Hilton Kyoto is conveniently located in Kawaramachi Sanjo, the bustling center of Kyoto, and is easily accessible from JR Kyoto Station (about 15-minute drive), Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line (2-minute walk), Kyoto Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line (10-minute walk), and Sanjo Station on the Keihan Main Line (4-minute walk).

The area is home to a mix of old and new shops. But stepping into one of the side streets reveals old-fashioned machiya houses that embody the traditional Kyoto vibe. It’s an ideal location for those planning to visit nearby attractions like Higashiyama and the Kamo River, as well as historic spots like Pontocho, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera.

Hilton Kyoto spans nine floors and two basement levels, with a total of 313 guest rooms in 16 styles across five categories. It has four restaurants and cafes, including a rooftop bar with panoramic views of Kyoto, an executive lounge, and the eforea SPA with three treatment rooms. Guests can also enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, an 18-meter indoor pool, and spaces for banquets and meetings.

The hotel is inspired by the Kyoto Synapse concept, which connects guests to this fascinating city through historic traditions and modern innovations. Drawing on the theme of orimono (traditional textiles), the interiors are designed to reflect Kyoto’s distinct character all throughout the property.

Hilton Kyoto is a gorgeous structure that stands out even amongst the rows of buildings along Kawaramachi Dori. Rather than facing the main street, the entrance is tucked away in the short, narrow alley to the north side of the building, leading visitors away from the hustle and bustle of the city into what feels like a whole other world!

The lobby features a stunning atrium that extends to the fifth floor. A soft, subtle fragrance greeted us at check-in, which the front desk staff revealed as the Sencha fragrance from Air Aroma. Its sweet and refreshing scent, reminiscent of premium green tea, instantly set a relaxing tone to our trip.

Sitting on the sofa and looking up, you’ll feel as if you’re sitting right inside a giant weaving loom! The precise latticework is incredible, and pays tribute to the long history of Nishijin textiles, one of Kyoto’s traditional industries.

In the elevator hall is an art piece inspired by the Kyobata (a weaving loom from Nishijin textiles), designed in the image of threads spinning upward all the way to the ceiling.

This fancy elevator whisks you up and away to your guest room, with doors made with a copper finish and a traditional Japanese tsuchime-kakou (hammertone) texture, giving them a distinctive look and shine.

All guest rooms are spacious, starting at over 40 square meters, and come in a variety of styles. Amongst the 313 rooms are 28 connected rooms, which are ideal for families and groups.

Entering the Standard Room, you’ll notice Kyoto-inspired touches throughout. The bedhead is decorated with a Nishijin brocade tapestry, while the bedside lamp is modeled after traditional Japanese Andon lighting. There’s also the carpet, designed with a detailed map of Kyoto. Each room is equipped with a TV and complementary access to streaming services like Netflix, U-NEXT, and Hulu through the hotel’s account.

Bathrooms are stocked with soaps from the British brand, Crabtree & Evelyn. Pajamas and towels are provided by a Kyoto-based company with over 130 years of history, offering amazing quality and a soft, luxurious feel.

In the minibar, you’ll find a whiskey called “Sekai no Kyoto-e (To the World of Kyoto),” crafted by Kyoto Shuzo (Kyoto Miyako Distillery). This whiskey is noted for its sweet flavor and fresh oaky aroma, with a fancy label made from Nishijin fabric. Available exclusively in Kyoto, it’s a must-try for whiskey enthusiasts! (Additional charges apply)

Water can be refilled at the water stations on each floor using a provided pitcher. Each room also includes teas from Ippodo, a famous Kyoto tea shop, as well as an espresso machine for added convenience.

The King Kyoto Suite is the largest of the 10 suites, and located on the ninth floor. Spanning 121 square meters, it includes a bedroom, a kitchen, and a Japanese-style room.

Upon entering the suite, the first thing that stands out is the black Omotenashi Counter (hospitality counter), whose design is inspired by traditional lacquered stacked boxes. The beloved bonsai display also adds to the room’s wabi-sabi vibe.

Opening the drawers reveals nostalgic traditional Japanese toys like kaleidoscopes and kendama. For even more fun, guests will also find a Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom), the hit home video game console from the 1980s, which you can play right in the comfort of your suite!

