REVIEW | Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, Japan
- VVZ Travels
- Oct 5
- 8 min read
Room rate and hotel details
Room type: Garden Room, King
Room rate: USD 1,606 per night
Nights stayed: 3 nights
Dates stayed: 1-4 September 2025
Complimentary Marriott STARS benefits when you book with us
100USD (or equivalent) hotel credit per stay
Daily complimentary full breakfast for 2 guests
Priority for complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
Local welcome amenity
Personalized welcome note
Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)
Overall Rating
Explanations can be found in the conclusion of this post
Room: 7.5/10
Breakfast: 9/10 General areas: 8/10
Facilities: 9/10 Service: 8.5/10
Value: 8/10
Introduction
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is authentically Japanese, located in the heart of Kyoto, directly facing the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nijo Castle. Opened in 2020 on the former site of the Mitsui family residence, the hotel blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary elegance. It features an intimate 161 refined rooms and suites, some with private onsen baths and views of the courtyard garden or castle.
A standout feature is its natural hot spring onsen—a rare amenity in central Kyoto—alongside a full spa and wellness area. The hotel also offers exceptional dining that highlights seasonal Kyoto cuisine with Japanese and French influences. With its tranquil atmosphere and attentive service, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto provides an immersive luxury experience rooted in the city's rich cultural heritage.
The Kajiimiya Gate at the entrance is a historically significant structure dating back over 300 years. Once the formal entrance to the Kyoto residence of the Mitsui family - one of Japan’s most prominent merchant clans - the gate was carefully dismantled, preserved, and restored during the hotel's development. Its traditional design and craftsmanship reflect Edo-period architecture, serving as a cultural landmark that connects the hotel's modern luxury with its storied past.
Arrival and Check-In
We arrived at the hotel close to midnight and chose to take a private transfer instead of the hotel's airport transfer service as it was almost 5 times the price of a privately arranged Alphard from Osaka airport. This would be a small point of improvement for us, as other hotel's 2-3x mark up seemed more reasonable. Given the time of day it took us less than an hour from Osaka Kansai airport to the hotel.
The arrival was a calm and seamless experience (perhaps also due to the midnight arrival where we were the only guests still awake) and reflected the hotel’s signature elegance and hospitality even during late hours. Guests are welcomed through the softly lit, historic Kajiimiya Gate, which exudes a quiet, dignified presence under the night sky. Inside, the 24-hour front desk staff greet guests with refined courtesy, assist with luggage, and provide a swift, discreet check-in process. Despite the late hour, the service remained attentive and warm.
Garden Room, King
We were upgraded to the Garden Room with a king bed which has a similar design to the other rooms, but differs by its view. It was designed by renowned interior designer André Fu, under the overall architectural guidance of Akira Kuryu.
The room offers a serene and spacious retreat, coming in at 61 m², with calming views of a traditional Japanese garden featuring elements like a weeping cherry tree (which blossoms into a beautiful pink in spring time), stone lanterns, and water features. Located on the 2nd to 4th floors, it blends modern luxury with traditional Japanese aesthetics, including a sofa by the window to fully enjoy the garden scenery.
The room features a king bed and can accommodate up to three guests (with the third utilising an extra bed). The bathroom is elegantly appointed with a stone bathtub, high-end amenities, and premium linens, while modern conveniences such as a large LCD TV and complimentary WiFi ensure a comfortable and restful stay.
The bathroom features a deep stone soaking tub, perfect for a relaxing bath after a day of exploring Kyoto, and a separate rainfall shower area. Toiletries (custom made for the hotel), plush towels, and premium bathrobes are provided, enhancing the overall sense of indulgence. Natural materials, warm lighting, and minimalist design create a calming, spa-like atmosphere, while thoughtful touches—like underfloor heating and well-placed mirrors—reflect the attention to detail.
Tip: Stay in one of the onsen suites for a truly Japanese experience. The hotel houses the only thermal spring in Kyoto city (with others being in the outskirts) and what a treat it is to be able to enjoy it in the comfort of your room, in such a luxurious setting!
We also paid a visit to the Presidential Suite, which is the hotel’s most luxurious and expansive accommodation, measuring 213 m² and located on the top floor. It offers panoramic views of Nijo-jo Castle and the surrounding Kyoto mountains.
The suite features a spacious king bedroom, a large living room, a dining area that seats up to 10 guests, and a fully equipped pantry—ideal for private dining or entertaining. It accommodates up to three guests, with the option of an extra bed. Premium touches include a stone soaking tub, Imabari Pima cotton towels, 24-hour room service, turndown and shoeshine services, and a curated minibar. Designed for those seeking privacy, elegance, and a truly immersive luxury experience, the Presidential Suite is the pinnacle of refined hospitality at the hotel.
Welcome Amenities and Turndown Service
Upon arrival, we were greeted with thoughtful welcome amenities that reflect the spirit of refined Japanese hospitality - upgraded to reflect our Marriott STARS benefits (which you would benefits from as well when booking with us). A beautifully presented wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) awaited us, accompanied by a personalized welcome note, setting a warm and intimate tone for the stay.
Each evening, the turn-down service adds a special touch of comfort and surprise (we looked forward to each night's turn down gift which was always a lovely surprise). On the first night, a custom, locally made matcha lip balm is left by the bedside—an elegant blend of wellness and Kyoto craftsmanship.
