Hidden Sanctuary: HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
December 12th 2025
In a city as steeped in tradition as Kyoto, finding a hotel that balances authentic heritage with modern, effortless luxury is a rare feat. HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO (a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa) does exactly that. Its excellence was recently validated on the global stage, as it debuted at No. 46 on the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list—notably beating out heavy hitters like the Park Hyatt and Aman to become the only Kyoto property in the Top 50 this year.
Located directly across from the historic Nijo Castle, the Mitsui is a peaceful oasis. While the Park Hyatt is closer to the Higashiyama tourist center and the Aman is tucked far into the northern hills, the Mitsui sits in the "sweet spot." It's a quick car ride to the shopping districts by the river, offering a better balance of sanctuary and city access than its rivals.
The Onsen Suite: A Private Ritual
The crown jewel of our stay was the Onsen Suite. Only a handful of these exist, and they are essentially a modern reimagining of a traditional Japanese tea room, spanning a generous 1,100 to 1,200 square feet (approx. 110 sqm).
The Layout: The suite is sprawling, featuring a separate living room and bedroom divided by sliding panels and accented with rich walnut and cherry wood. The flow is incredibly intuitive, leading you toward the heart of the room: the bathing area.
The Personal Plunge: The standout feature is the private outdoor onsen bath, fed by natural mineral-rich spring water sourced directly from the property. There is a specific kind of magic in soaking in the steaming water while it’s freezing cold outside—looking out onto your own private tsubo-niwa (courtyard garden) complete with stone lanterns and manicured greenery.
The Amenities: The attention to detail is staggering. The suite includes:
A massive stone soaking tub indoors, in addition to the outdoor onsen.
Original bathroom amenities prepared by a Japanese master perfumer.
High-end linen pajamas and plush Imabari Pima cotton towels.
A curated minibar and a large 55-inch LCD TV that feels secondary to the views.
Ultimate Privacy: While the hotel’s public Thermal Spring Spa is a beautiful subterranean space, it is co-ed and requires swimwear. Your suite’s onsen is a private, "clothing-optional" sanctuary that offers the authentic, meditative Japanese soaking experience you simply can't get in a public setting.
Grounds, Dining & Resourceful Service
The hotel is built on a 250-year-old historic site once owned by the Mitsui family. You enter through the 300-year-old Kajiimiya Gate, and the lobby immediately opens to a central courtyard garden. The design is so intentional and tranquil that it feels like the hotel is breathing with you.
The Breakfast: Served at Forni, the breakfast is a sprawling event. The buffet is meticulously curated, but the made-to-order options (both Japanese and Western) were the real highlights. The quality of the local Kyoto produce is evident in every bite.
The Concierge: One of the most resourceful teams we've encountered. Our concierge was a lifesaver for navigating the city's outskirts. She mapped out the most efficient routes to the distant temples, ensuring we saw the iconic sights without the logistical headaches or wasted time in traffic.
Dining & The Resourceful Concierge
The Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is sprawling and meticulously curated, but the made-to-order options were the real highlight. Whether you want a traditional Japanese set or a perfectly executed Western dish, the quality is top-tier.
A Masterclass in Service: The concierge team was remarkably attentive and resourceful. Our concierge was a lifesaver when it came to planning our temple visits. Many of Kyoto’s most iconic temples are on the city’s edge, and she mapped out the most efficient routes to ensure we missed the worst of the crowds and the traffic.
The Verdict
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO is for the traveler who wants the "Onsen Life" with five-star convenience. Its recent rise in the global rankings is well-deserved; it offers a level of intimacy and thoughtful service that makes it the premier choice in Kyoto right now.
Stay here if: You want a private onsen experience, world-class service, and a location that makes exploring the entire city easy.
Skip if: You want to be in the middle of Gion's bustling nightlife and don't care for the onsen ritual.