The other drawer contains a calligraphy set and an easy-to-use matcha tea set. It’s not every day you get the chance to write letters with a real ink and brush! Consider it a fun and interesting way to jot down your thoughts from your travels. Not to mention, it’s also a nice touch being able to prepare the matcha yourself!

The island kitchen is both fancy and functional, making it perfect for extended stays or families traveling with children.

In the Japanese-style room, guests will enjoy the comforting feel of the tatami mats when sitting or lying down to relax. And when you open the shoji screens, you’re greeted by a stunning view of the Higashiyama mountain range, just beyond the Kyoto cityscape!

The ninth floor, where the Kyoto Suites are located, features a tsuboniwa garden. Guests staying in executive rooms or suites have exclusive access to the executive lounge beyond the garden, with services like check-in and check-out, breakfast, refreshments, and evening cocktails.

This restaurant gets its name from the traditional Nishijin weaving technique called “teori,” or “hand weaving.” It’s a spacious 120-seat venue offering buffet-style dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu was crafted by Mariangela Ruggiero, the first female executive chef at a Hilton in Japan and an Italian native, featuring dishes made with Kyoto local ingredients.

One of their top breakfast dishes is the Uji Matcha Udon in Kyoto Dashi Soup, prepared in the open kitchen and served fresh with a savory Kyoto-style broth and condiments of your choice. The counter has many other home-style Kyoto dishes on display, including yuba (bean curd) and tofu. With over 10 types of homemade breads baked daily and an impressive selection of sweets, guests can take their time indulging in delicious desserts after their meal.

Lunch features over 50 dishes, with chefs in the open kitchen carving roast beef and spare ribs to order. Alongside a variety of international dishes, guests can enjoy the flavors and ingredients unique to Kyoto.

The lobby cafe is a chic spot for light meals and coffee during the day, and transforms into a stylish bar at night.

Daytime afternoon tea is a great way to get excited about seasonal fruity sweets, and Japanese-style savories! The drink selection is equally diverse, and include an exclusive Hilton Kyoto Blend from Kyoto’s long-established Ogawa Coffee (available in limited quantities), Kyoto-sourced black tea, and Uji matcha.

7 Embers offers a variety of distinct dishes, including Mediterranean classics like fresh fish aqua pazza, grilled Omi beef, smoked Kyoto duck, and other creative delicacies featuring Kyoto vegetables. The restaurant is especially known for its carefully prepared, slow-cooked dishes.

This resort-like rooftop bar is the perfect place to relax while taking in the breathtaking views of the Higashiyama mountains, the Kamo River, and the Kyoto cityscape. Our recommended drink is the Piña Colada, a creamy cocktail made with Kyoto rum.

Take in the changing scenery of Kyoto as you bask in the gentle breeze of the seasons.

In addition to the guest rooms and restaurants, the public spaces are adorned with an array of art pieces that will make you want to explore it as an art gallery! One piece that immediately stands out is a relief work by Ayako Kuno, featuring a beautifully intricate map of Kyoto with Hilton Kyoto at its center.

This piece is called Sansui, by Yoshitaka Yazu. It shows the transition from Kyoto’s urban area to its surrounding mountains.

This objet d’art is made of Kitayama cedar, a famous wood from Kyoto, and is designed in the image of Nishijin textiles.

Designed by Eiko Miki, the fan-like reliefs displayed on the buffet walls create a bright, uplifting ambiance, perfect for a dining space.

Hilton Kyoto is a place where every detail, from the decor to the food and drink, is thoughtfully tied to local traditions and its stories. Conveniently located, it’s an ideal base for your explorations, as well as a great place to simply relax and immerse yourself deeply in the city’s traditions. It’s no wonder so many international guests choose Hilton Kyoto for the chance to appreciate the culture for themselves.

Staff members speak English, Chinese, and Korean, and brochures and menus are available in English. As part of the trusted Hilton brand, this hotel offers a warm and inviting way to connect with Kyoto’s culture and traditions, making it one of our most highly recommended choices for travelers!

Information in article as of October 2024. Please see official websites for latest updates and information.