Hoshinoya Kyoto

Surrounded by cherry blossom and momiji maple trees, the main hotel is scattered across a number of buildings. In every room, you’ll find tatami mat floors, latticed lanterns and walls of handcrafted Kyoto paper coloured by woodblock motifs and the spaces are pretty and welcoming. Helmed by Ichiro Kubota (formerly of Umu in Mayfair), the restaurant serves kaiseki-style banquets (the succulent fish dishes are some of the best), which can also be laid out in your room for added privacy. Before you tuck in, enjoy a drink in the Floating Tea Room, and afterwards, head to the Salon & Bar for sweet treats and cocktails.

Set across a string of buildings, the rooms are elegant to no end. Each is individually designed with traditional fine bamboo furniture, sliding screens and platformed futons with cloud-like duvets. The bathrooms are a definite highlight with giant square cypress tubs complete with seasonal herbs to infuse into the water. Wide windows let in a stunning view of the gardens and, sticking to its traditional roots, you'll find no TVs at Hoshinoya and instead a calligraphy set is provided for when inspiration strikes.

The hotel offers all sorts of on-site pastimes beginning with morning stretches beneath the trees in the 'Hidden Garden', incense ceremonies and even a Zen-inspired purification ritual offered by a Japanese acupuncture and herbalist expert, as well as in-room shiatsu massages. The Arashiyama bamboo forest is close by and a wonderful place for a scenic stroll (it’s famed for its uniquely peaceful atmosphere) or otherwise, head into central Kyoto to savor the iconic food scene, and visit the temples and the grand Imperial Palace.