My memories from my trip to Kyoto city 12 years ago include spotting maiko and geiko (apprentice and professional geishas) in Gion, festive celebrations at Yasaka Shrine on New Year’s Day, and plenty of matcha sweet treats. Returning to Japan’s former imperial capital, I stayed at the Hilton Kyoto situated on Kawaramachi-dori (Kawaramachi Street) – a convenient spot for exploring more of the city’s traditions, handicrafts, cultural arts and gardens.
Easy access right on Kawaramachi-dori
Located towards the north end of Kawaramachi-dori is the Hilton Kyoto. It opened in September 2024, marking the entry of Hilton Hotels & Resorts in the former capital of Japan. Although the hotel is almost at the fringe of the busy street, it provides easy access to various hot spots in the area and in Kyoto city.
Less than a five-minute walk away is Teramachi Shopping Arcade, while the JR Kyoto Kawaramachi Station is a seven-minute walk down Kawaramachi-dori. Kyoto’s famous alleyway, Pontocho-dori, is two streets away. It took us 20 minutes by foot to reach the Gionmachi Minamigawa with its decades-old buildings and restaurants, where we identified a couple of okiya – the lodging houses where Kyoto’s maiko live.
Across from the Hilton Kyoto are public buses that commute to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kinkaku temple and Toei Kyoto Studio Park. At the bus stop just outside the hotel is a connection to Arashiyama bamboo forest.
Design highlights of Hilton Kyoto
The 11-storey hotel blends traditional Japanese design elements with modern touches. Walking in, our eyes immediately followed the intricate wooden lattice pattern that extended for five storeys over the atrium lobby – a first indication of the traditional Japanese design elements incorporated throughout the hotel.
For example, weaving patterns of the orimono, a Japanese textile originating from Kyoto, are reflected in the carpets and decorative Nishijin brocade tapestries in guestrooms. Traditional shoji screens are used in place of curtains in the guestrooms and also line the length of the heated indoor swimming pool at the hotel’s basement.
The executive lounge is designed around the layout of the machiya, a traditional Kyoto townhouse, complete with a small, enclosed garden designed to bring tranquillity into the space.
Tradition updated for the present
The hotel’s 313 guestrooms cover 18 room types, including suites and accessible rooms. Complementing the traditional design elements in the rooms are modern amenities including high-speed internet access, flat screen television with HD channels, espresso maker, hair dryer, mini refrigerator and bath amenities.
One function that had us asking “Why don’t we have this at home?” is the remote control for the window shades. With the press of a button on the bedside panel, we could control everything without getting out of bed!
Space is utilised with a layout that separates the bathroom and toilet on either side of the room entrance. These are enclosed with wooden sliding doors, which reflect the sliding shoji screens covering the windows. Even with a king bed, day bed and desk, there was still plenty of room to move comfortably.
The Executive experience at Hilton Kyoto
When we weren’t exploring the best of Kyoto city, we indulged in what Hilton Kyoto had to offer.
An international buffet breakfast infused with Kyoto flavours is offered at Teori. Its open-kitchen concept allowed us to watch the food being freshly prepared. The all-dining venue also serves lunch and dinner, complete with a selection of Japanese desserts such as daifuku and warabi mochi in various flavours. On mornings when we wanted a more leisurely start to the day, we had breakfast at the Executive Lounge, which was a perk included in our room. Although the breakfast selection wasn’t as extensive, there was table service for eggs-your-way.
Also included were all-day snacks and evening cocktails. We would return to the lounge at mid-afternoon after sightseeing, to refuel with hot coffee or tea and a selection of fruit and local snacks such as matcha cookies. Before dinner, we would pop in for evening drinks and sample the obanzai cuisine native to Kyoto.
One evening, we wanted to take it easy, so we headed to Cloud Nest rooftop bar for drinks with a view of the city scape.
Despite our long days out, we would still slot in 30 minutes at the gym. As it’s accessible 24 hours a day, we once walked in close to midnight and had the whole room of TechnoGym equipment to ourselves.
Our favourite perk of the Executive Lounge at the Hilton Kyoto was the private check-in and check-out at our convenience, complete with personal concierge service. The personnel were efficient, quick with their service and helpful in answering any questions we had.
Final word
The Hilton Kyoto has infused functionality and modern service standards with the charming allure and warmth of Japanese hospitality. Our stay there became an extension of our experience, leaving us with a lasting impression of Kyoto city.
604-8006, Kyoto, 416 Shimomaruyacho Nakagyo-ku
hilton.com/en/hotels/itmhihi-hilton-kyoto
This article first appeared in the December 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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