By MOOK Travel & Leisure (report compiled)
Aman Resorts has announced the official opening of its third resort in Japan, Aman Kyoto, on November 1, 2019. Nestled within its own serene garden courtyard, Aman Kyoto is adjacent to seventeen UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, offering travelers a glimpse into the mysterious charm of Japan’s ancient imperial capital while providing an atmosphere of tranquil seclusion.
The living pavilion features a human-centric design space. (Photo / Aman Resorts, the same applies below)
The resort is situated within a secluded courtyard near Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in central Kyoto. It comprises 24 suites and 2 two-bedroom villas. Inspired by the hospitality aesthetics of traditional Japanese ryokan (inns), it offers Kyoto accommodation that blends authentic local flavor with contemporary comfort.
The pavilion gardens outside the suites are shaded by greenery and offer a peaceful retreat.
Aman Kyoto is located within a once-forgotten hidden courtyard, providing a tranquil resting spot close to central Kyoto. Nestled at the foot of the renowned Mount Daimonji in the lush, tree-covered Arashiyama district in northern Kyoto, the resort is within easy walking distance of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site – Kinkaku-ji.
The interior decor of the suites is filled with Zen-inspired and traditional Japanese design elements.
Spanning 80 acres, Aman Kyoto includes 72 acres of permanent forest and 8 acres of exquisitely landscaped gardens. Located in a secluded valley, the resort is bordered by a gently flowing stream on one side and verdant hills on the other. The gardens consist of beautifully crafted terraced platforms, where trees shift colors with the seasons, offering different scenic views all year round. Originally built for a planned museum, these garden terraces now form the foundation for the resort’s thoughtfully designed pavilions.
The pathways within the resort are lush with greenery, creating an almost mystical experience as you walk through.
The courtyard features moss-covered cobblestone paths that twist and turn throughout the space. Guests can follow intricately designed steps and trails to reach elevated garden terraces, where they can admire rows of momiji (Japanese maple) and cypress trees. The pavilion spaces are private and thoughtfully arranged throughout the grounds. Their design and placement reflect both a tribute to the simplicity and order of traditional Japanese architecture and a seamless integration of contemporary structures with the surrounding landscape.
Every corner of the resort’s pavilions and villas offers breathtaking views.
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