The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived, the service was nothing short of impeccable. The staff was attentive to every detail, ensuring our stay was both seamless and luxurious. Their warmth and professionalism made us feel truly cared for throughout our visit. The property itself is stunning, blending traditional Japanese elegance with modern luxury. Our room was beautifully appointed, with breathtaking views and thoughtful touches that elevated our experience. Whether it was the dining, the spa, or simply the personalized service, every aspect of our stay reflected the highest standards of hospitality. This was truly one of the best hotel experiences we’ve ever had, and we can’t wait to return. Highly recommended!

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto was truly one of the finest hotel experiences we’ve ever had. From the moment we arrived, the service was flawless, but the property itself is where it truly shines. It perfectly blends old-world Japan with modern luxury. The rooms, spacious for Kyoto, were beautifully designed and felt like a contemporary ryokan with sliding panels, natural textures, and elegant wood finishes. ||Thoughtful touches, like live Japanese string music, made the experience even more immersive. The location was another highlight—compared to the Park Hyatt and Four Seasons Kyoto, the Ritz offers a peaceful retreat away from tourist crowds, making it the perfect sanctuary after exploring the city.||One downside was the subpar spa area and pool, which felt a bit underwhelming as they were located underground. However, we didn’t mind, as the overall feel of the hotel was just so incredible.

I stayed at this hotel from December 17 to 20 in 2024, and it is one of the best Ritz-Carlton properties I have ever experienced. I will definitely return.||First, I want to express my gratitude to Yumi for assisting with the check-in process. She was incredibly attentive and thoughtful, arranging every detail perfectly and even giving me a warm, handwritten postcard. I also really enjoyed the convenience of checking in directly in the room. As a member, I was also upgraded to a room with a beautiful view of the Kamo River, which I absolutely loved.||The hotel offers many activities as well. On December 20, I joined the cycling tour, and the guide, Neen, left a lasting impression on me. She took us to a local temple that isn’t usually frequented by tourists, where we enjoyed the season’s last autumn leaves. Although the tour was just an hour, her attention to detail and thoughtful planning touched me deeply. I even asked to take a photo with her, and she later printed the photo as a gift for us, along with a handwritten postcard as a keepsake.||Overall, the service at this hotel is the best I’ve ever experienced among all Ritz-Carlton and Ritz hotels I’ve stayed at, even surpassing the Ritz in London.||Additionally, I loved the hotel’s swimming pool, which had the perfect water temperature. The sauna and steam room with scenic windows were incredibly relaxing. The twice-daily room cleaning service was also very satisfying.||If I must point out a downside, it would be the breakfast service. The staff repeatedly asked if we were finished, which made me feel as if they wanted us to leave quickly.

What an amazing property! The architecture is absolutely stunning and seamlessly blends with the essence of Kyoto. The rooms were beautifully designed, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offered breathtaking views of the river. A standout feature of our room was the “super king” bed—it was extraordinarily large and truly unique, adding an unexpected touch of luxury. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive, ensuring every aspect of our stay was flawless. The lobby lounge was warm and inviting, with impeccable service that made it a delightful spot to relax. Breakfast was equally impressive, offering a wide and thoughtfully curated selection. The hotel also arranged private guides for us each day, and they were fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and perfectly tailored to enhance our experience of Kyoto. I highly recommend this property to anyone visiting Kyoto. It offers an exceptional blend of luxury, comfort, and cultural immersion that makes for an unforgettable stay.

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto consistently delivers an outstanding experience, and this time was no exception. This visit was particularly special since it was the first time I brought my parents, kids, and the whole family. While I’ve stayed here before, this trip stood out because of how the staff went above and beyond to make everything seamless and enjoyable.||I’d like to specifically thank Tsutomu Hibino, the Front Desk Manager, Takanao Usui, the Assistant Director of Food and Beverage, and Nakayama, the Service Manager. They took care of everything with such professionalism and warmth that it made a real difference. I even had an issue with a Kyoto independent taxi—anyone familiar with their reputation knows how difficult they can be—but the staff stepped in and handled it flawlessly, saving me a lot of frustration.||The dining is always a highlight here. My personal favorite is Tempura Mizuki, the Michelin-starred restaurant run by Chef Kojima. The seasonal tempura dishes are always light and perfectly balanced, and their selection of nihonshu, especially Juyondai sake, is fantastic. For breakfast, I highly recommend the Pierre Hermé toast from the American menu. That said, I was disappointed to see they no longer serve the Wabisuke-brand egg 卵かけご飯 in the Japanese breakfast—it used to be a standout.||The facilities are another reason I keep coming back. The dry sauna is great and stays open until 10 p.m., though I wish the wet sauna had a timer, and a cold plunge would be a nice addition. The 24-hour gym is incredibly convenient, especially if you have a tight schedule. The pool is family-friendly too—kids aged 4 and up can use it, which is a huge plus for families like mine.||What really makes this hotel special, though, is the staff. They’re not just professional—they’re proactive and solution-focused, always looking for ways to make things better. It’s the little things, like delivering an ice bucket in under three minutes or reaching out ahead of my next stay tomorrow (just a short business trip), that make me feel genuinely appreciated. They truly live up to the Ritz-Carlton motto, “Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.”||Finally, one detail that sets the Kyoto property apart is its respect for local traditions. For example, staff will pause and wait for guests to pass, even if they’re just walking through the hallways. It’s such a small gesture, but it reflects Kyoto’s unique sense of hospitality and adds to the overall charm.||I’m already looking forward to my next visit tomorrow, even if it’s just a quick business trip. This hotel never disappoints, and I’m sure it won’t this time either.

