Luxury Hotel · Japan
AMAN, Kyoto
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At a glance
Kyoto is one of the great cultural destinations in the world. AMAN Kyoto provides the perfect place to stay in this ancient imperial capital.
Tucked within 32 hectares of secret gardens in the historic Takagamine area, the property sits on land with a long-lasting artistic legacy that stretches back to the Edo period. Back then, master craftsmen like Hon’ami Koetsu established this area as a hub for arts and culture in Japan.
Guests can meditate with Zen Buddhist monks in an ancient hall, spend an evening with a geiko in Kamishichiken, Kyoto’s oldest hanamachi, or learn the deeply contemplative art of Ikebana flower arrangement from an expert practitioner.
With 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites within easy reach and a level of cultural access that simply cannot be replicated independently, this is Kyoto at its most immersive and most meaningful. Aman Kyoto represents one of the most compelling luxury experiences anywhere in Asia, let alone Japan.
Highlights
- Aman Spa with private onsen uses mineral-rich hot spring water that rises near the property, central to the resort’s entire wellness philosophy.
- Taka-An and The Living Pavilion offer two distinct dining experiences, from refined Japanese cuisine to a more convivial all-day setting with Western and local dishes.
- Tea House Senkutsu is the newly opened on-site tea house, offering an immersive introduction to chanoyu, the traditional Japanese Way of Tea.
Accommodation
Kaede
The west-facing Kaede Rooms sit on the first floor, framed by mature maple trees and the resort’s ancient forest garden. At 60 square metres, the spaces draw on the traditions of the Japanese ryokan, combining a bedroom and living area with tatami flooring, natural wood finishes, and floor-to-ceiling windows that keep the surrounding landscape firmly in view. A tokonoma alcove adds an authentic architectural detail, while the bathroom features a Hinoki wood soaking bath and twin sinks.
Takagamine Suite
Perched above a six-metre hand-crafted stone wall on raised ground, the east-facing Takagamine Pavilion is the most immersive accommodation at Aman Kyoto. At 165 square metres, it looks out over the entire forest garden toward the distant Hieizan mountain, with floating views across the maple and cedar canopy and moss-covered stone steps immediately below.
Inside, the space pays deep homage to the traditional ryokan, with a living room, western dining room and kitchen, and a dedicated Japanese tatami room where futons can be arranged for guests who want the full traditional experience. Natural wood finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows, and tokonoma alcoves run throughout, creating a pavilion that feels as considered as it does generous.
Washigamine Pavilion
Occupying the highest and most secluded position in the resort, the east-facing Washigamine Pavilion is Aman Kyoto’s largest accommodation at 241 square metres, with sweeping views across the entire forest garden toward the distant Hieizan mountain. A private trekking path leads directly from the pavilion into the surrounding forest, and several meditation gardens are tucked nearby for those seeking complete stillness.
Inside, the space follows the ryokan tradition with a living room, western dining room and kitchen, a Japanese tatami room where futons can be arranged for a fully traditional experience, and two en suite bedrooms featuring natural wood finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami flooring, and tokonoma alcoves throughout.
Further information
Dining
Dining at Aman Kyoto revolves around two distinct but equally compelling venues. Taka-An offers an intimate omakase experience, where the chef’s set menu serves as an introduction to the finest traditions of Japanese hospitality.
For something more relaxed, the Living Pavilion delivers Western and local cuisine in a convivial setting, with fire-warmed interiors and a garden terrace that makes it one of the most atmospheric dining rooms in the city. Hotel guests receive priority seating, though advance reservations are recommended for all visitors given the limited capacity.
Wellness
Wellness at Aman Kyoto is rooted in the mineral-rich hot spring water that rises near the property, feeding both indoor and outdoor onsen bathing facilities that form the heart of the Aman Spa. Treatments draw on Japan’s rich natural apothecary, incorporating Kyoto green tea, tamba kuromame black beans, local sake, and cold-pressed camellia oil for an experience that feels genuinely of its place.
Beyond the three private treatment rooms and dedicated relaxation area, the resort’s 32-hectare forest garden provides a setting for yoga, mindfulness sessions, and restorative forest bathing. It is worth noting that Aman Kyoto does not offer a gym or pool, but for guests whose idea of wellness runs deeper than a treadmill, this is unlikely to feel like a compromise.
Location
Aman Kyoto occupies an 80-acre forested garden in the Takagamine district, at the foot of Mount Hidari Daimonji on the city’s quiet northern edge. The Golden Pavilion sits within easy walking distance, with 16 other UNESCO World Heritage Sites close by. Kyoto Station is a 30-minute drive south, while Kansai International Airport is reachable in 90 minutes by express train.
Japan
Japan stretches 1,900 miles from subtropical Okinawa to subarctic Hokkaido, divided into four main islands and thousands of smaller ones. Most luxury itineraries focus on Honshu, the largest island, where Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima anchor different regional experiences. The country’s mountainous spine means population clusters along coastlines and valleys, connected by infrastructure that makes complex multi-city trips surprisingly manageable. The Shinkansen bullet train network handles intercity travel between major destinations.
Our Experts
Japan is often at the top of people's travel bucket-list, and for good reason. It's a country where you can find whatever it is you want, from the bustling cosmopolis of Tokyo to the luxury resort lined shores of the smaller islands.
The beauty of Japan is the amazing blend between old and new. You can enjoy the futuristic neon glow of Tokyo whilst also exploring some of the world's most culturally significant sites.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specializing in tailor-made vacations and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury vacations, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalized experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with traveling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveler, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalized service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ vacations?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalized itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
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Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of traveling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
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