Hotel Okura Kyoto is located in central Kyoto, the city that served as Japan’s political and cultural center for over 1,000 years. To this day, Kyoto has preserved much of its traditional beauty, and continues to be one of the top travel destinations in the world.

Amongst the city’s many historic sites, this hotel is the oldest in Kyoto, complete with eight bars and restaurants, a fitness club, a pool, and spa. With world-famous attractions like the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Gion just around the corner, it’s also an ideal base for those who want to check out the cherry blossoms in spring or the Gion Matsuri Festival in summer.

Standing at around 60 meters tall, Hotel Okura Kyoto is the tallest hotel in the city, with incredible views of Higashiyama and the Kamo River from the top-floor lounge on the 17th floor—breathtaking scenery you won’t find anywhere else in Kyoto. You just might be surprised by how far you can see from 60 meters high!

This is all thanks to Kyoto city regulations that prohibit the construction of buildings taller than 31 meters. However, as this hotel was built before those rules were introduced, it remains one of the few places in central Kyoto where you can see such expansive views of the city.

No matter where in Japan you're coming from, the easiest way to the hotel is from Kyoto Station. This major transit hub connects to the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines, JR lines, Kintetsu Line, and the Kyoto City Subway. For those arriving by plane, there’s the JR Limited Express Haruka line, which runs directly from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station.

The best way to reach Hotel Okura Kyoto from Kyoto Station is via the Kyoto City Subway, as it’s directly connected to the Tozai Line’s Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station. Just outside the ticket gates are signs leading you straight to the hotel, so don’t worry about getting lost. And since it’s directly connected, you won’t get wet on on rainy days!

By car, it’s about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station.

Stepping into Hotel Okura Kyoto reveals a space where traditional Japanese elegance and modern design blend seamlessly. It has a sense of grandeur reminiscent of a European palace, yet the soft glow of indirect lighting adds a warm, distinctly Japanese touch. The atmosphere is refined, gentle, and welcoming, with seasonal decorations in the lobby adding to its charm throughout the year.

One of Hotel Okura Kyoto’s best attractions is the comfort that comes from its traditional hospitality. It’s a beloved spot amongst locals, with many guests returning year after year to celebrate anniversaries and special occasions.

Their service is welcoming to everyone, regardless of nationality, and all facilities are English-friendly. There’s a foreign currency exchange machine in the building, with a multilingual concierge available to assist with sightseeing information and activity bookings.

Along the corridor of the second floor lobby you’ll find exhibits displaying the hotel’s rich history. Established in 1888, Hotel Okura Kyoto is one of Japan’s most distinguished and historic accommodations. Over the years, it has welcomed countless notable guests, including Tsarevich Nicholas of Russia (later Emperor Nicholas II), the Emperor of Japan, foreign dignitaries, cultural figures, and celebrities from all around the world.

The display includes photos and autographs from past guests, including baseball legend Babe Ruth, global film icons Glenn Ford and Marlon Brando, and legendary director John Wayne.

Hotel Okura Kyoto was originally known as Tokiwa Hotel when it opened in 1888. It was the only hotel company in western Japan founded with the support of Eiichi Shibusawa, whose photo you can now see on Japan’s 10,000 yen bill. According to historical records, Shibusawa contributed to the hotel’s founding costs, believing that a place as scenic and representative as Kyoto needed an equally fitting accommodation. It was eventually renamed Kyoto Hotel, and continues its legacy today under the name Hotel Okura Kyoto.

Time to check in to Hotel Okura Kyoto! The design on this gold-colored card key depicts the Juppo, a set of ten lucky treasures from the traditional Japanese Takara-zukushi. Each symbol has its own special meaning. For example, the folding fan represents prosperity and growth, while the lucky mallet, said to bring wealth and grant wishes, is a treasure carried by Daikokuten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods.

The hotel has 320 guest rooms in total, including single, double, twin, and family rooms, as well as suites on the 16F Executive Floor. Rooms are categorized into three types based on their in-bath amenities, which we introduce in the sections below.

Here we have the Single Rooms, Standard Rooms (double or twin), Superior Rooms (double or twin), and Family Rooms. All rooms at Hotel Okura Kyoto are located on the 7th floor and up. The Twin and Double rooms on the 7th and 8th floors are Standard, while those between floors 9-15 are Superior (with some exceptions).

On the table of every room is a guide to the temples and mountains visible from the window, with the names and locations in both Japanese and English. The drinks in the minibar are all unique to Kyoto, including Mizuo Yuzu Cider and Kyoto Beer (extra cost applies).

The bathrobes, nightwear, and bath towels all feature the hotel’s logo. The bathrobes are a favorite amongst visitors for their soft, fluffy texture and comfort—so much so that many end up buying one to take home! Another impressive feature is the spacious windows in every room. East-facing rooms are especially popular for their beautiful views that change with the seasons, treating visitors to beautiful seasonal views of the cityscape.

Room amenities are consistent across all room types, with the exception of the shampoo, conditioner, and body soap, which vary by category. Single, Standard, Superior, and Family Room products are of the Hotel Okura Kyoto brand, with a skincare set from popular Osaka beauty brand, Margaret Josefin.

Be sure to try the bath salts as well, available in soothing traditional Japanese fragrances like sakura and sandalwood, selected at random and perfect for a relaxing soak in your room’s tub.

Both the Corner Deluxe and Executive rooms are available in double or twin. The Corner Deluxe Room is a spacious 53 square meters and includes a separate living area. Natural light streams in from windows on both sides, with wide, open views of the cityscape.

