Aman Kyoto

Located in a mossy garden hidden in ancient forest near Kinkakuji Temple, the Aman mixes the minimalism and tranquility of a traditional ryokan inn with the luxury of a five-star wellness retreat.

Opened in 2019, with 24 sleek guestrooms and two villas, it’s the kind of place you stay if you want your accommodation to be an immersive, pampered experience – whether that’s strolling the garden, soaking in the mineral-rich hot-spring baths or unwinding with a shiatsu massage.

Continuing the experiential theme, guests also have access to exclusive cultural programs, including meditation sessions with Zen monks and an evening with the geisha of Kyoto’s oldest chaya (teahouse). If there’s a negative, it’s the location – great for Kinkakuji and Ryoanji temples, but a bit of a trek to other attractions.