It hurts to remember how much I loved staying here. Only because the reality is it will be years until I can return here and indulge in the beauty of this property. Staying here elevated my whole trip to Kyoto, with how convenient this hotel was. There was so much to do within walking distance. And, since I had no agenda but to explore Kyoto, I think this is the best place. When I arrived, I was asked to sit in the bar/lounge and was offered some refreshments before being shown my room, where I also checked in and was briefed on the amenities of the hotel and the room. The check-in lady wore a beautiful kimono and spoke proficient English, and was able to make restaurant reservations for me. There is an understated elegance that permeates this jewel of a hotel. I highly highly recommend, and I can't wait to return.

The hotel perfectly captures the essence of Japan’s former capital with its traditional design, offering a serene ambiance complemented by stunning river views. The service was exceptionally warm and accommodating, and its prime location made sightseeing incredibly convenient. I highly recommend experiencing the hotel’s bicycle program—it was a delightful way to explore the area

The hotel can be reached by 15 minutes taxi ride from Kyoto station and 5 minutes walk from the nearest bus stop so it is quite convenient to get around.||From arrival to check in, the staffs were all very friendly and check in process is done quickly. I was upgraded to a slightly bigger room facing the river but due to its location in level 2, the view is obstructed by the surrounding trees.||The room is spacious and the bed are one of the biggest I have ever tried. Housekeeping also stocked and refill the amenities proactively during my stay.||This hotel is actually quite generous by offering free breakfast for higher tier member when it is not required for Ritz Carlton brand. But, unfortunately the breakfast is the weakest part of the stay experience. While the service were very good, the taste and variety of the meal is limited. ||Overall, I think this hotel offer pleasant stay but unfortunately there are still room for improvement especially with the breakfast

The hotel itself is so serene and tranquil. But the service here is definitely where expectations were exceeded. Long story short, I believe I lost my phone on a taxi. I filed a police report and later my phone showed up at another police station. This was all days later when I had already went back home to the States. We called the hotel to help us translate (the hotel had helped us try to locate the taxi driver before we left) to the police station since their English was limited. Not only did someone from the hotel translate for us, but they offered to help pick it up from the police station and ship it overseas back to us (we paid for shipping of course)! Now that is service! Will definitely go back to this hotel next time we are there!

This was an excellent experience all around. There was a level of thoughtful service that permeates everything here from the gym to the dining venues to the front desk staff. I will note that there were a couple of awkward service interactions where valet and lobby lounge staff took a sort of "are sure you should be here" approach with us until it became clear we were hotel guests. (We must not look like Ritz-Carlton types, but no harm no foul there, haha.) Appointments in the room were excellent, and I loved the garden view. The only nitpicking I can do would be that the technology in the room was a little dated. Plugs are hard to come by, and you cannot stream / cast to the TVs. Pool and Spa area was excellent, as were the dinning venues, which I'll be reviewing separately in more detail.

The hotel is just "okay" I would personally recommend staying anywhere else in Kyoto. While everyone was very nice the whole experience was extremely unsettling. Not being able to get comfortable in a hotel is probably one of the worst things when looking to wind down after a day of travel. I leave this review just to record my own personal experience in hopes if anyone is looking for something similar that they may be informed. If you are a foreign traveler to Kyoto I would absolutely not recommend the Ritz Kyoto. Having just come from the Conrad in Osaka which is of a similar style, the Ritz was extremely underwhelming and at a price where that is upsetting. If you are a Japanese national looking for a little slice of America then this may be a great hotel for that experience! It feels extremely out of place in Kyoto especially being so close to the imperial palace and kiyomizu temple. Mitsu, Apa chain, anything else but the Ritz in Kyoto for me personally

The Ritz Carlton Kyoto is a luxurious hotel that truly delivers an exceptional experience. From the moment you enter the hotel, you feel like royalty. The staff is incredibly accommodating and attentive, ensuring that your stay is comfortable and memorable. One of the highlights of the Ritz Carlton Kyoto is their afternoon tea time. The tea service is exquisite, with a variety of delicious treats and a selection of teas to choose from. It's the perfect way to unwind and relax after a day of exploring the city. If you're looking for an active adventure, the hotel offers complimentary guided bike tours with knowledgeable guides like Camile. The tours are a great way to see the city and learn about its history and culture. The pool setting is truly stunning, with a design that makes you feel like you're in a Japanese forest. It's a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, and the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. The tatami-style room at the hotel was a unique experience. There are only three in the entire hotel and I had the pleasure of staying in one of them. While the futon-style bed may take some getting used to for those accustomed to a Western-style bed, the private zen garden facing the Kamagowa River is a beautiful and serene retreat. If you prefer a more traditional room, the hotel also offers Western-style accommodations. Overall, the Ritz Carlton Kyoto is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a luxurious and memorable stay in Kyoto. With excellent service, beautiful amenities, and plenty of activities to choose from, it's a hotel that truly delivers on its promise of luxury and comfort. Highly recommended.

