Inside Six Senses Kyoto, Where Modern Wellness Meets Japanese Traditions

Imagine a prince. 

Specifically, Hikaru Genji—the handsome Japanese prince at the heart of what many believe to be the world’s first novel. It’s not hard to picture him on a spa vacation at the Six Senses Kyoto, lounging on one of the oat-colored sofas in the open-air lobby. He’d sip sweet green tea and inhale a palmful of incense as part of the hotel’s welcome ritual, then stop to admire the wood ceiling that’s creased and folded like a piece of origami. Afterward, Genji might slip through the open glass wall to enter the central courtyard, with its sinuous paths and small brook. 

In a city that swells with tourists posing for photos in front of temples that date back to the seventh century, Six Senses doesn’t just ground you in a place: It has an almost mystical ability to transport guests to a time when Kyoto was the capital of Japan, and aesthetic beauty, literature and the decorative arts became integral to the culture. 

Prince Genji’s story, recounted in “The Tale of Genji,” is thoughtfully retold throughout the property, including in the folding screen depicting Mount Kurama (the novel’s setting), which spans 504 handcrafted raku-yaki tiles behind the check-in desk.

The hotel also references the Scrolls of Frolicking Animals (said to be the first example of Japanese manga) and the legend of the Moon Rabbit.

In fact, it’s hard to consider a single piece of furniture or artwork or even an innocuous-seeming light fixture without uncovering a deliberate backstory connected to Japanese culture. 

Each guest room, for example, is guarded by a kitsune (fox) mask made of recycled washi paper, and the tables at casual Café Sekki are streaked with gold, as if mended by kintsugi (the art of repairing broken things with beautiful metal lacquers). Oh, and the pendant lights dangling over the café’s communal table? They’re meant to evoke ceremonial matcha whisks. 

Six Senses is an international chain with locations as far-reaching as Bhutan and as metropolitan as Rome, though you’d be forgiven for mistaking the Six Senses Kyoto—one of the newer properties in the portfolio, opened in April 2024—as the brainchild of a homegrown brand. You might not have to remove your shoes before retiring to your guest room, but the hallway carpets are unmistakably reminiscent of tatami mats. 

While the hotel isn't a tourist attraction, there's plenty to learn here about Japanese art and culture. 

The Room

That carefully cultivated sense of serenity you experienced during, of all things, the hotel check-in process? It continues seamlessly in the guest rooms and suites, which have floor-to-ceiling windows that, in certain room types, slide open to furnished terraces overlooking the city or the hotel’s gardens.

Stone, wood and woven materials make the rooms feel comfortable and natural, though the sheer size of the space is probably the first thing you’ll notice. There’s a proper foyer with a coatrack that looks like a weatherworn tree branch and a place to sit and take off your shoes. All rooms also have a cozy sitting area where you can work or nosh on complimentary snacks, like house-made sweet-potato chips and lemon cookies. And there’s plenty of space to unroll one of the yoga mats you’ll find in your closet.

Oversize bathrooms—a nod to the importance of spa culture in Japan, generally, and to the wellness-centric Six Senses brand, specifically—have twin vanities and a rainfall shower and soaking tub that will have you planning your first onsen visit, stat.

Small details add to the sense of place: A painting of a full moon conceals the flat-screen television, while the wall feature of rotating panels adds a playful touch to each guest room.

The Features

Sign up for a relaxing sound healing session through the spa.

Don’t miss: The lineup of weekly, complimentary activities, which range from sound healing and Pilates to natural skincare workshops at the Alchemy Bar using ingredients from the on-site garden.

Standout features: The Six Senses Spa, which has an indoor swimming pool that seems to disappear into a painting of fantastical clouds from “The Tale of Genji.” There’s also an onsen-inspired bathing ritual including hot and cold baths, a steam room and a sauna, plus a pool for watsu treatments.

Can’t stop thinking about: The bone-melting, drool-inducing Ah-Un treatment at the spa. It starts with a bit of incense, intention setting and enso painting—but don’t let the preamble fool you. The full-body massage that follows, along with the tuning forks on acupressure points, will leave you feeling like you’ve emerged from a weeklong sleep in the best possible way. (Go for the full 90-minute experience.)

The Lowdown

The watsu pool is exclusively for water therapy treatments.

The highly specific reason you’d come here: You’ve already got a traditional onsen on the itinerary for your trip to Japan but are worried it won’t be enough. So you want a hotel that can deliver a knockout spa stay.

What might surprise you: The hushed, quiet atmosphere might not scream kid-friendly, but the hotel has a whimsical playroom perfect for the littlest princes and princesses in your family. Drop them off for an afternoon of activities that might include origami or crafting teru teru bozu (traditional Japanese dolls).

The gift shop item you’re buying: Every night, you look forward to the cozy, buckwheat-hued Tential pajamas laid out on the bed during the turndown service. Pick up a pair at the spa gift shop—if they’re in stock.

The Six Senses Kyoto is a perfect jumping-off point for a visit to Kyoto.

Fast Facts

• Number of rooms: 81
• Number of pools: 3, including the watsu pool and the onsen-style pools 
• Fitness center? Yes
• Spa? Yes
• Salon? Yes
• Number of bars/restaurants: 4
• In-room dining? Yes
• Childcare and kids club? Yes