Aman announces its third resort in Japan: Aman Kyoto

Aman announces its third resort in Japan: Aman Kyoto

February 5, 2019: Luxury hotels and resorts group, Aman, has announced its third resort in Japan with the launch of Aman Kyoto on November 1, 2019. The resort, with 24 rooms and two two-bedroom villas, draws on the country’s ryokan (traditional inn) and onsen (hot spring) concepts to provide an authentic yet contemporary Kyoto sanctuary. Situated in Japan’s ancient Imperial capital, Aman Kyoto is just a stone’s throw from the city’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Aman Kyoto is situated in a once-forgotten secret garden that provides a secluded retreat moments from the centre of Kyoto. Hidden at the foot of the symbolic Mountain of Hidari Daimonji in Kyoto’s north, the resort is nestled in forested grounds in the district of Takagamine, within walking distance of the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinkaku-ji Temple.

The 80-acre Aman Kyoto site comprises 72 acres of permanent forest and eight acres of exquisite gardens. Consisting of a series of standalone pavilions, each with a distinct function, Aman Kyoto includes separate Arrival, Living, Dining and Spa Pavilions, four Guest Pavilions housing 24 guest rooms offering leafy seclusion with garden-or-stream views, and two separate Pavilions overlooking the forest canopy housing a pair of two-bedroom villas of unparalleled luxury.

Each of Aman Kyoto’s 24 guest rooms and two villas is a contemporary reimagining of the traditional ryokan. Minimalist in their design, the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows framing the natural surroundings, tatami mats covering the floors, and tokonoma (alcoves where items for artistic appreciation are presented) providing a subtle focal point. The interiors are spacious and light-filled – ingeniously crafted to foster peace, relaxation and contemplation.

The colour palette for interiors is neutral, complementing the work of local artisans: handmade raku tile panels grace the Living Pavilion and custom-made ceramic tiles decorate the restaurant. The ofuro bathtubs in each guest room are made of hinoki cypress wood, native to central Japan. All furniture pieces, including traditional Japanese lanterns, have been custom-designed. Carefully selected artefacts have been individually selected for each space.

Aman Kyoto’s signature restaurant in the Dining Pavilion will showcase Japanese haute cuisine, where multicourse dining experiences will make use of the finest hand-picked local produce. The convivial Living Pavilion with its central fireplace and glass doors opening onto the zen (ornate stone garden) will be no less inspired. Home-cooked Kyoto obanzai style cuisine will be served throughout the day, and guests can also enjoy afternoon tea and reserve bamboo picnic hampers to be enjoyed al-fresco in the garden or forest glades. The garden itself is ideal for outdoor events, from small private dinners and functions, to weddings, yoga and mindfulness sessions.

The natural spring water that flows near Aman Kyoto is central to the philosophy at the resort’s Aman Spa. Traditional onsen bathing facilities, using the water from a local spring, deliver relaxation, while a range of treatments tap into Japan’s plentiful natural apothecary – including Kyoto green tea, Tanba kuromame (black beans), local saké, and coldpressed tsubaki (camellia) oil.