Out of all the Ritz Carltons and hotels in general we've stayed at, this is by far the absolute best and favorite! The service was impeccable and they really go the extra mile to make your stay perfect. Gorgeous architecture and design, not a typical skyscraper. Our suite was huge. The hotel breakfast was superb and not to be missed. They were also kind enough to make us sandwiches when we missed breakfast hours which was delish. Definitely look forward to future visits.

This is the third hotel on our trip in Japan. They are the most luxurious so far. So much great customer service. Plus the place is very nice looking and very high end . The outside is very zen and nice water falls and water movement. If you come by car they have a lower garage area to recieve you. The attendant takes your info and leads you into the lounge area by the bar. You wait for the staff to come to you while the bartender serves you cookies and tea. I don't speak Japanese so most of the staff at the hotel know how to speak English. Such a nice time checking in. The clerk then escorted us up to one of our rooms. The luggage was already in our room so we didn't even have to call down for it. Very thoughtful. The rooms just look amazing. Outside of our window was a small balcony like area with a rock formation. You can't go out there but very pretty. The beds are comfortable to. The shower is a bath tub and shower with rain feature which my wife loves. Definitely recommend this place for a future stay.

Luxury and service at it's pinnacle. Conveniently located to the best sites Kyoto has to offer. Rooms are super-comfortable with unobtrusive but impeccable service.

Elegant hotel. The service is superb. Staff is very helpful and nice. Rooms are great and clean. I had a wonderful stay.

Beautiful hotel and really great food at both of it's restaurants. Couldn't imagine staying anywhere else in Kyoto. Their smoky old fashioned was my favorite.

Sunrise over Kyoto from the Ritz Grand View room. The view is stunning and hospitality matches the view.

My first time at a Ritz Carlton hotel. We usually stay at Park Hyatt or Four Season but this time we give it a try. We stayed one night at the Ritz and we were blown away by the exceptional customer service!! Before we arrived in Kyoto I was looking for some activities to do at the hotel with my one year old son and the staff was so quick in responding to my emails and so helpful in answering all my questions. This hotel felt more like a boutique and luxurious hotel. It felt warm and welcoming. Upon arrival there were 7-8 hotel staff came to greet us and 3 of them escorted us to our room. They brought macaroons from Pierre Hermes for us to try.

I stayed at other Ritz Carlton in Japan, but Kyoto definitely stands up for various reasons. It's a beautiful property located on the great spot. I think their guest activity programs make them very unique and special. I did hiking which was led by Nicolas and Andrew. Both are very polite, professional, yet funny. I had a great time thanks to them. I initially signed up for running next morning, then Andrew offered me a bicycle tour to Gion which I ended up taking. It was great - going through normally busy Kyoto streets while still quiet, and you can see/hear every little details before being filled with tourists, cars, etc. We were given a nice terraced room facing the river. It was so nice to sit outside as the weather was perfect. Used the pool in the afternoon which was good as there was no one else. All the employees encountered were polite and professional. Enjoyed breakfast - croissants from Pierre Hermé were awesome! Did afternoon tea to get more Pierre Hermé goodies, lol. Would definitely return.

My husband and I were fortunate enough to have stayed here during our honeymoon and we were blown away by the experience and service. Immediately upon check-in, we were given two complimentary drinks of Perrier-Jouet Rose to kickoff our honeymoon. So yummy! During the check-in process we were given a list of the free activities that they offered (hikes, biking tour, running tour) and map of Kyoto. The staff was incredibly helpful and offered to book us reservations for dinner if needed. Simon was very helpful during our entire stay. Our hotel room was lovely, the best part was the bathroom, which had bamboo floors in the shower and a giant tub (so relaxing!). The bed was incredibly comfortable and view was beautiful. The gym was small, but had everything that we needed. We stopped by the pool for a few hours, super clean and warm. Also, there is a sauna too! We were lucky to have breakfast included during our stay. The hotel offers two different types of breakfast, Western and Japanese. We tried both and were blown away by the food. The Japanese breakfast was at Mizuki, this is traditional Japanese breakfast fare. We left with a food high! I would highly recommend the Japanese style breakfast. The next day we tried the Western style breakfast option and left full and satisfied. Definitely try the French toast, it was the best French toast I've ever had (I got two orders!). On the last full day we did the Kimono experience. This is something that I would 100% recommend to anyone. It was such a unique experience, the kimono's were very beautiful and the hotel does an incredible job making the experience very special. You get dressed in the penthouse room that has amazing views of Kyoto and then they walk around property and take pictures. When we checked out they even gave us a framed photo of us dressed up and gave us a copy of a flash drive with more photos. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto - Thank you for making our honeymoon magical, we cannot wait to come back!

