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Perched within an eighty-acre woodland sanctuary, Aman Kyoto seamlessly blends minimalist design with Kyoto's rich cultural and natural heritage, offering an unparalleled base for discovering the ancient city's historical landmarks and breathtaking landscapes.
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Perched within an eighty-acre woodland sanctuary, Aman Kyoto seamlessly blends minimalist design with Kyoto's rich cultural and natural heritage, offering an unparalleled base for discovering the ancient city's historical landmarks and breathtaking landscapes.
Amidst an expansive eighty-acre canvas of verdant forestland in the northern reaches of Kyoto, a sanctuary known as Aman Kyoto gracefully unfolds. This exceptional resort, a harmonious blend of nature's tranquility and the refined minimalism of Japanese design, invites discerning travelers into a realm where time seems to stand still. Conceived upon the grounds originally destined for a textile museum's garden, this serene hideaway has been transformed by the architectural visionaries at Kerry Hill Architects. With a careful selection of materials and a keen sensitivity to the environment, the resort has emerged as a series of pavilions that ascend delicately through the valley, their zinc roofs and black timber cladding epitomizing the essence of minimalist elegance. Each structure is thoughtfully placed to ensure that the natural beauty of the tall forests, ancient temples, and spiritual shrines that encircle the resort remain undisturbed, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the tranquil embrace of nature and architecture in perfect harmony.
Nestled within the secluded gardens of Aman Kyoto lies a spa sanctuary that redefines the essence of relaxation and wellness. This bastion of tranquility, where the age-old tradition of Japanese onsen bathing is celebrated, offers guests an unparalleled spa experience that merges the restorative powers of nature with time-honored healing practices. The spa, set against the backdrop of the resort's serene forest and meditation areas, is a testament to the curative potential of the natural world, incorporating treatments that utilize indigenous ingredients such as Kyoto green tea and the nourishing properties of sake. The design of the spa, with its seamless indoor-outdoor flow, encourages a deep connection with the surrounding landscape, providing a peaceful refuge where guests can embark on a journey of personal rejuvenation. The hot spring onsen baths, a highlight of the spa experience, promise a deeply therapeutic escape, inviting guests to surrender to the soothing embrace of warm, mineral-rich waters under the canopy of the forest.
Perched amidst the lush, verdant landscapes that define Kyoto's northern expanse, Aman Kyoto serves as a sanctified gateway to the myriad cultural and historical treasures that have earned Kyoto its esteemed place on the world stage. This secluded oasis, ensconced in nature's embrace, offers an unparalleled vantage point from which to embark on explorations of the ancient city's heart and soul. From the whispering bamboo groves of Arashiyama to the serene beauty of the Philosopher's Path, each step outside the resort's tranquil confines leads into a realm where history and modernity dance in delicate balance. The proximity to revered sites, such as the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its endless torii gates and the majestic Kiyomizu-dera Temple perched on its hillside, invites guests to delve deep into the rich tapestry of Kyoto's past. Here, in this city of timeless beauty and profound spiritual heritage, guests of Aman Kyoto are uniquely positioned to discover the enduring allure of Japan's cultural heart, experiencing the deep, resonant beauty that flows through Kyoto's ancient streets and sacred spaces.
Beyond the luxurious accommodations and spa treatments, Aman Kyoto serves as a gateway to a myriad of enriching experiences that capture the cultural and natural splendor of Kyoto. The resort is uniquely positioned to offer guests an intimate exploration of the city's rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. From serene forest meditation sessions that foster a deep sense of inner peace to exhilarating cycling tours that navigate through Kyoto's historic heart, each activity is designed to offer a profound connection with the locale's storied past and majestic natural settings. The resort's proximity to iconic landmarks, including the mesmerizing Golden Pavilion, enhances the journey of discovery, allowing guests to delve into the soul of Kyoto's storied history and its spiritual essence. This immersive approach to guest experiences ensures that a stay at Aman Kyoto transcends the conventional, offering not just a visit, but a passage into the heart of Japanese tradition and the untouched beauty of its natural world.
