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Jane Sung, Forbes Staff
Forbes Vetted
Built on a centuries-old site that once housed the Mitsui family residence, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto blends serene Japanese minimalism with contemporary design that reflects the storied heritage of its location. The 160-room property sits across from the 17th century Nijo Castle and is within easy walking distance of Kyoto’s historic temples, tranquil gardens and lively dining streets.
I stayed here with my family on a recent trip to Asia, and appreciated how seamlessly the Mitsui balances traditional touches with modern comfort. From the natural hot spring baths drawn from deep underground to the meticulously curated kaiseki dining, every detail at this three-Michelin-Key hotel reflects the quiet refinement of the destination. If you’re considering a stay in Japan’s cultural capital, here’s what to know.
The lounge and also where guests are welcomed for check-in at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto.
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
Hotel The Mitsui KyotoReserve At Booking.com
Who Will Love It: Couples and families seeking a serene, wellness-infused stay in the heart of Kyoto
All-Star Amenities: Expansive underground thermal springs; locally inspired spa treatments; innovative Kyoto-French dining at Tokki
What Not To Miss: Japanese breakfast and buffet at Forni; strolling the traditional garden with ponds and weeping cherry tree; private onsen session
Location: Kyoto, Japan
All-Star Amenities
True to Kyoto’s spirit of serenity and wellness, the Mitsui’s amenities are intended to soothe both body and mind. The hotel’s centerpiece is its underground thermal hot springs, built around natural springs drawn from deep beneath the property—a rarity in the city. You can unwind in the otherworldly subterranean onsen, complete with warm stone interiors, softly illuminated pools and sporadic cooling waterfalls. I took advantage of the wide range of open hours (from 7am to 11pm) to take soothing soaks whenever I could. I also booked a session in one of the Private Onsen suites, where my family enjoyed local snacks and beverages while cycling through the hot bath and steam room.
As someone who’s covered beauty and wellness through much of my career, I’ve had my share of memorable treatments—and my customized Hikari massage iat the Mitsui’s spa ranks at the top. The facility’s range of head-to-toe services blend Japanese healing traditions with modern techniques. I went for a deeply relaxing shiatsu massage using botanical oils that began with a radium stone foot bath and ended with tea and delicious housemade treats.
One of two Private Onsen rooms at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto.
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
The Mitsui also offers cultural programs like a Ryurei-style tea ceremony and breathwork sessions by the lush Japanese garden. There are also family-focused experiences like the seasonal Kids’ Hotelier Academy that lets younger travelers engage with Kyoto’s culture.
Rooms
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto has 160 guest rooms and suites, many overlooking the hotel’s landscaped gardens or the UNESCO World Heritage site Nijo Castle across the street. We stayed in a Garden room overlooking the treetops, where natural wood tones, perfectly soft lighting and handwoven textiles created a calming atmosphere. The bed was exceptionally plush and wrapped in crisp linens. And the spacious bathroom featured a deep soaking tub, rainfall shower and locally made bath amenities (by a Japanese master perfumer) with a subtle hinoki scent. Each evening, turndown service arrived with thoughtful treats—scrumptious housemade cookies, J-beauty sheet masks and matcha lip balm—that made returning to our room feel extra special.
Garden room at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto.
Miyuki Kaneko (Nacasa & Partners inc.)
Food And Beverage
The hotel’s two restaurants and lounge each express a different side of Kyoto’s culinary heritage. Our mornings began with a variety of Western and Japanese breakfast options—I always chose the latter, where lacquered trays included grilled fish of the day, okayu, miso soup and an array of tiny, tasty side dishes. Forni features refined Italian-inspired tasting menus that showcase Kyoto-grown produce, perfectly crisp thin-crust Margherita pizzas and seafood. For a more formal experience, Toki serves beautifully composed courses that blend classical French techniques with Japanese precision, often centered around dashi made with the region’s pristine waters. Guests can also enjoy handcrafted pastries, matcha or cocktails in the Garden Bar facing the courtyard.
Dining room of Japanese-French restaurant Toki.
Miyuki Kaneko (Nacasa & Partners inc.)
What To Do In The Area
From the Mitsui’s central location, it’s easy to reach many of the city’s highlights by foot or short car ride. Stroll through Nishiki Market—often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen”—to sample sushi, street food favorites like tempura and grilled squid, and Japanese sweets. For a dose of nature, head west to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks sway gently above the walking paths, creating one of Kyoto’s most photogenic scenes. And when you’re ready for a modern contrast, the nearby ShinPuhKan complex has cool cafés, eateries and concept stores housed in a repurposed historic building—a perfect spot to unwind after a day of temple hopping. Taxis and Uber are abundant and affordable, so it’s easy to get around.
How To Get There
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is centrally located in the Nakagyo-ku ward. It’s a 15-minute taxi or subway ride to Kyoto Station, a major hub for the Shinkansen high-speed and other trains. It’s also about a one-hour drive from the Osaka Itami International Airport and 1.5 hours from the Osaka Kansai International Airport.
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