan mountain in the distance.
Perched above a six-metre tall hand crafted ancient stone wall and offering floating views over the maple and cedar forest, the pavilion offers total immersion in the surrounding landscape.
The spacious 226 square metres (2433 square feet) pavilion features a living room, a traditional Japanese Tatami room, Western dining room and kitchen area.
Two en-suite bedrooms feature natural woods, floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami flooring and tokonoma alcoves, and are connected to the living-dining area. For guests who would like to experience a stay more similar to the traditional Japanese Ryokan Inn, futons can be provided in the Japanese Tatami room.
Washigamine Pavilion
Surrounded by nature in the highest and most secluded area of the resort, the east facing Washigamine Pavilion pays homage to the traditional Japanese Ryokan inn and looks over the entire garden and the Hieisan in the distance.
A trekking path leads directly from the pavilion through the surrounding forest and various private meditation gardens can be found nearby.
At 241 square metres (2594 square feet) the pavilion is Aman Kyoto’s largest accommodation and features a living room, a traditional Japanese Tatami room, a Western dining room and a kitchen area.
Two en suite bedrooms feature natural woods, floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami flooring and tokonoma alcoves, and are connected to the living-dining area.
Dining
Sample the peerless art of Japanese hospitality at Taka-An, where Aman’s gifted chef presents an omakase (set menu) dining experience. Or savour Western and local cuisines at the convivial Living Pavilion, with its fire-warmed interiors and breathtaking garden terrace.
The Living Pavilion
Open throughout the day and into the night, this convivial dining space rests at the heart of Aman Kyoto, offering elegant interiors and a bar arranged around a central fireplace.
Inspired by Kyoto’s diverse food culture, The Living Pavilion serves local cuisine, as well as innovative and comforting Western dishes – all focusing on the natural flavours of the ingredients used. Based on the freshest seasonal produce available, options include grilled meats and seafood, pastas and salads, with influences from as far afield as Italy and Latin America.
With over 20 different types of tea available at the Living Pavilion by Aman, you’re already spoilt for choice even before you receive your decadent spread of sweet and savoury treats designed to suit the season.
This includes a twist on traditional Japanese and Western confectionaries, as well as ingenious sweets crafted from Western ingredients to look like Japanese delicacies. Freshly prepared matcha is always the finishing touch.
Taka-An
Three centuries ago, the artist and polymath Honami Koetsu helped shape the culture and creative life of the Takagamine district of Kyoto, and from there, Japan as a whole. Taka-an is a culinary homage to him as his artistic legacy is explored and expressed through food and hospitality.
Meticulous design, a tranquil atmosphere and remarkable kaiseki- style cuisine combine to create a quintessentially Japanese culinary experience. The dishes themselves are akin to works of art, beautifully prepared using the finest locally sourced ingredients.
The restaurant follows Japan’s omakase dining tradition, whereby the chef channels his or her artistic flair and refined understanding of ingredients to create a specially tailored meal for each and every guest.
The private room overlooking Aman Kyoto’s tranquil moss garden can be used for every event from gatherings with family and friends to formal sit-downs with business partners. A personalised menu of seasonal Japanese dishes will be curated to suit the occasion.
Wellness and Fitness
The mineral-rich water that springs near Aman Kyoto is central to the philosophy at the resort’s Aman Spa.
Traditional onsen bathing facilities deliver relaxation and healing in their purest forms, while a range of treatments tap into Japan’s plentiful natural apothecary – including Kyoto green tea, tamba kuromame black beans, local sake and cold-pressed camellia oil.
An exclusive treatment in the Aman Spa, a wholly rejuvenating experience incorporating Aman’s own skincare collection, Essential Skin. The treatment begins with ultrasonic scrubbing to loosen and remove oil, dirt, and cellular debris from the pores and concludes with the application of the Aman Nourishing Gold Algae masks to achieve an exceptional glow.
Aman Kyoto's wellbeing programme takes a holistic approach to the wellbeing of the body and mind. It is recommended for guests looking to experience the true harmony of nature in beautiful Japanese garden.
In the fresh early morning air, breathe in the scents of the forest as you move through an hour of communal guided yoga practice to awaken your body and stir your soul.
Experiences
The hidden gardens of Aman Kyoto are the starting point for countless inspiring journeys into the secrets of Japan’s ancient imperial capital. No fewer than 17 awe-inducing Unesco World Heritage sites are within easy reach, and Aman has privileged access to an array of temples and transformative cultural encounters – out of reach for most travellers.
Aman Kyoto's wide range of immersive experiences such as sumi-e (oriental ink painting method), flower arrangement, calligraphy and tea making allow guests to have an authentic insight to the Japanese culture and nature.
Aman Kyoto FAQ: Everything to Know About Aman's Forest-Garden Resort
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Aman Kyoto located?
Aman Kyoto is in Takagamine, a district in northern Kyoto, Japan, set within an 8-acre forest garden originally established in the 1970s as the grounds for a planned private textile museum.
How far is Aman Kyoto from Kyoto Station and the airport?
It's about a 30-minute drive from Kyoto Station. From the airports, it's roughly one hour from Osaka International Airport, or about two hours by car (or 90 minutes by express train to Kyoto Station) from Kansai International Airport.
When did Aman Kyoto open, and who designed it?
Aman Kyoto opened in late 2019, designed by Singapore-based architect Kerry Hill, who first introduced the site to Aman in 1995. The forest garden itself sits within an artistic community linked to the 400-year-old Rinpa school of painting.
How many rooms does Aman Kyoto have?
Aman Kyoto has 26 total accommodations — a mix of Guest Rooms, Suites, and Pavilions — starting at 60 sqm, including categories such as the Susuki Room, Nara Room, Takagamine Suite, and the two-bedroom Takagamine and Washigamine Pavilions.
Does Aman Kyoto have an onsen or hot spring?
Yes. The Aman Spa is built around mineral-rich water that springs naturally near the property, offering traditional onsen (hot spring) bathing alongside therapeutic spa treatments overlooking the surrounding gardens.
What dining options does Aman Kyoto have?
Two venues: Taka-An, serving Japanese kaiseki cuisine with chef counter seating, and The Living Pavilion, a communal dining space centred on an open fireplace serving Western and local dishes.
What activities does Aman Kyoto offer?
Guests can join tea ceremonies with tea masters, Zen meditation sessions with monks, ikebana flower-arranging classes, morning yoga, and guided visits to nearby UNESCO World Heritage temple sites — Kyoto has 16 such locations within reach.
Is Aman Kyoto good for combining with other Aman resorts in Japan?
Yes. Aman offers guided journeys connecting its three Japan properties, and Aman Kyoto is commonly paired with Aman Tokyo and Amanemu on a multi-stop Japan itinerary.
How is Aman Kyoto different from other Aman resorts?
Aman Kyoto is one of Aman's most intimate urban-adjacent properties, built into a private forest garden rather than a beach, desert, or ski setting, with a design language rooted in traditional ryokan architecture and onsen bathing culture rather than the tropical vernacular of resorts like Amandari or Amanpuri.
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