The second night brings artisanal chocolates, and the third night features hydrating face masks (which can be purchased at the spa as well), perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
As part of the nightly ritual, pajamas and bedroom slippers are carefully laid out, ensuring guests return to a room that feels restful, cared for, and imbued with quiet luxury.
Breakfast
Breakfast was undoubtedly a memorable start to the day, blending traditional Japanese and classic American options alongside a carefully curated buffet. Guests can enjoy expertly prepared Japanese dishes such as grilled fish, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), miso soup, and fresh rice, as well as familiar American favorites like eggs, bacon, and pastries.
What sets the breakfast experience apart is the layout and atmosphere—rather than a typical bustling buffet, the dining spaces are designed to feel intimate and personal, more like a fine dining restaurant. Thoughtful seating arrangements and attentive service create a calm, elegant environment where guests can savor their meals in comfort and privacy, elevating breakfast from a routine meal to a luxurious culinary experience.
General Areas and Facilities
The public areas embody a serene blend of traditional Japanese elegance and modern sophistication. From the moment you step through the historic Kajiimiya Gate, you’re immersed in a tranquil atmosphere highlighted by meticulously maintained gardens, calming water features, and natural materials like wood and stone.
The lobby and lounges are spacious yet intimate, featuring minimalist design elements that emphasize simplicity and harmony. Soft lighting and tasteful art pieces further enhance the refined ambiance. These communal spaces invite relaxation and quiet contemplation, offering guests a peaceful retreat from the city while showcasing Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage through subtle, thoughtful details.
Tip: You can book a private onsen room for around USD 200 per session which is actually surprisingly reasonable as the room is a generous ~100sqm
Hotel The Mitsui offers a comprehensive range of facilities designed to provide you with a luxurious and culturally immersive experience:
Spa & Onsen: The hotel features a subterranean spa with natural mineral hot springs, creating a tranquil environment for relaxation. Guests can also enjoy a private onsen suite that includes lounge areas and a rain bath.
Dining: There are three dining establishments on-site:
Toki: A French-Japanese fusion restaurant offering a tasting menu that highlights seasonal ingredients.
Forni: An Italian restaurant inspired by Kyoto’s micro-seasons, providing a unique culinary experience.
Shiki-no-ma: A traditional Japanese event space that can also serve as a dining area, offering an authentic cultural setting.
Fitness Center: The hotel is equipped with a fitness center, allowing guests to maintain their workout routines during their stay.
Private Parking: Private parking is available for guests traveling by car.
Garden & Terrace: A beautifully landscaped garden and terrace offer serene spaces for relaxation and reflection, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Event Spaces: Traditional event spaces, including the Shiki-no-ma room, are available for cultural or private events.
Accessibility: The hotel provides accessible areas with routes from the public entrance, including wheelchair-height toilet seats, ensuring comfort for all guests.
Departure
Departure from Hotel The Mitsui was exceptionally warm and attentive. As we prepared to leave, the managers personally came out to see us off, adding a genuine and gracious touch to our farewell.
They notified us promptly that our transfer to the next hotel had arrived and assisted with bringing our bags down, ensuring a smooth and effortless departure. The front desk staff handled the final arrangements efficiently, making the entire process seamless. This thoughtful and personalized service left us with a lasting impression of the hotel’s genuine hospitality and care.
Conclusion
Room: 7.5/10
The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, though perhaps not exceptional for the price point. Some may find the design understated or expect more space or views at this level. When compared to other Andre Fu designed hotels, these will appear simple and minimalistic. The bathrooms however, were one of the better designed and spaced bathrooms we had visited.
Breakfast: 9/10
Breakfast is a highlight, offering high-quality, beautifully presented dishes with a balance of Japanese and Western options. Ingredients are fresh and service attentive. The only downside would be the crowds at peak hour (which seemed to be at every hour?) and our favourite salt bread that ran out on the second day (which wasn't replaced for the rest of the session).
General Areas: 8/10
Public spaces such as the lobby, lounges, and gardens are elegant and tranquil, showcasing traditional aesth:etics. While impressive, they may not feel as expansive as those in some other properties in the area given the limited land space.
Facilities: 9/10
Facilities are top-tier, especially the natural hot spring onsen, spa, and wellness areas. The private onsen and tranquil gardens add a luxurious and unique touch to an already luxurious space.
Service: 8.5/10
Staff are gracious, professional, and attentive, providing warm hospitality, though at times may seem robotic. While service is excellent overall, there may be occasional minor inconsistencies especially the lack of communication between staff during breakfast service - though this can be easily overlooked.
The most outstanding service came from the ladies in kimono (who are the only hotel staff in Kyoto with authentic, real-silk kimonos as workwear, taking them 20 minutes each day just to properly put on the traditional wear). They remembered every detail about us, were quick and proactive and even greeted us by name every time we exited or entered the hotel.
Value: 8/10
The hotel offers a luxury experience with unique cultural and historical elements which are difficult to find in other hotels even within Kyoto - which is known for its traditional elements. Though it can be on the more expensive side of the equation, it delivers good value relative to its location, amenities, and quality of service. Perhaps for its room sizes and overall design, some may find room rates relatively steep.
wow!!! amazing writeup! def on my bucket list
We stayed at this hotel in June and it was absolutely amazing, the only hotel in Kyoto that is so authentically Japanese and with top-tier service! Thank you for sharing this review and allowing us to re live our stay! Would definitely be back again