Now open: Six Senses Kyoto brings IHG’s wellness-focused brand to Japan

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Another property from TPG’s list of the most exciting hotels opening in 2024 is welcoming guests — and this time, it’s great news for fans of Japan, wellness experiences and IHG One Rewards.

Introducing the Six Senses Kyoto in Japan.

Made up of just 81 rooms and suites, Six Senses Kyoto is the first Six Senses property in Japan and part of the wellness-focused brand’s push to enter into more urban spaces (a London property is set to open in the latter half of the year).

Inspired by Japan’s Heian period (from 794 to 1185), the hotel offers a “modern interpretation” of the art- and culture-filled time through features like folding screens made with hand-crafted Rakyukai tiles; modern interpretations of art called Choju-giga, which is said to have been the first type of manga (a Japanese style of comic books); and plenty of natural elements inspired by Japanese gardens.

In the rooms, guests will find that same mix of modern and historic Japanese design, architecture and hospitality with wood-paneled walls, pillow menus, Naturalmat organic mattresses, Bluetooth speakers, yoga mats and more. Travelers who need more space can opt for suites as large as three bedrooms, and if sleep is an issue, the property offers sleep consultations for guests.

Six Senses is most famous for its wellness and spa programs — and Six Senses Kyoto has it all, including the brand’s signature wellness screenings, half- to six-day wellness programs and a spa. Exclusive to the Kyoto property, the Ah-un treatment uses various rituals and sound therapies to help guests find “inner peace, balance and awakening in Zen.”

Food at Six Senses Kyoto was designed to “take guests on a journey through the ancient Japanese calendar,” which comprises 24 seasons, Six Senses shared in a statement. That means at Sekki, the hotel’s main restaurant, meals will be hyper-seasonal, vegetable-forward and full of meat and produce sourced from nearby. The menu will constantly rotate depending on what ingredients are available.

There’s also a cafe with healthy teas, juices and pastries, plus a cocktail bar, Nine Tails, with a menu of artisanal cocktails and alcohol-free creations.

Guests can also expect to see the best of Six Senses’ sustainability efforts in Kyoto and even join in on a tour or various workshops to see it all in action.

How to book: Rates at Six Senses Kyoto start around $1,000 or 228,000 IHG One Reward points per night.

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