This property was my first time staying at a Ritz, and it was indeed very ritzy. We used points to stay 5 nights here for the full duration of the Kyoto segment in our Japan trip. We actually arrived by subway (~7 min walk to property) instead of taxi - it was funny since our concierge expected us to arrive by taxi and was not there to greet us. Once we were checked in, we were taken to our room without giving notice of the hotel number. We were given room 444. For regular non-Asians, this seems like an okay room number. As a Chinese person, this was the most unlucky room number ever (4 sounds like the word death in Chinese and Japanese). I originally did not let it bother me but I later was surprised that they even had this room in a hotel located in Japan. We did end up staying there the full duration and had a great time, though I could not bear telling my parents the room number when chatting with them, haha. This property has the perfect balance of traditional Japanese and modern Western design. It just opened in 2014 so the facilities are brand new. The spa/pool is very zen, and much more designed for relaxation than the property in Tokyo (which we stayed later on in the trip). The steam room + hot sauna are nice additions to the property. Definitely checkout the change rooms which have private baths as well. The room itself was lovely. We did not get the river view (the hotel is located right beside the main river that runs through the city). This was fine since the property does not have high floors, so those passing by could see inside the room, unless you kept up the curtains at all times. Speaking of the curtains, I absolutely loved the convenience of the remote control curtains. We were given delicious grapes the first day + several snacks throughout our stay, each time our room was cleaned. The location of the property was fairly convenient. Since we used points and wanted to explore the city by foot, we mainly took the subway to get around. One night after hanging out in Osaka, we did take the high speed subway (~1 hour) back, it stops 5 min away from the property. To go to Kyoto station, the subway stop is ~7min away. Since they could not provide an upgrade, we were given complimentary breakfast during all days of our stay. This included the option of the japanese restaurant, Mizuki (sit down meal), as well as the Italian restaurant La Locanda (buffet style). Although this was offered by our concierge, Kate, she did not have this in the system under our reservation, providing quite a bit of confusion to the rest of the staff, since I had asked to confirm which restaurants were available in the complimentary breakfast, and the staff thought we did not have the complimentary breakfast, initially. Because of this incident, we definitely felt that this Ritz property was not as polished as the other properties (we stayed at the Tokyo property soon after, and my boyfriend had already stayed at the one in LA Marina Del Ray), which is expected since they only opened 4 years ago. We tried Mizuki one time, it was more formal and definitely not a lot of people chose to ate it for breakfast as it was pretty empty. There was a huge variety of food, it was quite a feast. For a regular guest I would recommend eating outside the hotel, but its still a decent option. The buffet style breakfast was much less formal and popular. Many outside guests came just to have the buffet. It's a spectacular buffet with the standard eggs, bacon, and potatoes, but also there were tons of delicious pastries and desserts. I especially love the strawberry filled croissant. The views are spectacular, if you get seated near the garden facing the hotel entranceway. There are also private dining areas in the restaurant, likely used for formal dinner time dining. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay here, despite some hiccups regarding the room number and the complimentary breakfast confusion. The amenities and location are superb. Definitely would love to stay here again in our next trip to Kyoto!

I'm a Ritz Rewards member and hence been able to stay at numerous properties worldwide, including Ritz in SF, LA, Half Moon Bay, Maui, Tokyo, Singapore. I have to say, this property at Kyoto was thus far the most gorgeous property with its grandness overlooking Kamogawa River and a walking distance to numerous not-to-be-missed sightseeing spots. From the moment you walk into its front door, you are able to leave the bustle and hustle of this city and be led into a peaceful stream-flowing garden to be eventually led into its golden lobby. I do have to complain though that even though I'm a Rewards Gold Elite member and guaranteed room upgrade upon arrival, I wasn't given such thing and asked to pay $150/night for any upgrade. I think it'd be one thing if the hotel tried to up-sell me on a better room because that's what hotels do but to essentially be guaranteed a room upgrade both via the Rewards program rule and a separate email after reservation and being denied of it upon arrival just didn't set a great start. Also it didn't help that the room we eventually got - although a gorgeously decorated room - had probably the ugliest view. So I think it goes without saying that you should be looking to spending more at this hotel rather than the best price you find for a complete experience. Comparably, I had previously stayed two nights in Ritz Tokyo, redeeming one of the nights in points as I did in Kyoto, I really appreciated the staff putting in a lot of effort to get me the absolute best room possible and ending up with a high floor room facing Tokyo Tree tower. At Kyoto, no such effort was visible. Highlights -The breathtakingly gorgeous lobby and the lounge -Equally nice amenities/facilities -creative room layout -Sleek Bathtub and hinoki style wooden bath amenities -Rotating TV -Welcome treat (strawberries and green tea) -Walkable and convenient location!! Lowlights -Overall, probably the least friendly and engaging hotel among the ones I stayed in that week (Ritz Tokyo, Hoshinoya Kyoto, Gora Kadan, Madoka no Mori); overall just felt that everyone seemed busy -Not getting the 4pm checkout even after I had requested it via mobile-app -Everything is expensive once you're inside their property -No Club Lounge -VERY TERRIBLE view if not facing the river

