Six Senses Kyoto opened its doors on April 23, marking the brand’s entry into Japan and an exciting new addition to its flourishing urban collection.
Conveniently situated among the iconic heritage shrines and palaces within the ancient capital, Six Senses Kyoto invites guests to both an epicenter and an escape, to enjoy holistic wellness, signature sustainability and out-of-the-ordinary experiences.
The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the Heian period (794-1185), when Heian-kyo (now Kyoto) was the capital of Japan, considered by many the golden age of art and culture that gave birth to “Miyabi” (courtly elegance) concept. This heritage is reflected in the hotel’s modern interpretation, incorporating elements of traditional arts to create a unique and elegant ambiance.
The contrasting artwork sets the stage for the hotel’s blend of history, artistry, playfulness and emotional hospitality. The hotel’s biophilic design, evident in the usage of wood and natural materials, along with meandering paths through inner Japanese gardens, further connects guests with nature.
The design narrative extends to the 81 guest rooms and suites, offering a sanctuary for contemplation. Specialty suites, from the Premier Suite Garden with a private Japanese courtyard to the 238 square-meter Three Bedroom Penthouse Suite, offer extended space for reconnection.
All bedrooms feature Sleep With Six Senses, promoting peaceful slumber thsrough bespoke organic mattresses, temperature regulating pillows, duvets, and organic cotton sheets. For those seeking to further optimize their zzz, sleep aids and programs are also available, through personalized sleep consultation that integrates insights from guests’ sleep tracker combined with soothing treatments, nutritional guidance, and low intensity training.
Holistic Wellness Journey: Fusion of Tradition and Science
Inspired by Kyoto’s Zen philosophy, Six Senses Spa integrates traditional healing techniques with modern science. Guests can begin their journey with a signature Wellness Screening, which analyzes key health biomarkers in minutes, allowing Wellness Practitioners to make personalized recommendations tailored to individual needs and goals.
Highlights include the Kyoto-exclusive Ah-un treatment, which symbolizes the pursuit of inner peace, balance, and awakening in Zen through a series of rituals and harmonizing body and sound therapies. Watsu (aquatic bodywork) relieves any tension of the body and the mind through hydrotherapeutic moves and stretches in the city’s only dedicated pool for the treatment.
Those looking for smart solutions to aid recovery from their travels, the adjacent Biohack Recovery Lounge is equipped with state-of-the-art recovery devices such as compression therapy.
Six Senses Spa Kyoto also offers integrated wellness programs ranging from a half-day to six days for both hotel guests and external visitors, with a focus on Sleep, Detox, Yoga, and Fitness.
Culinary Journey Through Japan’s 24 Seasons
Guided by the Eat With Six Senses ethos, the hotel’s food and beverage offering take guests on a journey through the ancient Japanese calendar. Sekki, the all-day dining restaurant, features hyper-seasonal weekly menus and drinks inspired by Japan’s 24 solar terms. Executive Chef Hiroki Shishikura‘s close relationships with local farmers and producers ensure first-hand access to seasonal produce.
The menu highlights a veg-forward lineup celebrating artisanal local and sustainable ingredients, complemented by a carefully sourced meat and seafood selection. The nose-to-tail and root-to-stem cooking principles ensure all menus are as flavorful as they are sustainable.
The hotel’s inauguration aligns with Japan’s ‘Grain Rain‘ solar season, marking the shift from spring to summer, observable through the gentle transition from delicate leafy greens and mountain vegetables to vibrant, robust and hearty produce such as summer strawberries.
The adjacent Café Sekki boasts a selection of fresh brews, craft teas, homemade kombucha, healthy juices, and guilt-free sweets and pastries using only natural ingredients and traditional fermentation techniques. Nine Tails, the speakeasy cocktail bar, offers evocative spirited creations alongside thoughtfully designed non-alcoholic options crafted from artisanal condiments and homemade syrup and cordials.
Sustainability and the Community
Sustainability remains the core of the hotel’s values and operations and is clear from the eco-centric design and construction to operational practices and local contributions. Guests can join a sustainability tour, explore interactive workshops at the Earth Lab, or create natural body products at the Alchemy Bar, all designed to foster a deeper understanding and connection with local culture and sustainable practices.
The dedicated Sustainability Fund supported by 0.5 percent of the hotel’s revenue is in place that will support locally based organizations, Biotope Network Kyoto and Council for Kyoto Traditional Forest Culture, in regenerating, conserving, and educating younger generations on forestry revitalization and its cultural value.
Six Senses operates 25 hotels and resorts and has signed a further 42 properties into the development pipeline. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses serves as a changemaker and maintains a leadership commitment to community, sustainability, emotional hospitality, wellness, and crafted experiences infused with a touch of quirkiness. Whether an exquisite island resort, mountain retreat, or urban hotel, the vision remains the same: to reawaken people’s senses so they feel the purpose behind their travels and ultimately reconnect with themselves, others, and the world around them.
Six Senses Residences offers all the unique amenities of a resort life community while retaining the privacy and personal touches of a beautifully appointed private villa or apartment.
Six Senses Spas guides guests on their personal path to well-being in all resorts, as well as a handful of standalone spas. The high-tech and high-touch approach goes beyond ordinary beauty treatments to offer holistic wellness, integrative medicine, and longevity.
*Figures as at December 31, 2023
