tranquil sanctuary

The recently launched Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, designed by Kengo Kuma, fuses traditional Japanese architecture with modern elegance.

- Amy Van

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, which opened in August this year, marks the debut of the Banyan Tree brand in Japan. Located in the historic Higashiyama Ward, this luxury retreat is nestled on a hilltop near the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

 Designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA), the architecture seamlessly melds with its natural surroundings, which is bordered by a bamboo forest and framed by the Higashiyama Mountains. Although situated close to bustling Gion, Kyoto’s historic entertainment district, the place exudes a calming atmosphere.

The resort boasts 52 luxurious guest rooms; eight of which are designated Onsen Retreat Rooms. The private hiba wood bathtubs in these special rooms are fed by natural hot spring water from the hotel’s grounds.

Other facilities include the Banyan Tree Spa with minimalist private treatment rooms where guests can enjoy total relaxation, as well as natural indoor and outdoor onsens. Dining-wise, there’s an intimate 20-seat bar, and Ryozen, a 48-seater Kappo-style restaurant with an adjoining terrace that overlooks the Noh stage in the garden. 

Kuma shares, “Yukio Hashimoto Design Studio was in charge of the room interiors, and we discussed the [design of the] windows together.” To allow guests to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding and natural light, wide fixed windows were used, with minimal stiles and rails. On the other hand, to bring in the serene sounds of Kyoto’s temples and cool natural breezes, both sides of the windows can be open slightly for natural ventilation.

Kuma adds that the rooms were designed to allow guests to feel close to nature whenever possible. They also decided to add a series of long, extended wooden eaves to create shadows and soften the intrusion of sunlight.