Experience a Luxury Stay in Kyoto: 7 Distinctive Accommodations

For a Truly Memorable Stay in Kyoto

Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s timeless elegance by staying at a distinctive accommodation, whether near a UNESCO World Heritage site, in a guesthouse with serene settings, or in a traditional ryokan that offers "omotenashi" hospitality.

Each stay provides an unforgettable experience within an authentic Japanese ambiance, allowing you to savor matcha green tea in tranquil tatami rooms rich in history and culture.

These unique stays are offered by the Japanese experience booking website Wabunka.

Luxury Stays in Kyoto

1. ART MON ZEN KYOTO in Gion
2. Sumiya, a Historic Traditional Ryokan Inn
3. Artful Arashiyama Stay at MUNI KYOTO
4. Experience Nintendo History at Kyoto’s Marufukuro Hotel
5. Guest House MICaSA
6. Traditional Aesthetics and Modern Luxury at Shinsho-an
7. Private Stay at World Heritage Site Ninnaji Temple

1. ART MON ZEN KYOTO in Gion: A Museum-Like Hotel with Antique Art and Tea Ceremony

Picture courtesy of Wabunka

ART MON ZEN KYOTO, created by renowned antique dealer Nakanishi Shohoken, is a hotel designed like a museum, where rare artworks are displayed throughout its halls and rooms.

This exclusive Wabunka plan includes a one-night stay, an art class, a guided gallery tour, and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, allowing guests to explore Kyoto’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Picture courtesy of Wabunka

By engaging with antique art and tea ceremony utensils, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s timeless aesthetics and craftsmanship. Perfect for art and culture enthusiasts, this immersive experience offers a unique way to connect with Kyoto’s storied past.

2. Sumiya, a Historic Traditional Ryokan Inn: Unforgettable Stay and Private Tea Experience

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Experience Kyoto’s tea culture with a stay at Sumiya Ryokan, a historic inn cherished by tea masters since the Taisho era.

Enjoy seasonal Kyoto cuisine for breakfast and matcha brewed by the okami (proprietress) or waka-okami (proprietress-to-be) in the ryokan’s traditional tearoom.

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Learn authentic tea etiquette while immersing yourself in the charm of Sukiya-zukuri architecture. Gain insight into the inn’s rich history, design, and serene garden from the proprietress herself.

3. Artful Arashiyama Stay at MUNI KYOTO with Private Art Museum Tour

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Located in Kyoto’s serene Arashiyama district, MUNI KYOTO and the Fukuda Art Museum offer a harmonious blend of luxury, art, and nature.

Renowned for their elegant designs that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding landscape, both have received international acclaim from publications like Time Magazine and the Michelin Guide.

This exclusive experience includes a stay at the luxurious MUNI KYOTO hotel and a private guided tour of the Fukuda Art Museum, arranged by Wabunka. Guests can also savor original wagashi confections inspired by the museum’s exhibits.

Picture courtesy of Wabunka

Visitors can immerse themselves in the seasonal beauty of Arashiyama while enjoying refined hospitality, traditional culture, and artistic enrichment in one of Japan’s most scenic and tranquil settings.

4. Experience Nintendo History at Kyoto’s Marufukuro Hotel

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Marufukuro Hotel, located in Kyoto’s historic Kagiyacho neighborhood, is housed in the former headquarters of Nintendo. Renovated by internationally acclaimed architect Tadao Ando, the building blends rich architectural heritage with modern elegance.

This exclusive Wabunka experience offers a one-night stay in this iconic landmark, along with a guided staff tour.

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Guests will explore the origins of Marufukuro and learn about the philosophy of Nintendo’s founder, including the family’s vision to preserve and revive this historic space.

The experience offers a rare opportunity to stay in a building that reflects the legacy of a world-famous gaming company and the brilliant design of one of Japan’s most celebrated architects.

Combining history, innovation, and refined design, Marufukuro provides a one-of-a-kind stay for those seeking cultural depth and architectural feats in Kyoto.

5. Guest House MICaSA: Experience Kyoto Life in a Traditional Machiya Townhouse

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Guest House MICaSA is a restful retreat nestled in a quiet backstreet of central Kyoto. Moreover, the modern yet traditional stay is located in an authentic machiya townhouse.

Blending natural wood design with timeless Kyoto charm, MICaSA provides a peaceful atmosphere where time moves a bit slower.

The guesthouse is run by a proprietress with deep Kyoto roots, coming from a family of traditional kimono dyers. Her personal touch ensures guests experience the essence of everyday Kyoto life with the comfort of home.

Picture courtesy of Wabunka

This exclusive one-night, two-day stay invites guests to unwind in a beautifully preserved historic home, enjoy seasonal Kyoto-style sweets and tea, and receive personalized travel tips directly from the proprietress.

MICaSA offers an intimate glimpse into the quiet elegance of Kyoto’s culture, far from the typical tourist path.

6. Shinsho-an: Traditional Aesthetics and Modern Luxury Converge in Central Kyoto

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Shinsho-an is a serene luxury hotel in Kyoto’s historic Okazaki area, offering just four elegant rooms, each with a private living space. Featured in Condé Nast Traveler and Vogue Hong Kong, it seamlessly blends traditional Japanese design with modern comfort.

Picture courtesy of Wabunka

Guests booking through Wabunka enjoy an exclusive welcome with drinks and sweets in the Hanare, a Sukiya-zukuri tea room that inspired the hotel’s architecture.

Relax in the refined Sho and Gyo rooms, surrounded by natural materials and meticulous details, while friendly staff share insights into the hotel’s craftsmanship.

Shinsho-an offers a peaceful, culturally rich escape from central Kyoto—where luxury meets tradition while refined comfort converges with cultural immersion.

7. Private Stay at World Heritage Site Ninnaji Temple With Special Tour and Dazzling Light-Up

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Experience the serenity of Ninnaji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an exclusive overnight stay limited to one group per night. Enjoy a private monk-led tour of rarely accessible areas, including the Great Hall, a designated National Treasure.

After dark, explore the beautifully lit temple grounds. Then stay in a restored former samurai residence, with dinner available as an optional add-on.

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In the morning, join the monks for their service, hear a Dharma sermon, and try your hand at drawing rock patterns. This unique experience offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural heritage at one of Japan’s most sacred temples, away from the crowds.

Book Your Unique Getaway at Kyoto's One-of-a-Kind Accommodations

​Kyoto offers a variety of unique accommodations that blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury.

Whether booking a stay at a historic inn capturing the city's timeless charm or a boutique hotel designed by Tadao Ando with art-deco elements bridging modern design, you're sure to have a relaxing retreat away from bustling crowds that fuses the past with the present.

Main image courtesy of Wabunka