The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto has opened its doors marking the group’s fourth property in Japan. The 136-room property is located next to the Kamogawa River and its rooms have views of the Higashiyama mountains.

Located in the heart of a city famed for its Zen temples, palaces and gardens, the riverside resort brings the unsurpassed elegance and renowned service of The Ritz-Carlton to Kyoto, while honoring the cultural heritage of the city through design.

“We are honoured to open our fourth Ritz-Carlton in Japan, in the beautiful city of Kyoto. Our customers are always looking to explore evocative, new and inspiring destinations and have long expressed a desire for us to offer in this incredible location” said Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton.

“I believe this hotel offers a timeless window to Japan and complements perfectly 85 other Ritz-Carlton properties around the globe.” Humler added.

The hotel’s luxury guestrooms and suites offer full views of the river and the Higashiyama Mountains. The architects and designers have retained the character and aesthetic of a traditional Meiji house and courtyard into the architectural structure of the building.

The interiors created by Peter Remedios and Spin Studios pay homage to the traditions of Japan, with patterned motifs created by local artisans and the incorporation of Zen rock gardens (karesansui) and water features, including a four-storey waterfall are aesthetically positioned in the heart of the hotel.

The Kamogawa Suite and its sister suites with their moon deck gardens (tsukimidai) and floor to ceiling windows offer luxurious accommodations with views of the river and mountains.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, nestled at the foot of the waterfall, features seven intimate and inviting treatment rooms and offers signature services inspired by the rich culture of Japan and ESPA. These include a traditional Acupressure Massage using the dry Shiatsu techniques as well as the Ryokucha Serenity Ritual based on green tea leaves, Gyokuro, dried from the Sun for 20 days in Uji, southern Kyoto and famed for their restorative properties.

In a city famed for its culinary offerings, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto adds new and distinctive fine-dining experiences against an elegant backdrop.

The Japanese restaurant, Mizuki, modeled around a dynamic landscape composed of stone garden, water fall and historical features, serves modern Japanese cuisine including a famed Kaiseki options alongside sushi, tempura and teppanyaki. The restaurant includes an outdoor terrace complete with fire pits for gourmet diners to enjoy the dynamic scenery during Sakura and Autumn seasons.

La Locanda, the Italian restaurant, pays homage to the hotel site’s history. Its private room, called Ebisugawatei, is a preserved historically-listed building while the restaurant also features its own walk-in charcuterie and l’affineur cheese cellar. The unrivalled wine list offers 250 varieties from Super Tuscans to Italian regional classics.

Meanwhile, Pierre Hermé Paris, creator of Haute Pâtisserie, will bring his popular creations and introduce an exclusive range of signature desserts to The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. The unique collaboration will showcase his work throughout the property including restaurants, meetings, weddings and banquets.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto features meetings, luxury weddings and special events spaces with four rooms, each named after a cherry blossom species – Takane Ballroom, Kocho, Shidare and Kanzan meeting rooms. The property will also feature a wedding showroom.