The Westin Miyako Kyoto
Opened in 1890 at the base of Higashiyama, The Westin Miyako Kyoto pairs historic Kyoto character with natural hot springs, major wellness facilities and unusually easy access to eastern temples.
The Westin Miyako Kyoto sits at the base of Higashiyama, where the city gives way to wooded slopes and some of Kyoto’s most important temples. Open since 1890, the property combines the scale of a grand hotel with a setting that feels noticeably calmer than downtown.
Rooms and suites are contemporary and understated, with many categories oriented toward the surrounding hills or city. The Kasuien annex is the architectural highlight, designed by Togo Murano in 1959 and set around a serene Japanese garden.
Spa KACHO gives the hotel a true resort dimension. Natural underground spring water feeds indoor and semi-open-air onsen baths, complemented by saunas, pools, a modern fitness studio and a forested bird-watching trail on the hillside behind the property.
Five principal dining venues range from the broad international selection at RAQOU to French cuisine and teppanyaki overseen by Dominique Bouchet, while Mayfair and Bar Rokuza provide lighter daytime and evening spaces. The hotel also offers cultural activities such as sake tastings and kimono experiences.
The Westin Miyako Kyoto is best for travelers who want Kyoto’s eastern temples close at hand while retaining the facilities of a large luxury resort. Its combination of onsen, architecture and greenery makes it particularly appealing for longer stays or travelers who want downtime between sightseeing days.