The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

We had a fantastic 5-night stay this past June. The hotel is serene and lovely, and the service is impeccable. We had a corner KITA suite and really enjoyed having a view of the river. Hotel is very centrally located, but also not in the touristy hubs that get very, very crowded with tourists. Walking distance to Pontocho Alley and Shinbashi-Dori street/Shirakawa Canal (charming historic district). One story that exemplifies the level of service at this hotel: I booked a van to the train station on our departure day and they didn't have the largest van available, only the second-largest. The concierge mentioned that with four people and four large suitcases, it might be a little bit of a tight fit. I said that was fine (it's less than a 20-min drive to the train station, so we'd survive.) The morning of pickup, we showed up at bell services to find that they'd given us two vans--one for us, and a separate one just for our suitcases-- so that we'd be comfortable. Other highlights: The Bar had a very nice ambiance at night, and a good cocktail menu. Nice breakfast with a large variety of options and very attentive staff. Highly recommended.

From the moment I stepped in, Rosario welcomed me with a smooth and gracious check in that instantly set a comforting tone for the stay. The highlight, without question, was the Mizuki Dining experience. Both dinner and breakfast were exceptional. I am especially grateful to Ishizawa san for the exquisite wine and sake pairing that brought a refined elegance to the evening, and for the attentive breakfast service that made the morning feel just as special. A heartfelt thank you to Sakamoto san, whose memory of my visit three years ago truly moved me. His thoughtful assistance during checkout was a reminder of the genuine care that defines this place. The room was serene, spotless, and incredibly comfortable. It was an ideal retreat. Altogether, this stay was a seamless blend of culinary excellence, warm hospitality, and quiet luxury.

In Kyoto, down at the river. Hands down the most beautiful and relaxed place in the city. Absolutely loved it and would go there again

We spent five incredible nights at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, and it was truly an unforgettable experience from beginning to end. We booked the Garden Terrace Suite (1 King, Mountain View), and the moment we stepped into the room, we were blown away. The room was beautifully appointed with every detail thoughtfully designed. From the elegant Japanese aesthetics to the perfectly curated amenities, everything reflected refined comfort. One of our favorite features was the sliding door that opened to the terrace—equipped with a screen, so we could leave it open to enjoy the fresh breeze and the soothing sound of the river. It was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. Every staff member made us feel special, but we would especially like to thank Chisa Koyama from Guest Relations, who went above and beyond to assist with our last-minute requests, including arranging an unforgettable kimono experience and much more. A heartfelt thank you to Catherine from Guest Activities, who made our kimono experience so meaningful—this is a memory we will cherish for a lifetime. And to Victoria Ng from the Guest Activities team, who led us on a wonderful complimentary cycling tour. She guided us to beautiful shrines and temples, explained the history behind each place, taught us the proper etiquette—what to do, how to pray inside—and even gave us thoughtful advice on what types of charms or souvenirs to get at each specific shrine. It made the experience so much deeper and more meaningful. The hotel’s location is perfect—right on the riverfront with stunning views and within walking distance to many of Kyoto’s most famous attractions. If you stay here, do not miss the Chef’s Table by Katsuhito Inoue. It’s an extraordinary dining experience where every dish is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation—truly exceptional. Also, the complimentary cycling tour is something you absolutely shouldn’t miss. It’s the most relaxing way to explore Kyoto without the crowds, while learning about the city’s rich culture and history from the knowledgeable Ritz-Carlton team. Our five nights flew by—we didn’t want to leave. We cannot wait to return to this incredibly special place. Thank you to everyone at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, for making our 20th anniversary so magical and memorable.

Stayed at Ritz-Carlton Kyoto with our adult children. We had two rooms: one with river view and another with garden view. Both were fantastic, very well furnished and spotless. Great location, where you can just walk out and stroll along the river. The staff is truly 5 stars! At check in, they had a couple of guests at the counter when we arrived. Rather then asking us to wait, they brought us to a bar/restaurant area, offered drinks, refreshing towels and completed check-in right there and then. This sort of attention to detail continued throughout our stay. The lobby level has an amazing outpost of Pierre Hermé Paris, not something you see every day not just in Japan but even in Europe. All pastries for breakfast were provided by Pierre Hermé and their glazed croissants, among others, were incredible. The only thing better was Pierre Hermé french toast! Overall, the breakfast setup and selection was superb. If you travels bring you to Kyoto, this Ritz-Carlton is not to be missed.