The most luxurious brand under the Hyatt Group is Park Hyatt, and the most expensive Park Hyatt is in Kyoto.
Recently, I went to Kyoto, and naturally, I had to stay at this renowned Kyoto Park Hyatt. Booking it, though, really took a toll on my wallet.
I went after the cherry blossom season, but during that season, the price can exceed 30,000 yen.
The Kyoto Park Hyatt is located in Higashiyama, one of the best-preserved ancient districts in Kyoto. The surrounding Higashiyama temple complex is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The location of Kyoto Park Hyatt is unbeatable: just a second to Ninenzaka, a minute to Kodaiji Temple, and ten minutes to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Gion, and Hanami-koji are all in the vicinity of the hotel.
Here’s a glimpse of the almost desolate Ninenzaka by night, a view you can enjoy at your leisure if you stay at Kyoto Park Hyatt.
Guests can appreciate Yasaka Pagoda in the early morning, sunset, and night.
The Kyoto Park Hyatt is a creation of Tony Chi and his studio, Tony Chi & Associates, which always adheres to the design principle of “one city, one hotel.”
This approach is actually quite nice, ensuring that the Tony Chi studio’s works you see in each city are local landmarks and classics.
The Kyoto Park Hyatt is imbued with Eastern charm and Japanese aesthetics.
The hotel makes extensive use of floor-to-ceiling glass panels to ensure you can always enjoy the beautiful scenery outside.
No wonder, as the view outside is absolutely unique, featuring Yasaka Pagoda, and the ancient machiya townhouses with their red latticework and insect cage windows. You can admire almost half of Kyoto without stepping outside, which is the true Kyoto Style.
I was “shocked” during check-in, as the entire check-in process was conducted with kneeling service.
It’s quite common to experience kneeling service while dining in Japan, but this was my first time encountering it during check-in.
The rooms at Kyoto Park Hyatt are superb.
Especially the bedroom with double-sided floor-to-ceiling windows, where the tender green maple leaves glow faintly under the sunlight, casting dappled green shadows that are pristine and vibrant.
Spring is already so beautiful; I imagine the autumn maple leaf season will be even more magnificent.
The room design follows a minimalist style that embraces the aesthetics of Zen, adhering to simplicity and natural harmony.
As per tradition, a mirror selfie in the restroom is a must.
The public areas of the Park Hyatt Kyoto are even more impressive.
The Park Hyatt Kyoto has only 70 rooms, yet the proportion of public areas is astonishingly large.
The Michelin-starred Kaiseki restaurant, Kyō-Taisan, is located on the fifth floor of the Park Hyatt Kyoto. Although they are not owned by the same proprietor, their collaboration is very close.
This historic ryotei and its gardens are famous for the secret meetings held by samurai loyal to the emperor during the late Edo period. Right next to the hotel is the Meiji Restoration Path.
I absolutely love this garden. With pines in the distance and plants nearby, it exudes a sense of desolation, depth, and tranquility.
The hotel has a library and a lounge area. I observed that many hotel guests like to sit there, read books, or use their iPads.
The lobby bar features a golden theme, reportedly inspired by the design of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto.
All guests can order a complimentary drink in the lobby bar.
The Park Hyatt Kyoto does not have a pool but boasts a highly aesthetic Japanese-style gym.
Now, let’s talk about dining. The Park Hyatt Kyoto has two self-operated restaurants and one partner restaurant, Kyō-Taisan, along with a bar.
The Michelin-starred Kaiseki restaurant Kyō-Taisan is quite renowned, having been established over 400 years ago. Kyō-Taisan came first, followed by the Park Hyatt Kyoto.
It is hard to get a reservation at Kyō-Taisan. However, it’s not a problem because you can upgrade your breakfast from a Western-style to a traditional Japanese one at Kyō-Taisan for an additional fee while staying at the Park Hyatt Kyoto.
Staying at the Park Hyatt Kyoto means you get to enjoy a Michelin-starred breakfast.
Secondly, I recommend the teppanyaki restaurant Yasaka.
No exaggeration, I have dined at countless Kyoto restaurants, and Yasaka truly offers the best view, allowing you to gaze upon the Yasaka Pagoda.
I couldn’t get a reservation at Kyō-Taisan, so I booked a meal at Yasaka instead. Every dish was accompanied by a beautiful scene.
I also suggest booking Yasaka in advance, as there are only about ten seats available, but fortunately, the hotel reserves some for its guests daily.
Eating while enjoying the view is a delight.
Yasaka is open only in the evenings, and while dining, I watched the night lights slowly illuminate Yasaka Pagoda from the restaurant.
Kyoto Bistro at Park Hyatt Kyoto is a highly stylish restaurant with an open kitchen. It is located among the street shops on Ninenzaka, which boasts an excellent location.
It’s recommended to visit at noon, find a seat by the window facing Ninenzaka, and enjoy your meal while watching the hustle and bustle of tourists. There are so many young ladies dressed in kimonos at Ninenzaka.
Lastly, I will continue to share some photos of Park Hyatt Kyoto. I really love this Park Hyatt; it’s worth staying at, despite the high price, because the overall experience is simply exceptional.
