Capella Kyoto
Kyoto

Opening in Spring 2026, Capella Kyoto marks Capella Hotel Group’s first foray into Japan, bringing an exquisitely considered haven to the heart of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district. Situated steps from Kenninji Temple, Kyoto’s oldest Zen Buddhist temple, and on the fringes of the city’s celebrated Gion neighbourhood, where geiko and maiko continue centuries-old traditions, the hotel embodies a contemporary interpretation of place while honouring the city’s layered cultural legacy.

Housed on the former site of the Miyagawa Maiko Performance School and elementary school, Capella Kyoto has been reimagined by the renowned designer Kengo Kuma to weave the spirit of Kyoto into its very fabric. Its architecture and interiors take cues from the traditional machiya townhouse, unfolding through a sequence of intimate spaces that echo the laneways, thresholds and quiet moments of discovery found throughout the city. Natural materials, thoughtful textures and refined design gestures create an atmosphere that is both contemplative and luxuriously tactile.

The hotel’s 89 rooms and suites are designed as tranquil retreats rooted in local sensibilities. Six signature suites each feature private onsen, inviting guests to experience a quintessentially Japanese ritual of relaxation within the privacy of their own accommodation. Soft light, serene palettes and bespoke detailing give each space a quiet confidence, a feeling of retreat in the midst of one of Japan’s most culturally resonant neighbourhoods.

Capella Kyoto’s culinary offerings reflect both place and skill. The signature Japanese restaurant evokes the spirit of an ochaya teahouse, while a French-inspired brasserie opens onto a moss-garden courtyard, preserving a cherished sakura tree from the original site. Across the hotel’s dining venues, the focus is on seasonal Japanese produce, artisanal technique and warm hospitality that feels both rooted and refined.

Wellbeing at Capella Kyoto centres on Auriga Spa, where traditional Japanese methodologies converge with contemporary wellness practices. Private onsen rooms, wet and dry saunas and a serene treatment suite offer a restorative counterpoint to days spent exploring Kyoto’s ancient temples, gardens and craft workshops.

What sets Capella Kyoto apart is its Capella Curates bespoke experiences, designed to connect guests with Kyoto’s living traditions. These range from intimate performances and private ochaya encounters with geiko and maiko, to artisan workshops in lacquerware, geta sandal making and other crafts that reflect centuries of local expertise.

For travellers who value design, heritage and cultural immersion without compromising on personalised luxury, Capella Kyoto promises a refined sanctuary in one of Japan’s most evocative cities, where every step feels like an invitation to slow down, explore and connect with place.

There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.
Robert Louis Stevenson