Aman Kyoto stands as a beacon of architectural and environmental synergy, a place where the meticulous design of the resort integrates flawlessly with the natural beauty of its forested surroundings. The resort's pathways and the careful selection of indigenous plants create a landscape that blurs the lines between the built environment and the natural world, inviting the serene beauty of the forest into every corner of Aman Kyoto. The guest accommodations, with their expansive windows and minimalist interiors, serve as tranquil havens of peace, offering guests uninterrupted views of the enchanting woodland. In these spaces of understated luxury and serenity, the resort's commitment to preserving the integrity of its natural setting is evident, providing a refuge where guests can experience the profound tranquility and beauty of Japanese design
At Aman Kyoto, dining transcends mere sustenance to become a celebration of the regional bounty and the rhythmic change of seasons. Under the expert guidance of Chef Kentaro Torii, the resort's distinguished dining venues, including Taka-An and The Living Pavilion, emerge as temples of culinary artistry, where the ancient traditions of kaiseki cuisine are infused with a modern sensibility. Each dish, carefully crafted to highlight the purity and flavors of seasonal ingredients, offers a culinary journey through the diverse landscape of Kyoto's gastronomy. From the delicate nuances of wagyu beef to the earthy simplicity of vegetables sourced directly from the resort's gardens, the dining
Siana Travel has established partnerships with every hotel in our exclusive Portfolio, ensuring a truly luxurious experience for our esteemed guests. By booking your stay with Siana, you will enjoy a range of exclusive member benefits and our unbeatable price guarantee. Contact one of our travel tailors to book your stay.
By Plane:
Aman Kyoto is about 100 kilometers from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport, a two-hour drive away. Osaka's Itami Airport is closer, only an hour by car.
By Train:
Kyoto Station is 30 minutes from the hotel. Pavilion suite stays include free transfers; taxis are easily available for other guests.
By Car:
It's a 30-minute drive to Kyoto’s center from Aman Kyoto, which offers valet parking. However, the train offers a quicker, efficient option. The renowned local temple is a 20-minute walk from the hotel.
This expansive 241sq m suite, nestled within the most secluded pavilion, offers stunning views of Mount Hiei and the lush gardens. It features a blend of luxury and traditional Japanese design, including a living room, tatami room, dining area, kitchen, and wine cellar. Accommodating up to five guests, it has two bedrooms with king-size beds or twins upon request, each with an ensuite that boasts hinoki wooden soaking tubs. The suite is a retreat into privacy and serenity, with a private hiking path to a meditation garden, complemented by modern amenities such as air-conditioning, TV, and exclusive Aman bath products.
The Takagamine Suite, a versatile 226sq m space, effortlessly transforms into a two-bedroom pavilion with the addition of futons in its tatami room. This suite encapsulates the essence of sophisticated lodging with its kitchen, living area, dining room, and wine cellar. It caters to up to five guests, offering ensuites in each bedroom that feature twin sinks and the luxurious touch of hinoki wooden tubs, with twin beds available upon request. The suite is equipped with modern comforts including air-conditioning, TV, and complimentary Aman bath products, ensuring a seamless blend of traditional Japanese elegance and contemporary convenience.
This 166sq m suite, nestled within a Pavilion, offers serene views of the garden, forest, and distant Mount Hiei. It features a cozy living area and a separate bedroom equipped with a king-size bed or twins upon request, complemented by an ensuite bathroom adorned with twin sinks and a traditional hinoki tub. Each suite is thoughtfully equipped with modern conveniences such as air-conditioning, TV, and complimentary amenities including bottled water, tea and coffee, and exclusive Aman bath products, ensuring a stay of utmost comfort and luxury amidst natural beauty.
This convivial dining space rests at the heart of Aman Kyoto, offering elegant interiors and a bar arranged around a central fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto an ornate terrace, with beautiful views of the surrounding gardens and forest. Open throughout the day and into the night, the restaurant serves both home-cooked Kyoto-style cuisines, and innovative and comforting Western dishes.
Open to both Aman guests and non-residents, Taka-an offers an invitation to experience the authentic Japanese art of hospitality, which is characterised by balance and equilibrium – and where the texture of the tableware is as important as the flavour of the food on the plate. In this fastidiously curated environment, every element – atmosphere, design and cuisine – work together, in harmony.
By Plane:
Aman Kyoto is about 100 kilometers from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport, a two-hour drive away. Osaka's Itami Airport is closer, only an hour by car.
By Train:
Kyoto Station is 30 minutes from the hotel. Pavilion suite stays include free transfers; taxis are easily available for other guests.
By Car:
It's a 30-minute drive to Kyoto’s center from Aman Kyoto, which offers valet parking. However, the train offers a quicker, efficient option. The renowned local temple is a 20-minute walk from the hotel.