This was my second time staying here, and it was another truly exceptional experience. Stayed for a week in the corner suite tatami. This is one of my favorite The Ritz Carlton hotels and definitely one of the better ones, probably a top three for me (out of the 12 RC hotels I've stayed at). My favorite large hotel brand overall however is still Park Hyatt. Great location near downtown. Few minutes walk to subway stations which take you everywhere. Approximately 15 minutes walk and you're at shopping and food areas (Sanjo street, Temaguchi St, Takashimaya, Daimaru etc.). Check in was a breeze. At first I had to book two different rooms for my stay because they couldn't do one room, but I was delighted to find out a few days later that they were able to keep me in the same room. Staff was very helpful, polite, friendly, and accommodating. Questions about the hotel or city answered thoroughly. Any requests were handled smoothly. Everything's great if you communicate with them in either Japanese or Mandarin, but English was difficult for them. They tried their best though, which was appreciated. The rooms were clean and spacious and beautiful. I got the Japanese style room because I like it better than the western one. Tatami mats and futons. I love coming to Kyoto when it's cold - burying yourself in the futon is an experience in and of itself. I fell asleep instantly everyday. Wish there were more plug outlets (and more convenient ones), but there was a decent number and decently placed so this was just a very minor issue. WiFi is generally reliable. The shower and bathroom was clean as well (I can't stay in hotels that aren't clean or hygienic). Everything's changed daily which was great (but you can request what you'd like for purposes such as environmental concerns). There's a very rectangular bathtub which at first glance looks uncomfortable, but you actually get a peaceful soak in. The bathroom was a bit small - there wasn't much counter space at all, and it was very small relative to the big room. Amenities were plentiful. Japanese soap from Kyoto (handmade nearby) was a pleasant touch. The closet was a little small. Situated in a little hallway next to the entrance. You only get one side though because the other side is used for storing the futon mats and bedding. Hotel atmosphere. Can't emphasize how beautiful this hotel is, as well as the surrounding area. You could get a feel from all the pictures out there but in person it was so much better. The elegant Christmas decorations melted my heart. The gym was clean and well-ventilated. I do mostly weightlifting with just a bit of cardio. The area was small though and not for serious workouts. But when on vacation (and at such a beautiful city too), I can get by with some simple lifting. The cardio I ended up tackling with my sightseeing adventures (a lot of nature in Kyoto, makes for amazing hikes). Room service and any other deliveries or requests are fast and done well. Food is good. Phone calls are picked up quickly. The service at western breakfast (located at an the Italian restaurant la locanda) is lacking, but the food is good. Service at the Japanese breakfast (at the Japanese restaurant mizuki) was excellent and the food is decent.

Exceptional hotel. From the relaxing entryway with cascading water to the widest bed I've ever experienced this Ritz gets everything right. Staff is great and always helpful and the Japanese restaurant in-house is excellent too. Rooms are extremely quiet and you can get lovely views of the river. On arrival the beautiful spa and pool can help you power through your jet lag. Taxis were always immediately available at the entrance and getting around was fairly easy, though drivers often struggle to find things... the local address system isn't great for navigation. Major shopping areas are in walking distance.

Best hotel we have ever stayed. My bf has traveled to 59 countries and stayed in hundreds of hotels, and this hotel was one of the best. This Ritz-Carlton not only has a beautiful property, but exemplary service. Every staff member was over the top polite, even remembering our names and itineraries. The wonderful staff really pushed this hotel to the top. While Kyoto is a great city and there is a lot of exploring to do, this hotel is definitely worth the splurge to come back to after a long day. Thanks for making our stay amazing. I HIGHLY recommend this hotel!

After 10 months from new open of this hotel, We visited this hotel first time. Appearance of the building is very impressive, not so big but sick.Compared to the Ritz Carlton Osaka, this hotel had a Japanese style. Many of the staff was wearing a kimono. The room was well designed and wide.Bathroom had double washbasins. Especially,This hotel had a beautiful swimming pool. Maybe because of many stuffs was young,services had little bit inappropriate. I hoped this hotel would be resolve the problems in future. 2014年2月に開業してその10カ月後の12月に初めて お邪魔しました。大変美しいホテルです。エントランス からロビーにかけては完全な和テイストです。 ロビー内も和で統一されており、着物のスタッフも たくさん働いておられました。 部屋も大変結構でした。ユニークな間取りで、効果的 にバスルームも配置されています。ダブルシンクは 大変ありがたかったです。 ここは、大阪、東京とは違って、リッツと積水がやって いる模様です。そのせいか、多少サービスに若さがあり、 いくつかの行き違いを経験しましたが、まあ仕方が ありません。しばらくお付き合いしてみたいと 思えるだけの魅力のあるホテルでした。

Living large definitely has perks. After staying at the Tokyo Ritz, I had high expectations here. Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto is not a metropolitan city lined with skyscrapers. With a rural feel, this hotel is just a few blocks from the city's famed river. Being less than ten stories high, the building projects a tranquil and relaxed environment, with a spa and courtyard waterfall below the lobby floor. When we were shown our room, my eyes popped at the interesting and beautiful layout. The ambiance was calming yet very modern and culturally fitting. The bathroom is interesting as it separates into basically four rooms. Read their guest services booklet for additional amenities offered by the hotel. Perhaps a samurai class next time?! Then, let's talk about the service and hospitality. From our guided introduction to our room (are you really from Hong Kong?) to the assistant manager's (Alex) departing farewell wishes; also, mahalo to the young lady at the greeting area whose smile radiates a room. Everyone was cordial, helpful, and informative when we had questions or needed assistance. My friend wanted to try their afternoon tea there, but, due to our tour's tight schedule, we never had an opportunity. Think I'll be back... in a heartbeat!

