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The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Kyoto • Hokodencho • OVER THE TOP

avg. $1,183 / night

Includes $62 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

Marriott Bonvoy® property

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

Credit and debit card charges are processed directly by the hotel (i.e. not PressBeyond), meaning that any travel-specific credit card points or incentives that you normally get as a cardholder for direct hotel bookings are preserved

Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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PB hotel design editorial

Along the western bank of the Kamogawa River, where weeping willows and cherry trees line the embankment between Nijojo and the old imperial districts, a low-slung three-storey structure resolved one of Kyoto's most contested planning problems: how to build a contemporary luxury hotel within sight of the Nijo-jo castle moat without violating the city's strict height and facade restrictions. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, which opened in 2014 to designs by Nikken Sekkei, answered that question with a horizontal timber-and-glass building whose deep overhanging eaves and rhythmic bay structure carry the proportional logic of traditional machiya townhouse architecture into an entirely modern frame. Interiors by Yukio Hashimoto of GA Design draw the same line between heritage and contemporary comfort, with warm hinoki cypress panelling, washi paper screens, and lacquered tansu-inspired furniture establishing a material language that feels rooted in Kyoto craft rather than international hotel formula. The 134 rooms orient toward either the river or a series of private garden courtyards planted with pine and bamboo — the garden-facing villas, visible in the images, frame their own roji-style stone compositions through full-height glazing. The restaurant deploys irregular fieldstone walls and oval washi-shade pendants overhead to ground the dining room in the textures of a Japanese interior without tipping into period pastiche. Below grade, the spa pool is lined in cobalt mosaic tile and lit against an exposed rock wall — a contrast between the elemental and the refined that runs, quietly, through the entire building.

Travel notes

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About

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, the first luxury urban resort in Japan, sits serenely on the banks of the Kamo river, with sweeping views of the famous Higashiyama mountains. The resort in Kyoto features 134 guest rooms and suites, four restaurants and bars, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and four different types of banquet rooms ranging from corporate dinners, to meetings, exhibitions and private events. It also boasts a unique partnership with Pierre Hermé Paris, creator of Haute Pàtisserie, showcasing popular creations and introducing an exclusive range of signature desserts. Blending the centuries old traditions and rich culture of Japan's ancient capital with modern luxury, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto brings to life the cultural heart of Japan. The hotel is in close proximity to Kyoto's popular downtown areas including Gion, Pontocho and the city's retail and entertainment district.

Amenities

Pool

Meeting rooms

Fitness center

Internet

Kids Activities

Free Internet

Restaurant

Bar/Lounge

Spa

Wifi

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto Reviews

1,733 reviews

"We stayed at the Ritz Carlton Kyoto for our 50th wedding anniversary. We had high expectations based on the reputation of the hotel. Our expectations were greatly exceeded. The room was wonderful, the restaurants top notch. We were greeted by the Rooms Division Manager, Masaya Tanaka, who proved to be the most outstanding feature of the hotel. Through the attention of Tanaka-san and his well trained and attentive staff, we felt as if we had a new immediate family! Highly recommend this hotel."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 18, 2026

"Our first time in Kyoto and stay at Ritz Carlton made our experience so much better. Seem-less checkin , beautiful entrance, well decorated corridors, nice lobby lounge were very welcoming. We also enjoyed Bar and Italian restaurant. Guest experience manager Shoko Hayashi took great care of us and so did Rizka Dwitama made our breakfast experience special We had very welcoming. We"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 16, 2026

"The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience I truly felt compelled to write this review because what we experienced at the The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto was unlike anything I’ve encountered in all my years of travel. I’ve stayed in countless luxury hotels around the world, and I can say with complete confidence: I have never experienced this level of service, intentionality, and genuine care. It wasn’t just exceptional, it was emotional. As a Titanium member, we’ve come to expect elevated experiences, but this went far beyond status. From the moment we arrived, everything felt orchestrated with precision and heart. Within seconds of stepping out of the car, a team was already there to greet us—warm, attentive, and fully present. We were welcomed by the head of the loyalty program and seamlessly escorted inside with grace and ease. The arrival experience alone was extraordinary—we were welcomed with thoughtful gifts, beautifully presented, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable stay. What truly sets this hotel apart is the people. If you asked for directions anywhere on property, they didn’t point—they walked you there. Every interaction felt personal, never transactional. Every detail, no matter how small, was considered. Each time we returned from a day of exploring Kyoto, we were greeted again—often by multiple team members—each one genuinely asking how they could enhance our stay. It never felt scripted. It felt sincere. Breakfast was equally exceptional, offering both traditional Japanese and Western options, each executed flawlessly. Every detail—from presentation to service—was thoughtful and refined. And then, at checkout… something I will never forget. A line of team members, from leadership to front desk to restaurant staff, gathered to personally thank us and say goodbye. It was incredibly moving and spoke volumes about the culture of this property. The level of pride, care, and reverence these individuals bring to their roles is something I have never witnessed at this scale. They don’t just do their jobs—they honor them. Quite honestly, this experience has set a new standard that will be nearly impossible to match. If you are traveling to Kyoto, do not miss this hotel. It is not just a place to stay—it is something you feel."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 28, 2026

"We had the most incredible stay at Ritz Carton, Kyoto. This hotel is truly a one of a kind experience - the location is walkable to so much of Kyoto and perfectly picturesque. The atmosphere of the hotel is calm and immediately feels like a unique experience. We stayed as a family there and had an amazing experience with the Ritz Carlton Kyoto team who made us feel so special. In particular, the guest experience team member Megumi thought of every detail to make sure it was the ideal stay for our family. We will definitely come back!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 12, 2026

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