Why Is This Place so Great?
Kyoto was once the Imperial Capital of Japan and is consequently the most cultural and historic city within the country. Filled with hundreds of temples and shrines, there’s no shortage of places for travelers to visit; however, its seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the city and its neighboring regions are amongst ones that should not be missed. Kyoto also has some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Japan. Brimming with Japanese Cherry Blossoms, the city is considered to be one of the best places to see the Sakura in full bloom during the weeks between the end of March and early April; however, its autumn foliage is also beautiful to see as trees change its colors into deep red, yellow, and green.
Awarded with 92 Michelin Star restaurants, Kyoto is ranked second in terms of having the most Michelin Stars in any city in the world, only after Tokyo. Visitors are bound to have extraordinary gastronomic experiences. Just don’t forget the small local establishments known for their seasonal confectioneries and Uji Matcha green tea treats!
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Luxury Kyoto
Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Photo of the Hotel’s Premier Room – Garden View. Courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is in a central location at the foot of Higashiyama Mountain which leads to numerous temples and shrines. The hotel is also in close proximity to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto National Museum, and just a 10-15 minute drive away from the Kyoto Train Station. With its serene location, the hotel is also home to a historic ornamental lake filled with koi carp that creates a zen and peaceful environment for guests to come home to after exploring the city.
All 180 rooms within this property are modernly decorated with Japanese touches including hand-painted panels, Fusama screen doors, and Nishijin textile cushions. Guests are also guaranteed a great night’s sleep by requesting for plush, signature, or firm mattress toppers to suit their personal requirements.
The hotel offers many unique experiences for its guests, including a geisha performance on weekends with a photo opportunity (or even challenge her to play a traditional Japanese board game) afterward at the property’s teahouse where guests can order champagne and sake in the evenings.
The spa also offers a wide range of treatments that are unique to the property and invoke a further sense of place. Treatments such as the Kiyome Purification and Royal Enso Treatment uses local produce such as sake, bamboo charcoal salt, and warm rice milk to purify the skin and enrich the soul. Guests may also partake in 30-minute bath treatments at the spa, all filled with healing herbs to help get rid of stress and fatigue.
Luxury Activity: Create Your Own Personalized Japanese Kitchen Knife
http://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/stores/aritsugu/
Luxury Dining: Jiki Miyazawa//Kichisen//Hyotei//Nakamura
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Lifestyle Kyoto
Lifestyle Hotel: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
https://aim2flourish.com/innovations/collaborations-for-maintaining-the-beautiful-destination
https://www.granviakyoto.com/rooms/
https://www.granviakyoto.com/factsheet/
Lifestyle Activity: Bamboo Groves of Arashiyama (Sagano Bamboo Forest)//Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama//Climb to the top of Mt Krama and Treat Yourself to a Relaxing Onsen
Lifestyle Dining: Ajiro
Serves Kaiseki Vegetarian Food 1 Michelin star.
Boutique Kyoto
Boutique Hotel: BNA Alter Museum
Boutique Activity: Witness the Brewing Process of Sake at Gekkeikan Okura (top sake brewing district in Japan)
Boutique Dining: Try Fire Ramen at Menbakaichidai//Eat along the streets of Pontocho
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