Aman Kyoto
A forest pavilion hidden in the hills above Kyoto.
Aman Kyoto is not really in Kyoto at all. It sits in a secret garden in the forested hills above Kinkaku-ji, reached by a narrow road that winds past moss-covered stone walls and cedar trees. The property was originally conceived as a textile museum, and Kerry Hill's architecture honours that intention — low pavilions of hinoki cypress and washi paper set among century-old camphor trees. There are only 26 rooms and suites, each opening onto private garden views. The onsen spa uses water from a natural hot spring on the grounds. Meals at the Living Pavilion centre on irori-style open-hearth cooking, with produce sourced from Kyoto's morning markets. The sense of seclusion is total. Guests walk stone paths between buildings, passing moss gardens and a stream. It recalls the best of Scandinavian cabin culture — the forest as both setting and subject — translated into Japanese architectural language.
Good to know
- Hidden in a private forest above Kinkaku-ji
- Only 26 rooms amid century-old camphor trees
- Natural hot spring onsen on the grounds
- Kerry Hill-designed cedar and washi pavilions
- Irori open-hearth dining experience
Location
- 1 Okitayama Washimine-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8458
- Nearest station: Kyoto Station
- From Tokyo: ca 2 h 15 min med shinkansen
- Best time to visit: Best from afternoon check-in