Kyoto is known as the temple capital of Japan, and the brand-new Ritz-Carlton hotel will be your own personal zen sanctuary.  It opened in February 2014 and is Japan’s first urbanized luxury resort in Japan. The resort sits just above the banks of the Kamogawa River and looks out on the Higashiyama Mountains, delivering views you will never forget.

With 134 guest rooms and nine luxury suites, you cannot go wrong in your room choice. Each room features either a city view, a view of the on-site Japanese Garden, or a Kamogawa River View.  All rooms also feature modern designs mixed with traditional Japanese touches, which will give you a sense of the amazing culture you will find yourself emerged in.

Choose from 49 Deluxe, spacious guest rooms with a window seat to look out at the city, or one of 13 Deluxe Garden rooms, or one of 55 Luxury guest rooms with both river and mountain views. All rooms have the best in luxury amenities, including 600-thread count sheets, premium shower supplies by Asprey, handmade bath soaps and salts by Kyoto Shabon-ya, and Yukata Imabari bathrobes and slippers. If a luxury suite is more your speed, pick from one of nine amazing and unique suites. The Suite TSUKIMI or The Ritz-Carlton Suite are equally fabulous and the hottest rooms in the resort.  Suite TSUKIMI is a 1,505 square foot room and has a private Moon-Viewing Deck with a panoramic view of the city, the river, and the stunning surrounding mountains.  The Ritz-Carlton Suite is 2,279 square feet and has a bathroom that is absolutely to die for – a large marble bathtub to soak in and a separate rainforest shower, too.  The huge living room with sprawling views is perfect to sit and have a drink (or two) in, and the suite also features a private dining room for eight.

The Spa is a healing and relaxation sanctuary with a waterfall that epitomizes the perfect spa feel. With seven treatment rooms and one spa suite, you can choose from the most luxurious treatments with spa products from ESPA, which are the best in quality that is offered.  After your treatment, take a dip in the 20-meter swimming pool, a steam, or sweat it out in the dry sauna. There is also a fitness center, a relaxation room, and a hot bath in the locker room.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto has four on-site dining options, three of which offer traditional Japanese cuisine, and the fourth serves delicious Italian fare. La Locanda is the Italian spot, and it is set in a century-old dining room.  At Mizuki, you can experience four separate aspects of true gastronomic expertise with Kaiseki Mizuki, Sushi Mizuki, Tempura Mizuki, and Teppanyaki. Each specializes in a unique aspect of true Japanese cuisine, and all are equally delicious. Before or after your meal, or both, head to The Bar, which has a 360° cellar with over 400 fabulous wines. Finally, stop into the lobby for breakfast or traditional afternoon tea, and, most scrumptious of all, the Pierre Hermé Boutique.

The Resort has partnered with Pierre Hermé Paris, the original Paris Patisserie, and we can vouch for the unbelievable deliciousness of each of their pasteries. If you are up for a taste sensation, treat yourself to the Infiniment Caramel Macaron…if they are good enough for Kim and Kanye, trust that they are absolutely divine.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is an absolute gem. We at Posh Voyage are thrilled to have this luxury resort in the heart of Japan.

Photographs courtesy of the property.