Hoshinoya Kyoto

Leave the world behind and be transported to heaven on earth! Gosh, this is a truly extraordinary hotel experience. Hoshinoya Kyoto is not simply a hotel — it is an experience of place, stillness and beauty. The property sits along the Ōi River in Arashiyama and is reached only by boat, which immediately signals the ethos of the place: you are leaving the ordinary world behind. Once you arrive, the view from the rooms feels like a living masterpiece. The river, the forested mountains and the changing light create a landscape that subtly transforms through the hours of the day and across the seasons. We even saw a deer family moving up the hillside. The experience is deeply thoughtful. In the morning you might stretch quietly in the Zen garden or attend an incense ceremony. In winter there are heated blankets so you can sit outside and listen to the poetry of the river while sipping tea and eating adzuki bean cookies or seaweed crackers (my husband preferred a cold beer). The hinoki cypress baths, scented with kumquats, are perfection — every detail calibrated so you can adjust the temperature and soak in complete calm. Guests wear soft pyjamas and beautifully dyed traditional lounge clothes that seem to invite relaxation and contemplation. The staff move through the property like quiet ninjas — attentive, graceful and somehow always present exactly when needed. They are also brilliant at logistics. Dining is exquisite. Kaiseki dinners are beautifully prepared and deeply seasonal. Room service is intentionally limited, which reinforces the sense that this is a place to slow down and experience the rhythm of the property rather than treat it like a conventional hotel. The surrounding area is extraordinary. Within walking distance are some of Kyoto’s most remarkable UNESCO sites — the bamboo forest, temples and historic gardens — and if you are visiting Arashiyama, do not miss lunch at Mama. But the real magic of Hoshinoya Kyoto is this: plan time not only to explore the area, but also time to simply sit. Sit by the river. Sit on the terrace. Sit with tea or sake and watch the landscape shift with the light. The quiet beauty of this place is intoxicating. Thank you to the Hoshinoya team for creating something so rare and memorable.

Everything was okay, but the location is not interesting at all if you want to visit and discover Kyoto, theres shuttles but they only work during the day and need to be booked ( meaning you are not guaranteed to get a shuttle at the time you want),theres also kind of nothing to do and no TV, the only bar only serves whisky and one beer which is super overpriced in my opinion for japan but the waitress was super kind. One big plus is the staff was genuinely super kind and tried to make the stay as best as possible within the limits this hotel has

I stayed at the Tsukihashi Maisonette at HOSHINOYA Kyoto, and everything about it was spectacular. It’s a true gateway from all the city buzz — surrounded by a peaceful bamboo forest and overlooking the river. What I loved: • The service was exceptional — thoughtful, polite, and always delivered with a warm smile. • The location and setting are absolutely magical, tucked away in nature yet close to Arashiyama. • The 5-step facial skincare routine provided in the room was such a beautiful touch — relaxing and luxurious. • The morning stretch session was refreshing and set the tone for the day perfectly. • The panoramic view from our Tsukihashi Maisonette room was breathtaking. • The room design itself was stunning — antique Japanese style with authentic details and modern comfort, spread across two floors. What could be improved: • The first floor includes a tatami room and bathroom. The tatami room had a very strong smell that I personally found uncomfortable, but the housekeeping staff were kind enough to spray and light incense to help. • The narrow stairs connecting the two floors can feel a bit inconvenient, especially when you need to go downstairs to use the bathroom at night. It would be great if the tatami room were replaced with an additional bedroom, as it would make the maisonette perfect for families or groups. • There’s no direct access to the rooms; guests must take the hotel’s boat each time to go in or out. While the boat ride is beautiful and unique, it can feel restrictive if you’re staying for several nights. Overall, it’s a beautiful, serene, and luxurious escape — perfect for one or two nights of tranquility. But for longer stays, the limited access and room layout might feel a bit less convenient. Still, an unforgettable Kyoto experience.

This is an outrageously beautiful and remote property. You take (book) a boat to get to and from the hotel, but they can pick you up in a car if it's after hours. This place leaves you feeling completely transported, and the staff are so attentive and gracious. Wonderful on site restaurant and a host of activities that you can book in advance, some free (i.e. morning stretch/riutal), others require payment (we did Matcha tea making on a boat ride that was so serene). Cannot recommend this hotel enough... it's on the pricier side, but worth it. Thank you Hoshinoya Kyoto team for such a memorable stay!