Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, has always held a magnetic pull for travelers. But a recent surge in luxury hospitality has elevated the experience, transforming the city into an even more captivating destination. At the forefront of this evolution stands Capella Kyoto, a stunning new haven for discerning guests.
Opening its doors on March 22nd, Capella Kyoto marks the brand’s debut in Japan. The hotel is thoughtfully situated on the grounds of a former elementary school, dating back to 1869, seamlessly blending history with modern luxury.
World-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, celebrated for his work on the Japan National Stadium, masterfully reimagined the space. This is part of a larger development in the Miyagawacho ward, encompassing the historic Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater – a traditional training ground for geisha – and a new community center, fostering a connection to local arts and culture.
The hotel’s location is particularly special, nestled beside Kenninji Temple, Kyoto’s oldest Zen Buddhist temple, founded in 1202, and the Ebisu Shrine, dedicated to the seven gods of fortune. This proximity infuses Capella Kyoto with a palpable sense of serenity and cultural depth.
Singapore-based Brewin Design Office curated the interiors, creating a space where tradition and playful modernity coexist. Seasonal touches abound, from the color-changing tassels on traditional noren screens – a vibrant green during my visit, hinting at spring – to delicate blush accents mirroring Kyoto’s famed cherry blossoms.
Capella Kyoto embodies a modern machiya, a traditional wooden townhouse common in Kyoto’s streets. Elegant bamboo paneling, low seating areas, sliding screens, and lantern-like lighting create an atmosphere of understated elegance and tranquility.
Gentle light filters through shoji screen-inspired windows in the corridors, inviting contemplation. A welcome cup of sakura-scented tea and a homemade green tea mochi offer a taste of the refined hospitality to come.
A dramatic indoor waterfall, featuring hand-picked stones by Kuma’s team, brings the beauty of the Kansai region indoors. Beyond it, a tranquil courtyard beckons, complete with a pond, rock path, Japanese maples, a cherry tree, and a fire pit for al fresco dining.
Art is woven throughout the hotel, from glossy ceramics and lacquerware to monumental installations of handwoven rice husks, inspired by the symbolic ropes found at Shinto shrines. Even the keycards, carved from fragrant sandalwood, are a nod to the nearby temples.
Capella Kyoto offers 60 rooms and 29 suites, ranging from comfortable city views to the expansive 2,200-square-foot Capella Suite. The Onsen Suites are particularly coveted, featuring diminutive Zen gardens and private baths filled with mineral-rich water drawn from nearly 3,000 feet underground.
My Premier Theatre King room offered views towards the Kamo River and the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater. Linen sheers could be lowered to diffuse the light, enhancing the warmth of the dark walnut paneling, gray leather, and hammered brass sconces.
The king-size bed was dressed in luxurious Frette linens, complemented by feather-light birch thread pajamas. The headboard, woven from locally sourced nishijin silk by Hosoo Textiles, displayed bold kanji characters created by Okinawan calligraphist Daichiro Shinjo.
The bathroom provided a haven for relaxation, paneled in wood with a speckled granite countertop and dual sinks. Thoughtful details, like vintage-inspired portraits of geisha created with arranged toiletries, added a touch of whimsy.
The glassed-in bathing suite featured a hinoki onsen stool, bucket, and both hand-held and overhead showerheads. A black ceramic tub invited long soaks with sakura-scented bath salts, reminiscent of the perfumes worn by Kyoto’s geiko.
Each evening, turndown service brought a thermos of hot sakura tea and a small souvenir – an ema wooden plaque for prayers one night, a knotted silk kumika pendant the next, a subtle gesture of thoughtful hospitality.
Capella Kyoto is also a culinary destination, home to SoNoMa by SingleThread, helmed by chefs Kyle and Katina Connaughton of the three-Michelin-starred SingleThread in Sonoma. This marks a homecoming for the chefs, who have deep ties to Japan.
Chef Keita Tominaga’s menus celebrate the produce of Northern California and the bountiful Kansai region, reflecting Japan’s microseasons. The intimate dining room accommodates just a dozen guests each night.
The tasting menu ($285 per person) is a performance of culinary artistry, featuring dishes like sea bream with smoky matcha rice, Hokkaido uni with avocado puree, and duck liver parfait with lily bulbs. The chefs engage with diners, sharing stories and fostering a convivial atmosphere.
Seasonal delicacies might include luscious Mie yellowtail, tempura bamboo shoots, melt-in-your-mouth Hokkaido ocean trout smoked with cherrywood, and succulent Kameoka filet mignon. The optional wine pairings ($160) complement each course beautifully.
Lanterne, a bright brasserie, offers a more casual dining experience, serving tantalizing strawberry tarts and contemporary Japanese-French fare. Breakfast is served here as well, featuring a buffet and hot dishes like matcha pancakes and a traditional Japanese set breakfast.
The Auriga Spa offers treatments inspired by lunar and seasonal cycles, and is the first in Japan to feature Shiseido’s The Ginza prestige skincare line. A facial left my skin feeling dewy and revitalized for hours.
Guests can also reserve private onsen suites for a secluded bathing experience, complete with living rooms and yukata robes. The men’s and women’s locker rooms offer saunas, steam rooms, and experiential showers.
Service at Capella Kyoto is impeccable – personal, warm, and efficient. A well-equipped gym and a calendar of cultural programming, including geiko performances and sake tastings, further enhance the experience.
Located in the historic Miyagawacho district, Capella Kyoto is within easy reach of Kyoto’s major sights. The Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizudera Temple, and the charming alleyways of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are just a short walk away.
Capella Kyoto transcends the typical luxury hotel experience. It’s a place where exquisite design, thoughtful details, and a deep connection to local culture converge, creating an unforgettable journey for the discerning traveler.