The nicest Ritz Carlton I've ever been to so far! Not only they exceptional service, outstanding amenities but the design of the hotel is so minimalistic and beautiful. Its such a relaxing and peaceful place to stay at when you are in Kyoto.the location is walking distance to so many restaurants and bars. The hotel has a lot of activities that you can sign up for. Amazing amazing!

From the moment we stepped foot on the property we were greeted with imperial service... felt so honored to be cared for this way on our vacation. Ami gave us a beautiful art tour which gave meaning to each piece bringing it to life. Ami took us for an amazing bike tour of the Gion region and the Fushimi Inari-taisha explaining the significance of the area and temple sites. The drinks at La Locanda were amazing ... especially Genuine Care where the glass is made of ice with a bamboo leaf ... it was the best drink ever and most beautifully presented! Our room facing the garden was architecturally pleasant and peaceful. We loved, loved, loved our stay at the Ritz Carlton Kyoto!!

This hotel is nothing less than a perfect five stars. The staff is amazing, the hotel is stunning, the restaurants are delicious, the conference rooms are beautiful and I could go on and on. The traditional Japanese breakfast is a must try as well as the tea ceremony if they have that going on the week you're there. The hotel is in a perfect location to do tons of sightseeing. The spa and pool area is beautiful so you have to make time to check it out downstairs. I'd have to say the best thing about my stay here was the bed. It could not have been any bigger or comfier. I am now convinced that I need that bed in my own home. One of my other favorite things was the little macaroon and sweets counter to buy treats at. All the ones I tried were perfect.

A magical destination. No detail is overlooked and the service is spectacular. We used Marriott points to stay here and couldn't have been happier. Upon arrival they greet you and take you straight to your room. You are checked in once you arrive inside your room. We did a guided bike tour around Kyoto with Megumi. She was amazing. The pool/fitness area is first class with sauna and steam room. Located in the spa, it's down on the bottom floor. It's tucked away, very quiet, and relaxing. If you have the opportunity, this hotel is a must when in Kyoto.

Spectacular, spectacular, spectacular. The attention to detail is impressive. From the check in, to the turn down service, breakfast,... everything. First time in Japan and impressed with the customs here in general but this hotel exceeds all of that. Beautiful country, wonderful hotel, incredible people. My last 3 days in Japan were at this Ritz Carlton and I couldn't have had a better memory to leave with than this.

We travel a lot around the world while staying at top hotels or castles. We were amazed at this hotel, for its beauty, artwork, top service, great restaurants and outstanding SPA and pool. The rooms are specious and luxurious. Phenomenal location and by far the best Ritz we stayed in thus far. If you are planning to go to Kyoto, look no further for the top hotel, you'll not find anything like this one. If you have the time (45-60 minutes), ask to have the art tour and you'll understand why this place is so special. We will never forget it and hope to be there again in the future.

While visiting Kyoto Japan, I treated myself to an Afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton hotel. They have a lavish selection of tea sandwiches including egg salad, grilled vegetable tart, classic English cucumber, and smoked salmon rosette. An assortment of fresh fruits, flavorful scones, and a sumptuous display of sweets are a delicious complement. The tea selection includes traditional Earl Gray, as well as chamomile, green tea and English Breakfast as well as other varieties.

Simple yet Luxurious; Urban yet Zen; Prime Location This was our second visit to Kyoto. For our first visit, we stayed in traditional ryokans, a "must experience" for 1st time visitors. However, for our second visit, we opted for something a little different. The Ritz is a great choice for those wanting to experience a known Western luxury brand with a Japanese twist. Here's what I loved about this Ritz... 1. It's NEW, barely a year old, from what the taxi drivers and hotel staff told us. Our room, the common areas, restaurants, and electronics were new, state of the art, and just all around beautiful. I enjoyed what I saw when I came home for the evening. 2. The hotel staff was very helpful and many spoke fluent English. This was very useful as we would converse with them on our daily plans before setting out for the day. English and the Roman alphabet were hard to come by when we were out and about. 3. The hotel had a great fitness center, pool, and was in a perfect running location. The gym had new cardio and weight machines, free weights, and yoga equipment. It also had headphones, towels, and cold bottled water. From the hotel, I could run north along the river for about 5km to the Botanical Gardens (10km round-trip). 4. The attention to detail and personalization was above and beyond expectations. Each room had its own bonsai tree, not just for the room, but specifically for the guest. They bring in a different tree for each new guest. Everything in the room was designed to focus on simple, clean lines, fostering a peaceful state of zen. 5. All around amazing in-room experience. Complimentary Nespresso coffee and Japanese tea. TV in the living area, separate TV in the bathroom mirror. Automatic toilet. Rainshower and hand-held shower over a wooden planked floor, separate large tub. View of a zen garden. Comfy bed. Turn-down service with water bottles, treats, and a soothing soundtrack. Free wifi. So. much. more. Geez...writing this review...I want to go back already. :)

This is the best hotel experience I've ever had in my life. This hotel is also much better than the Ritz I've stayed in the US. I would come back again for sure!!!!

