Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Japan / Kyoto / The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan · Ritz-Carlton · Apex Luxury
Opened in 2014 on a Kamogawa riverfront site favoured by Japanese nobility since the 17th century, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto holds a Forbes Five-Star rating and a Condé Nast Gold List 2026 commendation, with Tempura Mizuki earning its own Michelin star and the hotel's six dining venues spanning kaiseki, Edomae sushi, teppanyaki, and a Chef's Table overseen by kaiseki master Katsuhito Inoue.
- 134 rooms
- Opened 2014
- Neighborhood: Nakagyo Ward
- Rooms from 484 sq ft (45 m²)
- Architect: Nikken Sekkei
- Interiors: Remedios Studio; Design Studio SPIN
About The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
- The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto opened in 2014 on a Kamogawa riverfront site favoured by Japanese nobility since the 17th century, with panoramic views of the Higashiyama Sanju-Roppo mountain range from beside Nijo Bridge.
- Nikken Sekkei designed the Meiji-era-inspired property to respect Kyoto's strict height limits by placing much of the spa, pool, and fitness facilities underground.
- The hotel displays 409 pieces of modern Japanese artwork throughout the property and operates six Mizuki dining venues spanning kaiseki, Edomae sushi, teppanyaki, and tempura, with Tempura Mizuki holding its own Michelin star.
- Chef's Table by Katsuhito Inoue offers a dedicated kaiseki counter overseen by a named master chef, and a Pierre Hermé Paris boutique operates on site.
- The property holds Forbes Five-Star status and earned a Condé Nast Traveler Gold List commendation in 2026.
History
Opened in 2014 on a site favored by Japanese nobility since the 17th century, blending modern luxury with Kyoto's cultural heritage through Meiji-era inspired architecture and traditional Japanese motifs. The design incorporates 409 pieces of modern Japanese artwork and respects local height restrictions by placing facilities underground. It continues a legacy of quiet luxury along the Kamogawa River.[Ritz-Carlton](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ukyrz-the-ritz-carlton-kyoto/overview/); [Nikken Sekkei](https://www.nikken.co.jp/en/projects/hospitality/the_ritz-carlton_kyoto.html)
The setting
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto commands the western bank of the Kamogawa River at Nijo-Ohashi in Nakagyo Ward, a riverfront site favoured by Japanese nobility since the 17th century. The Meiji-era design frames a position beside Nijo Bridge that delivers a panoramic view of the Higashiyama Sanju-Roppo mountain range. Pontocho Alley, the narrow centuries-old dining corridor, begins steps from the entrance; Heian-jingū Shrine is an 18-minute walk north; Nishiki Market 19 minutes west. The adjacent Kawaramachi and Teramachi districts provide refined retail and dining, confirming that the Kamogawa riverbank at Nijo is where Kyoto’s urban luxury and its living cultural energy converge most naturally. 2 km from district of Gion.
Restaurants and bars
- Tempura Mizuki — Restaurant
- Sushi Mizuki — Restaurant · Sushi
- Kaiseki Mizuki — Restaurant · Kaiseki
- Teppan Mizuki — Restaurant · Teppanyaki
- La Locanda — Restaurant · Italian
- Chef's Table By Katsuhito Inoue — Restaurant · Kaiseki
Experiences
- Group activities and excursions inspired by local heritage and traditions — Group activities and excursions inspired by the local heritage and traditions; special off-site programs can be arranged.
Amenities
- La Prairie Spa
- indoor pool
- fitness center
- bicycle rental
- 24-hour room service
- concierge
- Pierre Hermé Paris boutique
- afternoon tea
Awards
- Condé Nast Traveler Gold List (2026)
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star (2026)
- MICHELIN One Key (2026)
- Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific (2024)
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