Banyan Tree Group’s Flagship Brand Officially Debuts in Japan with the Grand Opening of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto

From left to right: Exterior view of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto (panorama), exterior view (close-up), hotel garden

【August 20, 2024, Japan】As a globally leading independent hotel group, Banyan Tree Group proudly announces the grand opening of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, marking the official debut of the group’s flagship brand, Banyan Tree, in the Japanese market. Nestled in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district, this boutique luxury resort features 52 luxurious guest rooms and suites, the renowned Banyan Tree Spa, natural hot springs, and two distinctive dining venues. Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto is not only the first hotel in Kyoto to feature a Noh theater stage but also the only one in the area with natural hot springs.

Philip Lim, Senior Vice President and Regional Vice President of Operations for Banyan Tree Group, said: “We are delighted to unveil Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, a sensory sanctuary inspired by Kyoto’s serene beauty. This opening marks a significant milestone for the group’s flagship brand in Japan, blending Kyoto’s profound cultural heritage with Banyan Tree’s distinctive luxury experience. To date, we already operate five hotels in the Kyoto area under brands such as Dhawa, Garrya, and Hôtel Jen, and we sincerely invite guests to immerse themselves in the cultural treasures of Kyoto while enjoying the unique hospitality of different Banyan Tree Group brands.”

Onsen Retreat Room: detailed room layout

Harmonious Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Perched atop a hill, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto combines traditional Japanese architecture with modern elegance. Surrounded by lush bamboo groves and embraced by the tranquil Higashiyama mountains, it is just steps away from Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inspired by the ethereal beauty of Noh theater and the aesthetic concept of “yūgen” (mysterious, serene beauty), the hotel creates a captivating retreat for travelers, with every element designed to evoke a longing for ethereal grace and tranquil stillness.

Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. Drawing on traditional Japanese building techniques while incorporating modern elements, the architecture harmoniously blends with the landscape of the Higashiyama area. The exterior uses local cypress wood as a natural material, combined with Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship, showcasing timeless charm that embodies the local cultural essence. Floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan designs allow the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains and lush gardens to flow indoors, creating a secluded paradise where tranquility and nature intertwine. Local artisans have also restored the hotel’s garden and bamboo grove, reflecting Kyoto’s traditional horticulture while enhancing biodiversity.

The guest rooms and suites are designed by interior designer Yukio Hashimoto. Combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern natural elements, spacious hinoki cypress bathtubs, tatami mats, natural wood accents, and gold leaf decorations engage guests’ five senses and create a peaceful retreat. Room types include those overlooking Kyoto’s panorama and Onsen Retreat rooms with views of the garden, bamboo grove, or Noh stage.

From left to right: Ryozen Restaurant, Ryozen Bar, creative cocktails

Kyoto on the Palate

The hotel’s Ryozen Restaurant offers guests an exquisite culinary journey. This upscale Japanese kaiseki restaurant has 48 seats, including a private room for up to 10 guests. The chef’s kaiseki menu is a highlight, with each dish celebrating artistry and sustainability, using locally sourced seasonal ingredients to showcase their unique flavors. The restaurant places special emphasis on local ingredients such as Kyoto vegetables, local miso, and various local spices. The signature Japanese dashi is made with premium Rishiri kombu, bonito flakes, and tuna flakes, resulting in a delicious and memorable umami taste.

The intimate Ryozen Bar, with only 20 seats, offers a private space for relaxation, featuring a selection of Japanese sake and creative cocktails. The bar’s sake tasting menu includes over 30 premium local sakes, some of which are rare and exclusive. Additionally, locally inspired cocktails such as Ryozen Green Tea Gin Tonic and Mirin Breeze make for a delightful prelude to dinner, while a curated collection of rare Japanese whiskies caters to connoisseurs’ discerning palates.

From left to right: Banyan Tree Spa entrance, treatment room, outdoor onsen

Revitalize the Senses at Banyan Tree Spa

The Banyan Tree Spa at Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto combines traditional Japanese spa therapies with signature Banyan Tree techniques, offering a holistic experience for body and mind. Each treatment is meticulously designed, with tranquil treatment rooms featuring onsen baths and steam saunas for deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

Guests can also unwind in separate men’s and women’s onsen, enjoying a more traditional spa experience with natural hot springs for therapeutic healing.

Immerse in Local Culture

At Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, guests can participate in exclusive cultural experiences to delve into Kyoto’s traditional arts.

The hotel invites guests to visit the studio of Noh mask master Mitsue Nakamura for a journey into Japanese culture. Here, guests witness the exquisite craftsmanship behind Noh masks, each bearing witness to centuries of Noh theater heritage. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Noh offers a rare opportunity to understand the soulful artistry behind the masks and interact with traditional culture.

Additionally, guests can visit the serene Sennyu-ji Temple for a private incense ceremony (kodo), experiencing the ancient Japanese art of incense in a tranquil setting, evoking a deep sense of peace and spiritual connection. Through these experiences, guests can deeply appreciate the essence of Japanese art and cultural heritage, immersing themselves in the richness of Japanese traditions.

With the opening of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, Banyan Tree Group now operates a total of eight hotels in Japan, spanning five brands including Banyan Tree, Garrya, Dhawa, Cassia, and Hôtel Jen, with four more hotels in the pipeline: Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone, Banyan Tree Hakuba, Cassia Hirafu Niseko, and Dhawa Ballpark Hokkaido.

About Banyan Tree Group

Banyan Tree Group (Banyan Tree Holdings Limited, SGX stock code: B58) is a globally leading independent hotel group, committed to pioneering design-driven travel experiences and responsible travel. The group operates more than 80 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas and galleries, and 20 residential properties in over 20 countries. The group’s portfolio includes 12 distinctive brands, including the flagship Banyan Tree, all part of the loyalty program ‘Banyan Tree Rewards’. Banyan Tree Group consistently upholds its core value of ‘Embracing the Environment, Caring for Society’ through the Banyan Tree Global Foundation and the Banyan Tree Management Academy, striving to be a practitioner of sustainable travel while enhancing guest experiences.

Banyan Tree aims to create sensory sanctuaries for travelers to rejuvenate body, mind, and soul in stunning locations around the world. At renowned destinations, Banyan Tree offers unforgettable local experiences that rekindle the romance of travel. In its all-villa concept, private pools are often a signature feature, and staff provide heartfelt service to create an exceptional vacation experience.