A Luxurious and Relaxing Getaway at HOSHINOYA Kyoto

Hi guys!

As I've mentioned on my previous post, I stayed at two different hotels during my trip to Kyoto, and this was the second one: HOSHINOYA Kyoto.

pic cr: blacktomato.com

HOSHINOYA Kyoto, like Hoshino Resorts L'Hotel de Hiei, is also under Hoshino Resorts management, and even though it's not located on the mountaintop like its sister property, it's still as dreamy because it's peacefully situated on the edge of Kyoto, high atop the Oigawa riverbank, surrounded by beautiful trees, and reached by a shuttle car or—wait for it—a riverboat!

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Getting There

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From Arashiyama station, you can either take a 15-minute walk or grab a taxi (around 2,000 yen) to get to the "Waiting Room" which is near the famous Togetsu-kyo bridge ↓ 

You'll do the check-in process here while waiting for the available shuttle car or riverboat to transport you to the hotel. I strongly recommend you to take the boat because the scenery is magnificent and the boat is very comfortable (with cushions on the seats)! However, it is only operating until 6PM, so if you arrive later than that, you can take the car instead. But don't worry, you can still enjoy the boat ride on the next day! :)

The boat ride looks even more romantic in Autumn season with red maple leaves around 🍁😍

(pic cr: tripadvisor.com)

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The Place

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HOSHINOYA Kyoto features a perfect mix of Japanese and Western accommodations.

Once I stepped into this resort, I felt immediately relaxed by the atmosphere, fresh air, and the friendliness of the staff (90% of the staff here speak fluent english). Then I got even more awestruck after I was escorted to my room which was a tastefully decorated ryokan with plenty of modern amenities and a wooden bathtub for a private onsen bath!

My room's entrance

Welcome drink 🍶

A Japanese style bedroom with sooooper comfy beds!
(p.s. You can request a king size bed too.)

Inside the cupboard: yukatas, pajamas, and coats. You can wear the yukata and coat to walk around the hotel.

The wooden bathtub along with the herbs that changes everyday!

I soaked in the bath twice a day just because I wanted to try all the herbs haha (morning herb and night herb are different).

*please don't make me leave the bed*

A splendid view of Oi river from my room 🌲💚 Imagine how dreamy it is if you come here during Sakura or Autumn season! 🌸🍁

↑ HOSHINOYA Kyoto has two gardens and they are both charming ↓

↑ I was wearing the yukata, coat, and geta sandals provided by the hotel 😁

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Activities

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1. Morning Stretch for 30 minutes

It was very peaceful and refreshing doing stretching and simple yoga in this beautiful weather under the trees! The instructor spoke in a soft and clear manner too 😌

2. Exploring Kyoto in Kimono

You can also rent a gorgeous Kimono along with makeup and hairdo here. I will probably write a separate blog post about my Kimono experience. :)

3. Sake Tasting

There is a lounge bar where you can enjoy excellent wine and/or Japanese whiskies accompanied by unique snacks in the evening.

The bar itself is very comfortable too with elegant lighting and good books.

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Meals

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🎎 Dinner 🎎

The dinner comes in Kaiseki type which is a traditional Japanese multi-course haute cuisine where the chef uses only fresh seasonal ingredients (which means each season has its own special menu), and balances the taste, texture, appearance, and colors of food, making it not only a feast for the palate, but also for the eyes.

Even though the dishes come in small portions, I can assure you that you will leave with a satisfied and very full belly! Hats off to Head Chef Ichiro Kubota and team for creating this memorable dining experience. Everything was perfectly cooked, seasoned, and delightfully presented!

↑ My absolute favorite! SO delicious, juicy and melts in your mouth! PERFECTION 😍 ↓

At the end of the dinner, they suddenly surprised me with a very cute and tasty birthday cake!

Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu! 🙇💖

🎏 Breakfast 🎏

The breakfast had two options - Japanese and Western. I chose the Japanese and it was a delicious hot pot (pictured above), that was beautifully prepared and served in the seating room (next to the bedroom) overlooking a quaint river and mountain. 💕

Overall, I had a wonderful and unforgettable experience here and hope to return soon!

HOSHINOYA Kyoto
Address: Kyoto, Nishikyo-ku, Arashiyama Genrokuzan-cho 11-2
Nearest station: Arashiyama Station
Languages: Japanese, English and Chinese
WiFi: Available
Price: US $1,081 (per room/per night) and up
Telephone number: +81-50-3786-1144
Website: https://hoshinoya.com/kyoto/en/

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Elle Yamada

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