Aman Kyoto – A Forest Retreat Near the Heart of Kyoto
Just beyond the golden glow of Kinkaku-ji Temple lies a world apart. Sheltered within a 32-hectare forest, Aman Kyoto rests at the foot of the Hidari Daimonji mountain, where winding moss-lined paths connect minimalist pavilions with steaming onsen springs and centuries-old cedar groves. Though only moments from 17 UNESCO sites, the resort feels like a sacred retreat — quiet, poetic, and deeply rooted in place.
Pavilions Framed by Nature
Aman Kyoto’s Rooms and Pavilions are inspired by the understated elegance of the traditional Ryokan. Floor-to-ceiling windows and open-flow layouts invite the forest indoors, allowing seasonal light and shadow to shape each day. The Takagamine Suite features a tatami room and soft Japanese minimalism, while the Washigamine Pavilion rests high above the grounds, with panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Every stay includes:
- Daily breakfast and afternoon local sweets with matcha
- In-room refreshments including Japanese sake and beer
- Evening aperitif with snacks and Champagne
- Guided walk through Aman’s private forest garden
- Unlimited access to the outdoor and indoor onsen hot springs
A Spa Rooted in Earth and Element
The Aman Spa draws from Kyoto’s mineral-rich spring water and the apothecary of the land. Guests can indulge in treatments that blend traditional Japanese ingredients — from camellia oil and kuromame black beans to sake and local teas. Onsen bathing is at the heart of the experience, supported by forest bathing, open-air yoga, and meditation in serene garden nooks.
No gym, no pool — only nature, stillness, and purposeful care.
Culture in Every Moment
Aman Kyoto is more than a place to rest. It’s an invitation to rediscover Japanese artistry, ritual, and presence. Guests may:
- Meditate with a Zen monk in a heritage temple
- Design a miniature moss garden with the estate gardener
- Learn Ikebana, the mindful art of flower arrangement
- Visit Kyoto’s oldest geisha district with a private host
- Enjoy an omakase dinner at Taka-An, Aman’s signature dining experience
The Living Pavilion offers all-day Western and Japanese fare in a relaxed lounge setting with forest views. Local sweets, green tea, and aperitifs create moments of comfort between excursions into Kyoto’s spiritual heartland.
Ready to retreat into the quiet rhythms of Kyoto’s sacred forest?
Contact mickey@viptablesgroup.com to secure your Aman Kyoto journey — and explore Aman experiences across Japan and beyond.