If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, you might want to book yourself into the intimate Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, which will be the city’s newest hotel when it opens in Q3.
Marking the debut of the Banyan Tree brand in Japan, the Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto is located in the historic Higashiyama Ward and features just 52 guest rooms, as well as a signature Banyan Tree Spa and two distinctive dining outlets.
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Standing on the former site of the esteemed Hotel Ryozen, which boasts the rare Higashiyama Onsen hot spring, and close to popular attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kodai-ji Temple, the hotel is already set to make a splash as the only hotel in Kyoto with its own Noh stage, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma.
Nohgaku, a traditional Japanese performing art featuring supernatural themes such as ghosts and gods, has been performed continuously for around 650 years since the Muromachi period and was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008. The hotel’s Noh stage, comprising the “main stage” and “Kagami no Ma,” represents two worlds, with the “Hashigakari” acting as a bridge between them. The elegant stage serves as a venue for traditional Nohgaku, contemporary art performances, and musical events, offering guests an unforgettable cultural experience.
Sanctuary for the Senses
Designed by Yukio Hashimoto, the hotel’s 52 guest rooms draw inspiration from the concept of yūgen (mysterious, quiet beauty) and the famous phrase Hisureba Hana from the Noh theory bible Fushikaden. This phrase, which translates to “hidden beauty revealed,” captures the surprise and excitement guests will feel upon entering their rooms, which feature traditional Japanese materials, including large cypress wood bathtubs, tatami mats, natural wood elements, and gold leaf accents, engaging all five senses and providing a serene sanctuary.
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Commitment to Sustainability
Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto harmonises with its natural surroundings through three distinctive gardens and a bamboo grove, offering a unique landscape experience. The hotel’s sustainable practices include preserving and reinforcing the historic stone walls from Hotel Ryozen, cultivating moss for the stone walls during construction, and maintaining existing symbolic trees and the bamboo grove.
The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa will also be crafting a unique Kyoto-specific treatments that promises guests distinctive ways to unwind and explore. Additionally, guests can look forward to two unique dining experiences that highlight the rich culinary heritage of Kyoto.