Kyoto is one of the world’s most alluring cities, but she can be shy in revealing her secrets.
The Japanese city of Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is both pretty as a picture and mysterious, spectacular and inspiring. Here, a newly-unveiled FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KYOTO will unlock the hidden secrets of Japan’s ancient imperial capital. Here, every element is grounded in the Japanese aesthetic of enso, connecting mind and body. You wil nevel feel lost here. A dedicated Four Seasons Experience Creator devises unique itineraries that gave you the exclusive access to authentic cultural encounters.
To help guests immerse themselves in Kyoto’s traditional culture, the luxury hotel invented the “Experience Creator.”
Hana Morioka was born in the city, and remembers seeing Shakusuien, the ikeniwa (pond garden) as a child, long before the Hotel was built around it. Her mandate is to secure the many keys to the city that will take Four Seasons guests places even locals don’t know about.
Kyoto experiences may include a genuine Kiyomizu ceramics-making class using traditional techniques, with one’s own handmade pieces shipped home once the intricate process is complete; or lantern making that the whole family can enjoy together. Guests can have a ninja training session including kuji-in meditation, movement and weaponry. For the culinary traveller, Four Seasons helps decipher the Japanese palate, and points the way to the city’s most outstanding restaurants. The amateur chef even has the opportunity to take home a personally monogrammed Aritsugu kitchen knife made by a centuries-old artisan shop that originally crafted swords for the Imperial House of Japan.
For those who wish to explore the city, Four Seasons has developed three rickshaw tours, and Hana – who speaks fluent French as well as Japanese – can also arrange for multi-lingual guides for custom tours by car, rickshaw or foot.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
A menu of ceremonious health and well-being rituals, results-oriented therapies and indulgent journeys are performed by skilled therapists in one of seven treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite. Of special note are skin care treatments using Tatcha, a luxury brand inspired by the 200 year old style guide called Miyakofuzoku Kewaiden. French high-performance line Biologique Recherche and all-natural Sodashi from Australia are also featured alongside Kotoshina products formulated with organic green tea from Uji, Kyoto and French spa water for beautiful skin.
The Spa complex includes sauna, steam and whirlpool; a full-service beauty salon; state-of-the-art fitness centre; and 20 metre (66 foot) indoor pool.
Weddings at Four Seasons: With its own exquisitely-designed Chapel reached via a gracious curving staircase, Four Seasons is the ideal setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions in the grand ballroom, not to mention the wonderful photo opportunities in the on-site Shakusuien garden.
Kyoto is a gourmet destination unto itself.
The Brasserie brings the spirit of modern bistro fare to the city with a distinctive local twist. Dishes include Chef Tsuyoshi Iryo’s miso-marinated foie gras terrine and ox tongue bourguignon with local daikon and sprout salad. The pinnacle of Edo-Mae style sushi is showcased at the exclusive Sushi Wakon, produced by Michelin-starred Chef Red Masuda, with Chef Masashi Yamaguchi serving just 10 guests per seating at the eight metre long (26 foot) hinoki (cypress) counter. Two private dining spaces for 4 or 8 guests are also available.
In the inviting Lounge, guests are treated to gourmet bites to accompany selections of fine domestic and imported whiskies and other spirits, creative coffee drinks, “gastro” teas, and other beverages. Across the historic pond, a tea house awaits at Shakusui-tei, with a menu of local sakes and premium champagnes to sparkle alongside the water’s reflections in the evening.
