LXR Hotels & Resorts, one of Hilton’s three luxury brands, has debuted in Asia Pacific with the opening of Roku Kyoto. The hotel also represents Hilton’s inaugural property in Kyoto, Japan.
Located at the foot of the Takagamine mountains in northern Kyoto, Roku Kyoto is set within the 28-acre Shozan Resort Kyoto, which is home to Japanese gardens, historic architecture and teahouses. The hotel is within walking distance from Kinkaku-ji, “Golden Pavilion,” and other historic temples, including the Genkoan Temple and the Koetsuji Temple.
The grounds on which the hotel was built was an artisan colony where the classical Rinpa school of Japanese painting was founded around 400 years ago by Hon’ami Koetsu, a Japanese artist, calligrapher, poet, landscape designer and tea master, considered one of the most influential artists of the 17th century. Rinpa played a significant role in nurturing artists and craftsmen over the years. He had a strong influence on the development of traditional Japanese art and culture.
Paying homage to the Takagamine area’s history, which was also the source of water for washi papermaking, the hotel has been designed by the BLINK Design Group. The facets of traditional Japanese art are on display throughout the property—from exquisite lacquerware at the entrance, bamboo art pieces in the restaurant, ceramics artifacts in the spa, to karakami decorative paper in the guestrooms.
Infusing traditional Kyoto design and modern Japanese aesthetic in earthy tones, the 114 guestrooms offer views of natural landscapes. The expansive Roku Suite offers views of the mountains along the Tenjin River, while the Takagamine mountains can be observed from the Peak Suite. While each of the Garden Deluxe rooms have a private onsen with a garden, the Poolside Deluxe rooms are located near the spa and provide direct access to the outdoor onsen thermal pool via a private terrace.
The Roku Spa offers a selection of therapies and treatments, including an original blend of aromatherapy oils infused with the essence of “Kitayama sugi,” a Japanese cedar tree native to the northern Kyoto area. Guests can relax in the hotel’s year-round natural onsen pool, work out in the 24-hour fitness center, or practice yoga or meditation on the lawn.
The French Restaurant Tenjin is named after the Tenjin river. Guests can tuck into dishes made from locally sourced seasonal ingredients. At the Chef’s Table within the restaurant, guests can witness the chefs at work as they present a seasonal course menu served with a special technique, inspired by the history and culture of the Rinpa school. At the bar, guests can sip on signature cocktails made with local ingredients or enjoy afternoon tea. Alternatively, guests can lounge at the “Engawa”, where they can listen to the sounds of the river by the indoor patio while enjoying the views.
The concierge team at the hotel will enable guests to experience the hidden treasures of Kyoto through various activities and services. Guests can opt for the Omuro 88 Temple Pilgrimage guided by a priest, create traditional ceramic art, learn “kintsugi”—the art of restoring pottery with gold, or try papermaking by hand with water sourced from the Tenjin River, as it had been done in the ninth century.
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