Best hotels in Japan

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a true marvel with hundreds of serene temples, ravishing gardens and a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ideally located to explore these gems, the Vista Premio is a modern hotel in the heart of Kyoto, known for blending contemporary luxury with the traditional charm of this historic city. The hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. It is also in close proximity to Kyoto’s bustling downtown area, where you can explore its food hub, the Nishiki Market.

A sanctuary that captures the city's essence. Its design deeply respects Kyoto's rich heritage, offering a warm, intimate atmosphere. Each detail, from the patterns to the weavings, tells a story of the local culture. The hotel is conveniently located, allowing easy exploration of historical sites and local life. The rooms, a blend of cosy modernity and traditional aesthetics, promise comfort and a touch of Kyoto's charm.

As this hotel offers a view of islands floating among the waves, the art in the hotel also focuses on the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. The hotel features art pieces designed for the area, including a carpet in the lobby featuring a sunset view of the Seto Inland Sea, and artwork in the guest rooms featuring oysters and lemons, two of the hotel's specialties.

Azumi Setoda inherits the legacy of Horiuchi-tei, a 140 year old estate that originally belonged to the influential Horiuchi Family. Active in the salt trade from the early Edo Period in the 17th century, the family expanded to become the largest salt barons on Ikuchijima island by the Meiji Period. Their estate’s proximity to the Setoda port, and the island’s location in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea, made for an optimal location to operate ships that carried salt – and later coal – across the Kitamaebune route from the Seto Inland Sea up to Hokkaido.

As you enter the Four Seasons, there will be one word on your lips: paradise. Built alongside an 800-year-old pond garden, splendid with cherry blossoms, bubbling pools and a maze of pathways, the hotel brings this sublime atmosphere into every space. Light cypress wood and shoji paper lanterns, tall ceilings and vast windows, and large floral displays see to that. The Four Seasons sits within Kyoto's temple district, and there will be plenty of opportunity to explore whether that's on one of the hotel's curated tours or a sightseeing bicycle ride. And there's always time for enjoying a taste of Kyoto's kappo cuisine.