Had the best time in Kyoto and thanks to Ritz Carlton's awesome staff for making my time there so special. We went with my husband and some friends for Cherry Blossoms and spend few days in Ritz Carlton Kyoto where Megumi and few other people working there made sure we had the best time ever. Not only they took us early am to 10000 gates and snap amazing pictures of all of us but also organized real kimono experience for me and my friend where we were transformed into maikos and strolled through Royal Gardens between Cherry Blossoms. The hotel itself is as wonderful as people working there plus the food is very delicious too. It has a great spa with amazing massages and facials. I was sad leaving this hotel and can't wait to be back.

We had the afternoon tea there. The tea were very good and flavorful. Excellent on the tea. Individual dessert were good however when u put it all together it was over powering in sweets. I wish they had more salty items to balance out the sweets. The ambience was excellent for ritz Carlton but slight too dark. The chicken sandwich was good as well as the foe grais and mini tomato paste puff. Cheers

We stayed at this wonderful hotel for 5 nights and it was fantastic. The service is impeccable in that everyone acknowledge and welcomes you every time they see you and is helpful. Their concierge desk has three ladies named Mariko and everyone of them was great in service. The swimming pool is gorgeous and very clean. We were lucky to find a time that it was not as busy and just had a good swim. The room is immaculate and the bathroom mirror each had a TV inside. Our faces the river and was so serene and beautiful.

I have been to Kyoto 4 times before. I must say this is one of the best hotel I ever stayed! The interior is modern Japanese, clean and sleek. They have a wonderful service. All the recommended restaurants by the concierge were great from local soba place to Tofu kaiseki restaurant by Kamogawa river. I highly recommend to try free guest activities they offer everyday. Cycle Kyoto, art tour, handmade soap workshop, hiking, run Kyoto etc. My favorite was cycle Kyoto. This unique cycle tour took us to famous shrines and many beautiful historical spots. Megumi who is bilingual activity supervisor is charming and sweet and she provided a unique insight into these beauty of Kyoto.

By far the nicest hotel I've been to from both the decor and the staff perspective. Stayed here for a night when I came to vacation in Kyoto. The staff helped me book a reservation at a Michelin-rated restaurant for our stay per our request. Win #1. Also got upgraded to a River-facing suite (this is probably due to the fact that I am a Platinum Marriott member). Win #2. And the location is only like a 5-10 minute walk to the Main Street/downtown area making it super convenient. Win #3. All-in-all I thought the staff was helpful, super nice and courteous. In our one night there, we had 7 people assist us; from the bellhop, to the three housekeepers asking if we needed anything to the concierge walking us to our room. A bit unnecessary, but still pretty awesome. I've never felt so boss-like.

I didnt stay here but had dessert at the bar. Sooooo delicious. The hotel is new. The staff we met had a high English level. The design and art in themain area was gorgeous. The drink prices are a bit ridiculous, but Im guessing the service and ambiance makes up for it. Ill stay here one day when im rich, haha. :p

Beautiful hotel. Excellent service. Do... -Borrow a bike and bike the path -Go to bamboo forest -If you go to one shrine or temple you've been to them all -Attend one of the classes offered by the hotel like Oragami -take advantage of the pool -yess to the different "stations" in the restaurant on the B1 level. Loved the tempura. Like theeeeee best. -yess to the spaghetti in the Italian restaurant. The sauce is clear and dynamite. The roasted pig is yummy as well. -no is never the final answer here. They will bend over backwards to make you happy. Don't -The breakfast. I hope after this review it gets better. Overall Excellent choice if you are staying in Kyoto. Enjoy!

I would give six stars if I could. First off, I will say that while Kyoto is a very traditional town, this hotel is modern and international in its themes. This contrast makes the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto the perfect stay for those visiting from afar. Staff were exactly what you'd expect of a five-star hotel. Welcoming, engaging, attentive. Employees here really took the time to personalize our experience. Yuka and Mariko (concierges) were very responsive to our pre-stay inquiries and arranged a day tour for us in Kyoto which saved us a lot of hassle. We especially loved that the hotel administration curates all sorts of activities for its guests, many of them free (morning bicycle and hotel art tour). Megumi, who is the activities coordinator, was super sweet and friendly, giving us framed photos and a USB drive of our adventures before we departed. This combined with the fact that the facility itself is a work of art. The ubiquitous art pieces that were displayed throughout the restaurants and corridors of this illustrious hotel were specially commissioned by Japanese and other international artists and design studios. Nothing was left to chance - from the placement of the fresh bonsai trees in your room, to the expert lighting schemes, and gorgeous architecture. It is also within walking distance of Gion, with beautiful views of the mountains. It is a dream-like. We will be going back.

This place is everything. The ambiance, the experience, the smell when you walk through their lobbies, the service and the room. My review won't do this place justice enough. All I can say is my first experience in Kyoto, Japan could not have been better without the experience and the service I received from the Ritz Carlton here. I will come back as many times as it takes just to immerse myself in this beautiful and cultural experience. They helped me reserve Michelin-starred restaurants and gave me an elegant first-time kimono experience. A must to stay at!

Beautiful establishment, conveniently located near everything. Impeccable service and great views of the river.