Executive Rooms are located on the 16F Executive Floor. Note that there is no separate lounge on this floor.

Corner Deluxe and Executive Rooms are stocked with in-bath amenities by Miller Harris. The Tea Tonique series has a light, invigorating scent with hints of tea leaves, and includes shampoo, conditioner, and body soap.

The Suite Room is on the 16F Executive Floor, with a spacious interior furnished with elegant, high-quality decor.

The Suite is the most luxurious of all room types. There’s a chandelier in the living area, and a minibar equipped with a selection of alcoholic beverages (additional charges apply). The spacious vanity includes a chair so you can get ready in comfort, and the bathroom even has a separate bathtub and shower.

The Suite Room’s in-bath amenities are from the Guerlain Eau de Cologne Impériale series, and includes shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and body cream.

There are eight dining options at Hotel Okura Kyoto, including bars and cafes. Overnight guests can try one of the hotel’s signature dishes (known as Dentō no Ippin), of which each restaurant serves its own unique take on these traditional specialties.

All restaurants are tourist-friendly with English menus available. For those with dietary restrictions or allergies, we recommend checking the menu in advance.

At Café Lec Court on the first floor, you can enjoy a standout dish from the hotel’s signature menu: Japanese Black Wagyu Beef Stew (4,300 yen), made with rich veal stock and red wine, and slowly simmered to perfection.

What adds extra depth to its flavor is a surprising secret ingredient: Hatcho miso. The Wagyu beef is so tender it practically melts in your mouth, releasing layers of savory goodness. You can choose either bread or rice to accompany the dish.

Another signature item at Café Lec Court is the Apple Pie à la Mode Set. This is one of the few hotel specialties you can order for take out. It’s also the most popular item on their online shop!

Each whole pie is made with about three apples from Aomori Prefecture, with crisp, caramelized apple slices on top. The filling also includes generously cut apple chunks for a rich, juicy flavor in every bite.

If you're craving premium Japanese beef, Teppanyaki Tokiwa is the place to go. This restaurant serves only domestically sourced beef, with all dinner options featuring Japanese Black Wagyu.

Popular choices include course meals of Omi beef (one of Japan’s top three Wagyu varieties), along with fresh seafood like live abalone and lobster, as well as their signature Garlic Rice. The windows also provide sweeping night views of western Kyoto. (Lunch from 8,000 yen / Dinner from 16,000 yen.)

Breakfast is served at Top Lounge Orizzonte on the 17th floor, the hotel’s top level, where you can enjoy a panoramic morning view of Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountains. It’s a Japanese-Western buffet (3,800 yen for adults, 2,000 yen for children) with nearly 60 dishes in total, including about 15 varieties of bread and 10 types of salad.

You’ll also find Kyoto specialties like yudofu (chilled tofu in summer) and a colorful assortment of obanzai side dishes. It’s a delicious way to start the day!

One of the buffet’s most popular items is the made-to-order omelet. The Kyoto-style omelet is a particular favorite, with Kujo green onions (a traditional local vegetable) and shibazuke, one of Kyoto’s three classic pickled foods. There’s also a popular pickle corner with a wide variety of items to choose from, along with another must-try dish: the hotel’s signature, freshly made French toast.

If you want to start your morning with a touch of traditional elegance, the Japanese breakfast at Kyoryori Irifune (3,800 yen) is a perfect choice. Just outside the windows lies a peaceful Japanese garden, with the urban landscape hidden from view by the tall hedges, treating guests to a beautiful borrowed landscape of the distant Higashiyama mountains.

The fitness club is located on the 6F, and includes an indoor pool, jacuzzi, golf range, bathhouse, sauna, powder room, and lounge. Once you enter, you can use the facilities as many times as you like during business hours for that day. English-speaking staff are also available.

One of the best times to explore the area around Hotel Okura Kyoto is cherry blossom season. The nearby Kamogawa and Takasegawa rivers are famous for their beautiful cherry-lined paths, which turn into breathtaking rows of sakura each spring.

The walkway along the Kamogawa River is perfect for a morning stroll or jog. In the evening, the eastern bank is lit up with the Flower Corridor illumination, offering a magical view of the cherry blossoms glowing under the lights.

The hotel stands at the Kawaramachi-Oike intersection, which is part of the parade route for the Gion Festival held every summer. It’s also the site of the dramatic tsujimawashi, where the massive festival floats make sharp turns. The Gion Festival is an annual celebration held by Yasaka Shrine and is one of Japan’s three major festivals, taking place throughout the month of July. Its main highlight is the Yamahoko Float Procession, which has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Located in the heart of Kyoto, a city with over a thousand years of history, Hotel Okura Kyoto is surrounded by historic sites you can discover by simply walking around the neighborhood. Most sites are free to explore and offer English explanations for easy understanding. The hotel also provides sightseeing maps in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Within walking distance are top attractions like Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nishiki Market, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, and Heian Shrine. Many other famous spots across the city are also easily accessible by train or subway, making the hotel a convenient base for sightseeing.

Hotel Okura Kyoto offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re savoring gourmet cuisine, soaking in the view from your room, exploring the surrounding area at your own pace, or setting out to discover the city’s top sights, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your stay. There are also many seasonal attractions to experience all throughout the year.

So make the most of your time at Hotel Okura Kyoto, and check out all Kyoto has to offer. It’s guaranteed to be an elegant and memorable stay!

(Information in article as of March 2025. Please see official website for the latest updates and information.)