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The Hyatt Regency Kyoto – A Five Star Luxury Hotel Review

Hyatt Regency Kyoto

The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a five-star luxury hotel located in the Higashiyama Shichijo district of Kyoto. It offers a refined and comfortable stay in a peaceful neighborhood, conveniently close to Kyoto Station and the city’s main attractions. While the rooms and suites may feel slightly dated, they are notably more spacious than those found in many Japanese hotels. For travelers seeking a reasonably priced five-star luxury hotel with generous room sizes and a tranquil setting, the Hyatt Regency Kyoto is an excellent choice.

The Hyatt Regency Kyoto hotel facts

Located at 644-2 Sanjusangendo-mawari, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0941, Japan the Hyatt Regency Kyoto sets a serene tone from the moment you step through the entrance. The hotel’s architecture and interiors were beautifully designed to reflect a contemporary Japanese aesthetic. Particularly striking are the traditional kimono fabrics featured in every room and suite, which add texture, elegance, and a distinctly local character to each space.

The hotel offers:

  • 187 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, many overlooking tranquil gardens or historic Kyoto streets.
  • Japanese design thoughtfully reinterpreted with natural wood, soft textures, and kimono-inspired fabrics throughout the property.
  • Exceptionally comfortable beds dressed in crisp, high-quality linens.
  • Spacious stone and marble bathrooms featuring deep Japanese soaking tubs and separate rain showers (a true highlight 💖).
  • Japanese toilets (yes, please) with all the thoughtful features you’d expect when staying in Japan.
  • Select rooms and suites with private balconies with views of the Kyoto National Museum or the hotel’s gardens.
  • A full-service Riraku Spa and fitness center, complete with sauna and steam rooms for post-sightseeing relaxation.
  • Multiple on-site dining venues, including refined Japanese cuisine, Italian comfort classics, and elegant grill-style dining.
  • An elegant bar offering handcrafted cocktails in a refined, sophisticated setting.

Checking in/out of the Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Check-in at the Hyatt Regency Kyoto begins at 3:00 PM, with check-out at 12:00 PM – slightly later than many hotels, which is a welcome perk. If you arrive early, the hotel staff will store your luggage and will do its best to accommodate you should your room become available. World of Hyatt members may also request a late check-out, subject to availability. Enrollment in the World of Hyatt program is free and offers valuable loyalty benefits such as early check-in, late check-out, complimentary breakfast at the Globalist level, and more. It’s well worth joining.

Rooms and suites

The Hyatt Regency Kyoto features 187 rooms and suites. All are designed to feel like a peaceful sanctuary after a day of sightseeing.

The rooms and suites strike a beautiful balance between modern comfort and Kyoto’s classic spirit. They’re surprisingly spacious and outfitted with luxury mattresses and soft, high-quality linens. Depending on the room you book, you might wake up to views of the peaceful hotel gardens, the city skyline, or even a private balcony overlooking Kyoto’s historic rooftops.

The bathrooms are spacious and feature rain showerheads and deep soaking tubs – perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Select rooms offer luxurious cypress (hinoki) tubs with daily replenishment of hinoki salts, leaving your skin soft and refreshed after a relaxing soak. Your skin feels amazing after soaking in them.

Every room includes a Japanese-style toilet – a feature many travelers love when visiting Japan. You will also enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and mineral water in your room. World of Hyatt members receive a special in-room gift—ours was traditional Japanese sweets, which made for a delightful treat!

While the rooms feel a little outdated, their generous space and luxurious details easily make up for it.

Dining options

The Hyatt Regency Kyoto offers plenty of excellent food options. From refined French and Italian cuisine to authentic Japanese offerings:

  • Touzan embraces Japan’s culinary heritage with charcoal grilling, fresh sushi, and curated sake tastings in a unique space layered with antique design pieces.
  • The Grill combines French technique with premium ingredients — think perfectly grilled meats and seafood.
  • Trattoria Sette offers a casual Italian menu and a cozy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner.

And for a quick morning bite or artisan pastry, the Pastry Boutique serves freshly baked breads, sweets, and chocolates baked in the hotel’s own kitchen.

Other amenities

Guests at the Hyatt Regency Kyoto can unwind at the Riraku Spa or stay active at the fitness center. The spa is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., while the fitness center is available 24 hours for hotel guests. Both spaces are on the smaller side but offer the perfect spot to recharge during your stay.

The Riraku Spa features a range of unique treatments worth trying, including dry cypress (hinoki) tub soaks, acupuncture facials, and acupuncture body treatments. We tried them and thought they are amazing and absolutely deeply relaxing and rejuvenating. As a hotel guest you can also enjoy steam rooms, a sauna, and treatment rooms offering shiatsu, aromatherapy, and traditional Eastern therapies.

With its focus on holistic wellness, Riraku Spa is a must-visit during your stay—we loved our treatments and highly recommend giving it a try. Be sure to book in advance so you can secure your preferred time slots and make the most of your experience.

Overall impressions of the Hyatt Regency Kyoto

The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a good choice if you are seeking well priced five-star luxury in busy Kyoto, Japan.

What we thought about our stay:

  • The common areas were stunning, thoughtfully designed, and exuded a sense of serenity – perfect for relaxing or simply enjoying the atmosphere.
  • We stayed in both hotel rooms and suites; both were spacious and comfortable, offering luxury touches, even if they felt a bit dated.
  • The restaurants were also beautifully designed and the food we tried was of the highest quality.
  • The hotel bar felt like a hidden speakeasy. The hand-crafted cocktails were delicious, and the attentive service made it a perfect spot to unwind.
  • The Riraku Spa, while intimate in size, offered outstanding treatments and service. We highly recommend experiencing a cypress tub soak or acupuncture session.
  • The hotel’s prime location is within easy reach of Kyoto’s cultural landmarks, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking sophistication and a strong sense of place.
  • The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, often anticipating our needs before we even asked.

In closing, whether you’re on your first trip to Japan or returning to uncover more of Kyoto’s magic, this hotel offers a welcoming, beautifully crafted home base that’s sure to meet your expectations.

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