 |
| Hoshinoya Kyoto is accessed by the Ooigawa River. |
We’re just back from the 2010 Japan Luxury Travel Forum in Kyoto, where we visited the luxury ryokan resort Hoshinoya Kyoto, which opened in December.
We found that Hoshinoya offers authentic Japanese culture with modern comfort; clients can experience the beauty of staying in a traditional Japanese guesthouse without the inflexibility that typically comes along with it. For example, at a traditional ryokan, guests eat from a preset menu and are served in their rooms; at Hoshinoya, a menu of seasonal options is available and guests are served in an elegant fine-dining atmosphere.
Hoshinoya Kyoto is in the Arashiyama district, known for its many temples and bamboo groves. Accessed by a soothing boat-ride down the Ooigawa River, the resort’s entrance has a dramatic, romantic feel. The famously austere design of a traditional ryokan has been updated just enough in each of the 25 rooms to present subtle, elegant flourishes—for instance, a couch made of the very bamboo the area is known for. All rooms have Wi-Fi and heated floors. Note: The staff comprises more than a few fluent English speakers. We say clients who have enjoyed Banyan Tree or Aman properties in other parts of the world will likely rave about Hoshinoya. Two more Hoshinoya resorts will open in 2012: one in Fuji, the other in Okinawa. Luxury travel advisors can contact Masae Kikuchi
 |
| A Hashizuku Double reflects the calming interior characteristic of the ryokan. |