Arriving in Wengen felt like stepping into a serene winter fairytale. This car-free village in the heart of the Jungfrau region is a peaceful retreat, where the only sounds are the crunch of snow underfoot and the gentle hum of Taxi Imboden or hotel electric vehicles navigating its narrow, postcard-perfect streets. As we stepped off the cogwheel train that winds its way up the valley, the magic of Wengen unfolded before us—snow-capped peaks towering on every side, charming chalets dusted with powder, and an atmosphere of pure Alpine tranquility. The Grand Hotel Belvedere, perched proudly with its historic Belle Époque façade, greeted us like an old friend—its presence a blend of elegance, nostalgia, and fresh promise.
We arrived on the second day of opening and were the very first agents to experience this newly refurbished gem. While the hotel is still a work in progress, it’s clear from the moment you arrive that it is already on its way to becoming something extraordinary. The welcome was seamless and personal, with staff greeting us warmly and offering refreshing drinks infused with local mountain ingredients—a thoughtful touch that set the tone for our stay. As we were whisked inside, we felt the hotel’s unique charm: the perfect blend of Belle Époque history and modern Scandinavian elegance. Our room on the first floor felt fresh, warm, and refined, with a calming scent of cedarwood filling the air. The Grown Alchemist bath products in the bathroom, the clever window design offering glimpses of the bedroom and snowy vistas beyond, and the thoughtful storage space all demonstrated meticulous attention to detail. The beds were supremely comfortable, split perfectly into singles at our request, and even though we noticed a hint of music from the dining room below, other rooms we visited were blissfully quiet. The management team’s commitment to perfection is already evident, and we know exactly where to place our clients for an uninterrupted experience.
That evening, we settled into the cozy Belvi Salon bar, where we were introduced to Alpanist gin, a beautifully crafted Swiss mountain spirit. The staff—hailing from Switzerland, France, and Italy—were both knowledgeable and engaging, making us feel truly at home. Dinner at Brasserie Belvedere was a highlight of our stay. We began with the Swiss Wagyu Bresaola Carpaccio, paired with wild mushroom tapenade and aged Sbrinz cheese, a perfect balance of rich, earthy flavors. For the main, the BBQ trout from Lake Blausee, served with a dill and parsley salsa verde, was flawlessly cooked—light, fresh, and bursting with flavor—a testament to the kitchen’s dedication to using local, high-quality ingredients. Watching the snow fall gently outside through the sleek wooden tones of the dining room created an atmosphere of cozy luxury, an experience we won’t soon forget.
The next morning, we awoke to a generous breakfast spread that reflected the same attention to detail. Freshly baked breads, artisanal Swiss cheeses, seasonal fruits, and yogurt awaited us, along with small ceramic pots of bacon, sausages, and eggs served to the table. More options were available, but the spread alone was more than enough to fuel a day on the slopes. The hotel team arranged everything for us, from 10% off ski rentals at a local shop—where the service was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional—to helping us navigate the area’s ski runs. Wengen is perfectly positioned for exploring the Jungfrau region, with over 200 kilometers of slopes. We spent the day gliding through the blue and red runs, which were beautifully groomed and easy to navigate, with panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Skiing in this region felt magical, with polite skiers, quiet trails, and picture-perfect moments at every turn. Returning to the hotel after catching the final lift, we relaxed in our room, watched the snow fall from our balcony, and soaked in the calm, wintry atmosphere.
Later that evening, we wandered through Wengen’s charming streets, stopping by cozy boutiques and enjoying the village’s timeless Alpine charm. The next morning, before our departure, we were given a private tour of the under-construction spa and new facilities, which promise to be truly exceptional. With its planned onsen-style pools, spacious treatment rooms, and panoramic relaxation areas, the vision for the spa is breathtaking and will no doubt become a standout feature. While not yet complete, what has already been achieved is exceptional, and the hotel’s management team deserves credit for their dedication and expertise.
The Grand Hotel Belvedere may still be finding its final form, but what we experienced was nothing short of impressive. From the warm, genuine staff to the thoughtful design and extraordinary dining, this is a hotel with all the ingredients for success. Its location in Wengen, with seamless access to world-class skiing, scenic trails, and year-round adventure, only enhances its appeal. Whether for families, couples, or discerning travelers looking for an authentic and luxurious Alpine experience, this hotel is poised to become a true gem in the Swiss Alps. This visit was a privilege, and with a management team this dedicated, we have no doubt the hotel will reach its full potential very soon. We look forward to returning and experiencing it again as it evolves into one of Switzerland’s finest retreats.
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