The Ritz Carlton is a newly opened "urban resort" hotel in central Kyoto. I had a fantastic stay here and would it put it up there with some of the top properties I've stayed at in Asia. The room was lavish, I especially liked the rain forest shower which was above a wood plank floor. It felt so modern yet old world at the same time. The concierge was exceptionally helpful...booking us into some great restaurants that were not touristy as well as booking activities such as a tea ceremony and a visit to the Suntory distillery. The Japanese restaurant in the hotel albeit very expensive was the best sushi I had during my week in Japan with very friendly and approachable staff. Top-notch all the way. Location is great, easy walking distance to many of the inner city attractions and a short taxi ride to any of the temples. The Ritz is expensive, but so are the traditional home-stays and if you're looking for a bit of luxury on your trip to Kyoto, this property needs to be on your list.

Excellent afternoon tea and continental breakfast. They feature Pierre Hermes pastries. The tea is so incredibly complex but light. I recommend if you want a classy experience and some top notch goods.

What a difference two weeks makes. Two weeks ago I stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Cleveland, Ohio. That property was not even up the the standard of the City Center Marriott in Cleveland. Fast forward two weeks and I'm staying at the Ritz Carlton in Kyoto. It is what you expect in a true Ritz Carlton: the very best. The best entry; the best reception; the best public areas; the best rooms with the best amenities. The staff could not have been more solicitous. The only area I believe they have room to improve is in the American breakfast buffet service. While the foods offered were first rate, some food was left out past its peak (especially the eggs). While I can't select a yelp rating of 4.99998 stars, that's what I rate this property.

My husband and I are extremely grateful for the incredible hospitality, kindness and attention to detail we experienced on this our second stay at the Kyoto Ritz. I just can't say enough to praise the staff, in particular Yuka Nakasuka. She went above and beyond to ensure we felt absolutely cared for. This was a 30th anniversary for us and she made sure it was so special we shall never forget it. Simon Finch also made us feel very much at home. The rest of the staff were all eager to please and help us whenever we might need. The rooms at this hotel are immaculate and the amenities all top class. The restaurants and the spa are also lovely. Tthe hotel location is perfect, close to everything in this beautiful city. This is the best hotel and we can't wait to go back! https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298564-d5977426-r546917462-The_Ritz_Carlton_Kyoto-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html#

Best hotel ever.... Japanese hospitality with Ritz Carlton hospitality mixed together.... Result is astonishing.... The moment we arrived, we were greeted with deep bow from each one of the crew.... After they confirm who we were when we came out of the taxi, we were taken by the valet to the lobby, the guest rep, Marina, greeted us and escort us to the room. She explained everything about the room and anything we wanted to know about the area, which I did have lots of questions. She spent I think almost an hour, including giving us maps, restaurant recommendations, how to get there, how to get to our daily itinerary. We asked if there is a room upgrade for being a gold member, she looked into it and we were moved to new room the next day without moving a finger. While Marina explaining things to us, the luggage was set up by another crew.... Location was perfect. It's within walking distance to a lot of things, including Gion, Nishiki market, shopping, and the Kamogawa river...., Pontocho.... The hotel is relatively small, but has everything.... The room is very high tech, everything is automatic. The bathroom with deep soak tub, rain shower from the ceiling. Toilet is real treat, auto mic, you don't have to use a finger to wash yourselves. You have your choice of coffee machine, tea machine or old fashion tea with teapot. Our room is the garden view, which mean has a private small garden outside the window.... Daily service standard 5 star hotel with turndown and setting the mood with music and chocolate when you get back. We also had dessert when we arrived, fruits and Japanese treat.... The day we left, we were greeted from the elevator, escorted to the taxi, where our luggage was already loaded up.... The crew bowed for the last time.... And I was very sad leaving and ending the best trip of my life.... This is easily the best hotel I've been to, even with numerous 5 star hotel experiences.... Grateful for everybody at Ritz Carlton Kyoto.... (Their concierge also the ones that set up my epic dinner at Kichisen, trip to Saihoji temple, which has to be reserved in advance, and dinner at Tosuiro Kawaramachi)

Outstanding service and amenities. Outstanding location. The staff anticipated every need. The kids got free ice cream whenever they went to the main desk. They have two breakfasts...one Japanese and a western...we only had the Western and it was great. Only annoying thing was $40 US a day to rent a bike. Loved it.

Epitome of service. The staff and accommodations at the Ritz Carlton were exceptional. As you'd expect the price you pay is a premium but the value we got for it was phenomenal. The concierge helped us navigate the language and got us some really great reservations at local spots where they spoke only Japanese. They made my daughter feel very special every time they saw her. It got to be too much toward the end and we started to take paths to avoid the staff just so we could not have them jumping to help us. The grounds are beautiful and the pool is tranquil and gorgeous. We would highly recommend staying.

This is flat out the best hotel I've ever stayed in. Clearly the best hotel in Kyoto. Had an amazing stay. And the Japanese restaurant is incredible. Get the shabu shabu.

The hotel is one of the best. Make sure you take early morning bike tours to see Gion and some temples.

Kyoto was an incredible city to explore with our family and the Ritz Carlton was an unparalleled hotel experience. Upon arrival, the hotels setting along the river with a view of the mountains in the distance is enhanced by the water element that runs throughout the hotels decor. The staff are so welcoming, eager to please and will do anything to make you feel right at home. The room is extremely comfortable with incredible attention to detail. A Japanese and European style restaurant plus a very relaxing lounge make for a fantastic stay. Plan your trip now and you will not be disappointed by this top notch hotel, impeccable staff and it's terrific location.