Step inside Roku Kyoto: The newest addition to Kyoto’s luxury hotel scene

Roku Kyoto has opened its doors and is the first of Hilton’s LXR Hotels and Resorts to debut in Asia Pacific.

Situated beneath majestic Takagamine mountains in northern Kyoto, Roku Kyoto is nestled within the 28.6-acre Shozan Resort Kyoto, a luxury enclave home to some of Kyoto’s most notable and idyllic Japanese gardens, historic architecture and authentic tea houses. The hotel is also located within walking distance from the famed Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and other historic temples, such as the Koetsuji Temple and the Genkoan Temple.

Infusing both traditional Kyoto design and modern Japanese aesthetic in calming earthy tones, the 114 guestrooms offer a peaceful sanctuary that depicts the beauty and simplicity of Japanese materials and craftsmanship.

The expansive Roku Suite offers sweeping views of the mountains along the Tenjin River, while the Takagamine mountains can be observed from the Peak Suite. The garden deluxe rooms each feature a private onsen with a garden, while the poolside deluxe rooms are conveniently located closest to the Roku Spa and provide direct access to the outdoor onsen thermal pool from the room’s private terrace.

Bedroom at Roku Kyoto — The hotel has been designed to reflect the traditions and tranquillity of northern Kyoto, providing guests with authentic and meaningful experiences of the local area

“LXR Hotels and Resorts feature a network of distinctive, best-in-class luxury hotels that thrive independently yet are unified by their unrivalled commitment to personalised service with each property providing a truly local and captivating experience,” said Feisal Jaffer, global head at LXR Hotels and Resorts.

“The highly-anticipated opening of Roku Kyoto is the perfect addition to our expanding portfolio and an important brand milestone as the inaugural LXR property in the region. The hotel has been designed to reflect the traditions and tranquillity of northern Kyoto, providing guests with authentic and meaningful experiences of the local area. These experiences are visible through the cultural threads that are woven through every part of the hotel⁠ – from the architecture and design to culinary experiences and experiential immersions that remain true to the destination’s history and heritage.”

Inspired by an artist’s residence

Roku Kyoto hotel interior — Paying homage to the Takagamine area’s rich history, which was also the source of water for washi papermaking, the hotel has been designed by the international design firm, Blink Design Group, to reflect an artist’s residence

The grounds where the hotel now sits was a renowned artisan colony where the classical Rinpa school of Japanese painting was founded around 400 years ago by Hon’ami Koetsu, a Japanese artist, poet, calligrapher, tea master, and landscape designer, considered one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 17^th century. Rinpa played a significant role in nurturing important artists and craftsmen over the years and had a strong influence on the development of traditional Japanese art and culture.

Paying homage to the Takagamine area’s rich history, which was also the source of water for washi papermaking, the hotel has been designed by the international design firm, Blink Design Group, to reflect an artist’s residence. Guests can discover the multi-faceted expressions of traditional Japanese art as they explore the hotel, from exquisite lacquerware at the entrance, bamboo art pieces in the restaurant, ceramic artefacts in the spa, to karakami decorative paper in the guestrooms.

A culinary adventure for the senses

Restaurant at Roku Kyoto — At the Chef’s Table within the restaurant, guests can witness first-hand the art of cooking by the masterful chefs as they present an exclusive seasonal course menu inspired by the history and culture

Named after the Tenjin River, the French restaurant Tenjin welcomes guests to embark on a unique epicurean journey and indulge in French-style dishes made from the finest locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

At the Chef’s Table within the restaurant, guests can witness first-hand the art of cooking by the masterful chefs as they present an exclusive seasonal menu inspired by the history and culture of the Rinpa school. At the bar, guests can sip on signature cocktails made with local ingredients or enjoy seasonal afternoon tea. Alternatively, guests can lounge at the ‘Engawa’, where they can listen to the sounds of the river by the indoor patio and take in the views.

Explore the wonders of Kyoto

Kyoto in Japan — The ancient capital of Kyoto has long been a tourist mecca, attracting domestic and international travelers to its World Heritage-designated temples, shrines and rock gardens

The concierge team will enable guests to experience the hidden treasures of Kyoto through various activities and services including the Omuro 88 Temple Pilgrimage guided by a priest, learn ‘kintsugi’⁠ – the art of restoring pottery with gold, create traditional ceramic art and papermaking by hand with water sourced from the Tenjin River, as it was done in the ninth century.