Hotel Review: Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto

About Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto

Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto is a five-star luxury hotel centrally located in Kyoto, Japan, next to Nijo-jo Castle and has a storied history as the former Kyoto home of the executive branch of the Mitsui family for 250 years. The hotel has a variety of unique features, including a contemporary Japanese garden, onsen, spa, three restaurants and a special SHIKI-NO-MA traditional Japanese building for private experiences. The hotel opened in November 2020 and is part of the Luxury Collection portfolio by Marriott Bonvoy. It is about a 15-minute drive from Kyoto Station or an hour-and-a half drive from Osaka (KIX) airport.

Guestrooms and Suites

The rooms at Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto are spacious, welcoming, and equipped with modern amenities. The Mitsui offers 161 gorgeous guest rooms and suites, with luxurious materials, while incorporating traditional Japanese “Okamochi” design and beautiful ceramic artwork mounted on the walls.

The entry-level Deluxe and Premier rooms have city views, while the Garden rooms face the interior Japanese garden and courtyard, and the Nijo rooms have views of Nijo Castle across the street. Some have connecting room options to accommodate families. I especially loved the Axos rain shower (the best shower I’ve ever had!), deep marble bathtub with bath salts and the ever-fascinating Toto toilet. The King bed is also one of the largest beds I’ve ever slept in!

The suites are extra spacious with a living room area and many with walk-in closets and a dedicated getting ready area. The two Onsen Suites are the most sought after rooms with a private outdoor onsen (hot springs bath) sourced with natural spring water on-site.

The hotel offers unparalleled turndown service, including Japanese linen pajamas and a bedside amenity, which may be a facial mask, matcha lip balm and/or a sweet treat. You may also ask for various pillow types and a calf massager to ensure you get the best night’s sleep!

On-property experiences

Hotel the Mitsui offers a plethora of authentic experiences that allow guests to learn about Japanese culture, customs and traditions. For example, during my stay, the hotel arranged ikebana (flower arranging) and kintsugi (art of repairing broken pottery) workshops led by local artisans who are carrying on these traditions, a special Maiko (Geisha apprentice) performance and an exclusive kaiseki meal by a Michelin star chef in the stunning SHIKI-NO-MA building. The SHIKI-NO-MA, made of Japanese cypress, is a rebuild of the former Mitsui home that can be reserved for private, intimate gatherings.

The hotel has a spacious public onsen that guests may enjoy during their stay with bathing suits, as well as a spa, gym and private onsen rooms that may be reserved for additional cost.

There are three restaurants on site, including FORNI, an Italian restaurant, TOKI, a fine-dining modern Kyoto-French restaurant and The Garden Bar that offers afternoon tea and beverages into the evening. Breakfast is served at FORNI and offers a traditional Japanese breakfast exquisitely designed in an oju box, as well as Western-style and Vegan breakfast options, looking out to the Japanese garden.

The hotel also offers modern tea ceremonies, wellness breathing activities, and an art tour highlighting the many pieces of modern artwork from various artists throughout the property.

Lastly, guests are invited to enjoy and walk along the path through the Japanese garden in the center of the hotel. The garden features a sakura (cherry blossom) tree that is in full bloom in the spring. In the spring, the hotel also opens up its lobby sliding doors to create a seamless indoor-outdoor environment and offers outdoor musical performances.

Off-property experiences

Hotel the Mitsui can arrange private tours and viewings of nearby temples, including Nijo-jo Castle and Sennyuji Buddhist Temple, a private zazen meditation experience at Myoshinji temple and exclusive kimono shopping at HOSOO, just to name a few. The hotel and staff have excellent connections throughout the city that enable very special experiences for its guests.

I highly recommend Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto to anyone looking for a luxurious and authentic experience in Kyoto. The hotel is perfect for couples, families and honeymooners. The hotel is also a great option for corporate groups and meetings that can be accommodated in the Presidential Nijo Suite.

Reach out to me to start planning your luxe and uniquely authentic trip to Japan!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Kyoto. In need of further inspiration? Check out Jaime Felix’s guide, First Timer’s Guide in Kyoto, Japan.